Vol 22 No 25     30 March 2017

 SCT Vinnie Murray Plate Victory

On Friday 24 March the Senior Cup Team played Presentation College Bray in the final of the Vinnie Murray Plate competition.  For the current Form 6 pupils it would be the last time they represented The High School and it was a fantastic opportunity to do so in Donnybrook with a huge, enthusiastic group of supporters cheering us on.  
The first half was heavily dominated by the opposition in what could only be described as a phenomenal defensive effort by The High School keeping it to 7-0 at half-time.  But in the second half The High School had their opportunities which were instantly turned into points.  Thanks to the boot of Tim Dolan who slotted two penalties the match became a one point game.  Then The High School scored a converted try through Matthew Barlow to put the team 13-7 ahead.  Not long afterwards the opposition scored an unconverted try bringing the match back to a nerve-wracking one point game.  With less than 10 minutes to go, Adam Rufli put The High School further ahead of the opposition with a well-worked try into the corner making the score 18-12.  The next few minutes were excruciating with the opposition holding all the possession and getting increasingly close to The High School try line.  The opposition finally crossed the try line but a strong High School defence held the ball up for a 5 metre scrum.   Nearly as quick as the scrum was set, The High School took the ball against the head and kicked it into touch.  The final whistle blew and The High School Senior Cup Team had won the trophy.  
The realization that things have come to an end is quite overwhelming.  We began in Form 1 by winning the Leinster U13 league competition and we are leaving The High School having won the Leinster Senior 1B league and the Vinnie Murray Plate.  For the Form 6 players, we couldn't have finished our rugby career at The High School in a better way.  Two trophies in one season, one awarded in our final match together.  
On the behalf of the team, I know that we will never forget our time playing rugby at The High School: countless games, training sessions, and an unforgettable tour to South Africa which we will remember for the rest of our lives.  Finally, a message to my fellow Form 6 players.  It has been an absolute pleasure playing with you since Form 1.  I am so immensely proud of everything we have achieved and I cherish the bonds that have been made over the last six years.  I wish you all the very best in the future.
David James Donnelly

Zion Parish - The Big Sale (2017)

The Zion Parish sale will be held at The High School (by kind permission of the Governors of the Erasmus Smith Trust) on Saturday 1 April from 10.00 am.  The sale is the main parish fundraiser and also an important community event in the life of Rathgar Village.  A lot has changed since the 2015 sale, and you will find lots of new stalls and attractions to enjoy. This year the emphasis is much more on family fun and we have a veritable mountain of toys and games as well as a dedicated soft toy stall and a whole marquee full of games and activities.  You can also expect to find traditional favourites such as Teas, Books, Cakes & Buns, Household Goods, Zee Bay (Bric-a-Brac), Toys, New 2U (good as new quality Pre-Loved Clothing), Bumps & Babes (for all your baby requirements) and the wonderful Deli & Market Garden stall.  In addition, there will be a range of Plants & Garden Accessories, Bottles & Cosmetics; the Auction and our famous Monster Raffle; as well as a well-stocked Entertainment stall (Games, DVDs, CDs, and vinyl).  The entrance fee is €2 which includes a Sale Brochure which contains many useful contact details along with offers from advertisers and information about shops, restaurants and services available in the local area.  Bring friends and family and enjoy being part of life in Rathgar Village