SASS Quality Mark
CCM received their quality mark as a safe, supportive and inclusive school just before the Easter break. This is just one important part of our Bí Cinéalta ('Be Kind') strategy; making sure all students and families are represented, welcomed and respected in our school community. Well done to the students and staff to who travelled to Dun Laoghaire to receive the award on behalf of the school.
Transition Year Gaisce Hike
On Tuesday morning, 14 April, a group of Transition Year students set off from Rathdrum along the Avonmore Way towards Trooperstown Hill, reaching an elevation of 430 metres. The weather was challenging, but the group showed great determination and continued on to finish the day’s hike in Laragh.
They then returned to Baltinglass to complete orienteering activities and wall climbing, both of which were enjoyable and helped build skills.
On Wednesday, the group began in Glendalough, this time with much better weather. Students followed The Miners Way, taking in the beautiful scenery and visiting St. Kevin’s Cross and the Round Tower. They then continued along the Wicklow Way, bringing their total distance to just under 30 kilometres over the two days.
Overall, the hike was a rewarding experience that tested the group’s resilience and teamwork, while allowing students to enjoy the natural beauty of Wicklow.
Wicklow Schools’ Track and Field Championships
A huge well done to all students who travelled to the Wicklow Schools’ Track and Field Championships on Wednesday, 15 April. Despite the challenging weather conditions, everyone put in great performances, coming away with medals in nearly every event, along with some stand out performances. Everyone showed great support for each other throughout the day.
A super start to the track and field season with everyone looking forward to the East Leinster Championships in the coming weeks.
Senior Hurling Final
CCM 0-19 - Baltinglass 1-9
It took a sustained effort from CCM senior hurlers to overcome stern opposition in a very competitive South Leister Senior Hurling final, played in the county grounds in Aughrim on Wednesday, 15 April. Baltinglass had the better of the early exchanges and raced into the lead after scoring a goal and two points to Wicklow’s one point. CCM had a number of wides before Senan Shorthall found his mark and he remained inspirational for the rest of the game.
It was 1-3 to 8 points for CCM at half time and the game remained close during the second half. Neither side could get another goal despite a number of attempts being saved off the line and one effort hit the upright for Baltinglass. CCM began to dominate in midfield and added more scores to eventually come out the winners.
It was an excellent whole-squad effort as all the lads worked exceptionally hard to secure the win. Thanks to Baltinglass for a brilliant closely-fought match and also to referee, Conor Dawson. Thanks also to umpires for CCM, Evan O'Connor and Jack Gill, also Mr McGing and Conor Daly for all their help with the team. Thanks also to Wicklow County board for the pitch in Aughrim.
The trophy was presented by Jim Murphy to CCM captain, Adam O' Brien, and vice-captain, Senan Shorthall. Well done to all the players on a great effort.
Ultimate Frisbee All Irelands Championships
This year CCM qualified four teams for the Ultimate Frisbee All Irelands Championships, on Wednesday, 15 April, two in the senior boys’ division, one junior boys’ team and one girls’ team.
The two senior boys’ teams started off playing each other. The A team’s calm offence, using the full width of the pitch and with superior skills on the disc, resulted in a convincing win. The B team then played out their next two matches against Mary Immaculata Community College and St Fintan’s. These two teams proved too strong for our lads, who took the 8th seed. They would go on to play a quarter-final against Gonzaga, followed by a loser’s bracket match against the first team. The lads put up a valiant performance, but they just couldn’t answer the sharp, quick offense from West Cork team. B’s stand out performances were from Max Free, who showed incredible skill reading the pitch, Zaac Quinn’s casual but dominant offensive catches in the air and the work on the pitch from Daniel Mitchell on both offence and defence.
The A team, after their first win, went into a tough match against Fintan’s B. They had a great start but struggled to stop their opponent’s initiation play and huge catches in the air, and they finished in a draw. They then went on to play MICC with a very strong win down to the team’s smooth flow up the line, seeing lovely under cuts and some huge grabs in the air. They took the 4th seed for the day, facing off against Ballincollig. It was a fiercely contested game, but the comeback came too late for CCM who lost by one. They faced off against the Bs again, winning to play for 5th. Finally, they played against Mount Saint Michael and took 6th on the day. Stand out performances for the A team today were from Jack Healy who caught the most shocking throws, played incredibly tight defence and generally rose the level of intensity in every game; Toby Keating, who despite carrying an injury, made stunning cuts which opened up the space the pitch, Samuel Adekunle’s quick dominating presence and Bhailie Thomson’s leadership with the disc.
The junior boys played Hartstown, losing in a sudden death match. In their second match, they lost by just 3 to the eventual winners on the day, Fintan’s 1. Finally, they played Ballincollig and showed dominance, beating them 8-3. They played against an experienced Gonzaga team in the quarters but they lads really stood their ground, making great calls’ showing some ingenious offence and winning in a sudden death match to go into the semis. Fintan’s 1 were just too much on offence, and this meant that the Juniors were playing their rivals from the morning, Hartstown, hoping to take 3rd. Hartstown just had more in the tank and CCM juniors finished 4th in the country, the highest they have ever placed. We saw Adam Armstrong’s last performance as a junior, where he has always been a reliable handler on offence. Chris Delahunt’s sheer athleticism meant he was a powerhouse on defence and there was incredible movement on offence from Mohammed Kamal.
Finally, our girls’ team had a tough start to the day, losing 13-2 to Santa Sabina 1. Facing off in the next match against Sabina 3, they worked well, with tight forces on the disc, causing turnover time and time again. They took their second match 12-4. They played Sabina 3 again in the quarters and had another brilliant win. In the semis, they had Sabina 2, who were just too good in their long game and our girls lost. Finally, playing for the bronze medal, our girls faced off against Sabina 4 and were unstoppable. Their aggression meant they spent the majority of the end of the match in possession of the disc, and everyone got stuck in on offence to set the tone, taking the game 10-2 and bringing home the bronze for CCM. Incredible performances were seen by Millie Phelan on both offence and defence, aggressive throws and an outstanding force from Ellen McCarthy, gorgeous throws from Caoimhe Doherty and the all-around play and leadership of Caitlin O’Connor.
Bronze medals, a best placement for the junior boys, and a fourth team qualified saw a successful end to CCM’s competitive season.
We are really sad to be saying goodbye to our Sixth years, some who have been there since the establishment of our club four years ago. Thanks to much for all the hard work and laughs over the years and you will be sorely missed: Bhailie Thomson, Caoimhe Doherty, Killian Keane, Caitlin O’Connor, Samuel Adekunle, Ellen McCarthy, Matthew Duffy, Michaela Hunarova, Rahim Ahmed, Holly Doyle, Ella McInerney, Erin Cox, Layla O’Connor and Bobbi Bushe.
First Year Boys’ Football
CCM First years booked their place in the final of the South Leinster Shield Final on Thursday, 16 April, with a great win against Blessington CC. From the throw in, the lads never gave their opponents a chance, pinning them in their own half with some slick moves, constantly tearing apart their defence and tenacious pressure when Blessington were trying to break out. CCM already had 2-1 on the board within the first five minutes as Ben O’Leary and Noah Clarkson took their goals really well after some great build up play.
The lads’ constant pressure showed on the scoreboard at half time as they were 8-7 to 0-2 up. This allowed the team to get a well-earned rest and the bench was emptied with the lads putting in a great shift in the second half, keeping Blessington out on numerous occasions and creating chances themselves with some great build-up play. The highlight was Luke O’Neill kicking three excellent points.
The final score was 8-12 to 1-7 as CCM ran out winners and the lads all played their part giving Mr Darcy plenty of headaches ahead of team selection for the final.
First Year Hurling vs Naas Community College
Coláiste Chill Mhantáin’s First year hurlers delivered a strong all-round performance to defeat Naas Community College 3-1 to 1-2 on Friday, 17 April.
With the aid of the wind in the first half, they worked tirelessly across the pitch and built a commanding 2-1 to 0-0 lead by half-time, showing great intensity and sharp finishing.
Facing into the wind after the break, the team showed excellent determination and defensive work rate to withstand a Naas fightback, while a crucial third goal helped secure the win.
There were standout performances from Sam Reade, Cillian Collins, Fionn Fitzgerald and Paddy Merrigan, with all three playing key roles through their skill, effort and work rate.
A very positive and hardworking team display overall.
