Vol 30 No 26     04 Apr 2025

Leinster Schools Senior Cup Final

When the whistle blew we sadly did not lift the Leinster Rugby Girls Schools Senior Cup, yet what we achieved this season was so much greater than winning or losing. Our journey from the very beginning of the season to now has been nothing short of extraordinary - a testament to resilience, trust, and teamwork.  

From the outset, we faced a significant challenge: merging two separate teams into one cohesive unit. This was no easy task as trust had to be built both on and off the pitch. There were countless trials and errors, long evenings of practice, and moments of frustration. Yet through it all we learned new skills, developed new strategies, and grew stronger together. Transitioning from 7-a-side to 10-a-side and ultimately to the full 15-a-side format was a challenge, particularly when numbers were uncertain. Every training session required adjustments, not just in strategy but in mindset and teamwork. Calls like “Butter” and “Purple” became second nature, guiding our backs and forwards through each play. These small but significant elements were the building blocks of our team.  

None of this would have been possible without the support of our incredible coaches, Ms Ryder and Ms Collis. They pushed us beyond our limits. Their dedication to seeing us at our full potential, even when we couldn’t see it ourselves, made all the difference. They formed personal connections with each and every player, believing in us through every setback and every triumph. Their persistence and passion carried us forward inspiring us to be our very best.  

Behind the scenes, we were fortunate to have an equally dedicated support system. Ms Garland, Mr Sullivan, and Mr Malin played vital roles in ensuring our team had the organisation and resources needed to succeed. Their determination kept us going and without them we wouldn’t have reached the finals.  

Most importantly as players we showed up day in and day out. We kicked, carried, tackled, jackaled, and gave everything we had to this sport. Rugby is one of the most physically demanding games, but every single one of us committed to it with heart and determination. We stood together, proud of each other and the journey we have taken together. 

The scoreboard may not have reflected a win, but the true victory was in the journey. We fought hard, moved mountains, and left everything on the field. Our presence was felt and our supporters were heard. This game wasn’t just about the outcome, it was about the process, the growth, and the bonds we forged together.  And rest assured, we will come back stronger. 
Elisa Mac Gabhann

Senior Maths Quiz

Congratulations to the Senior Mathematics Quiz Team who competed in the IMTA National Final in Portlaoise having qualified from their Dublin regional round. The High School finished in 5th place overall in the country only one point behind those in joint third place. Well done to Maebh Thornton, Finn Ó Foghlú, Conor Geoghegan, and Ben Hewston on a really impressive result!

Form 1 Rugby Excursion

The HSD Form 1 girls' rugby team went on an excursion to celebrate the end of the season. We had enjoyed an amazing season and bonded not only as a team but also as friends. During our overnight trip to Belfast, we made a stop in Balbriggan to play tag and contact games against local teams. Despite the harsh weather, we played exceptionally well, winning most of our games. Upon reaching our hotel, we enjoyed a buffet breakfast in the morning before heading to a shopping centre in Belfast for some shopping and lunch.

Later, we attended the women's Six Nations Ireland vs France match which had an incredible atmosphere and was great fun. Unfortunately, Ireland lost 15-27. As we began our journey back to Dublin, reflecting on our time together filled us with joy and anticipation for next year as we look forward to creating more memories with the team!
Camilla Bicalho Dowling

All Ireland Juvenile Indoor Championships

Congratulations to Brendan Solarin, who secured an impressive third place in the long jump at the recent All Ireland Juvenile Indoor Championships in Athlone. Brendan’s dedication and hard work have paid off, making him one of the top young athletes in the country. Despite only being involved in athletics for a few months, Brendan has already made remarkable progress. He recorded a jump of 6.15 metres in the long jump, ran 7.41 seconds in the 60 metres, and clocked an impressive 11.5 seconds in the 100 metres. Even with these outstanding achievements, Brendan remains determined to improve even further. To compete at such a high level in long jump, Brendan follows a rigorous training routine. He focuses on gym work, particularly plyometrics and particulary plyometrics and isometric work , a training method that enhances explosiveness and leg muscle, combined with weightlifting.

On the track, he refines his run-up, take-off, leg shoot, high knees, and landing techniques. His precise approach includes a specific run-up of 93 baby steps with two skips, a method that helps him optimize his performance. Brendan’s recent success came with another pleasant surprise -  his performance was so strong that his score would have placed him second in the U19 category, effectively making him the second-best U19 long jumper in Ireland as well as the third-best U18 athlete. Brendan's recent accomplishments in track and field show that he is a true all-around athlete with a bright future ahead. Congratulations once again to Brendan on his fantastic achievement. We look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next!

National Indoor Athletics Championships

A huge congratulations to Ellen Oldrey on her outstanding performance at the National Indoor Athletics Championships in the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Athlone on Saturday! She showcased incredible talent and determination, securing 3rd place in the 60m hurdles and 4th place in the 200m. Well done, Ellie—we are so proud of you!

Form 5 Religious Education

Last Thursday, Form 5 Religious Education pupils welcomed visitors from the Dublin Intercity Faith Forum. The discussion was insightful, offering a deeper understanding of different faiths and perspectives. It was a valuable opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and broaden our knowledge about interfaith connections in Dublin and beyond.
Ms Hutchinson Edgar

Form 4 Cultural Excursion

Form 4 pupils enjoyed a fantastic day out in town, exploring Dublin’s museums. It was one of the sunniest days of the year, making the trip even more enjoyable. Our first stop was Collins Barracks, where we received workbooks to guide us through the history of Irish soldiers. We had great fun spotting different historical artefacts, and some of us even dressed up in old uniforms for pictures! Next, we took the Luas to Kildare Street to visit the National Museum of Ireland. There, we wrote about different exhibits, including a bog body and a Viking ship.  It was a fascinating experience, and we all loved the opportunity to explore history in such an interactive way. Overall, it was a fantastic day out, and we are so grateful to the teachers who organised it and made it such an enjoyable experience for everyone!
Cristina Johnstone

Senior Indoor Hockey Success

Congratulations to the Senior Boys Hockey team who finished third at the Indoor Hockey All Ireland Championship. Well done!
Ms Gray

Senior 2 Boys Hockey

The Senior 2s had a strong season, finishing with two fantastic matches. First, they secured a 1-0 victory against St Columba's College in an exciting Friday evening match with great support from the team. Their final game of the season was against Wesley College Senior 2s last Wednesday. It was a thrilling contest with our opponents edging out a 2-1 win. A huge thank you to Mr Jennings and all the players for their dedication. Special appreciation goes to our Form 6 hockey players—we will miss you!
Ms Gray

Recommended Reading for Easter

With the Easter break ahead, it’s the perfect time to dive into a great book! Whether you love mystery, adventure, or thought-provoking stories, this list has something for everyone. Explore new worlds, meet unforgettable characters, and enjoy the magic of reading this holiday!
Ms Wiggle
Librarian

Poetry Day

Whitechurch Parish