Ultimate Frisbee Girls’ Cup
On Tuesday, 24 February, the CCM Girls travelled to Blanchardstown Sports Arena to compete in the Ultimate Frisbee Girls’ Cup, which is also the qualifier for the All-Ireland tournament. We had three teams competing, one junior and two seniors, with a healthy mix of experienced and new players. The junior girls, CCM Navy, fought hard and placed 6th overall, with many getting their first cap for CCM in the world of Ultimate. One of their most notable moments of the day was when they had an incredible comeback against Lucan, fighting their way up from a 4-0 deficit to win the match 5-4 in the final moments thrown by Abbie Spalding and received by Jan Musiol.
The first of our senior teams, CCM Red, placed 8th overall after many 6 hard-fought matches. They came away with 2nd place in the spirit score, showing once again just how great the CCM sportsmanship, fair play and positive attitude is. The most impressive play we saw on the day was the incredibly strong defensive performance from Layla Judge, reliably taking down everything in the air and intercepting countless under passes.
Finally, the highlight of the day was our first senior team, CCM White. They were made up largely of our Sixth Years, many with three years play under their belt. They fought hard for every point but the incredible endzone defence from Millie Phelan and expansive offense from Ellen McCarthy with both her initiation cuts and throws stood out on the day. They took 4th place and qualified for All-Irelands in April so we’re looking forward to seeing how they get on.
First year Basketball vs Newpark Comp
CCM came out firing on Thursday, 26 February, setting the tone early and storming to a 16-point lead by the end of the first quarter. Aaron Cunha was instrumental in the fast start, pouring in eight points to give his side a strong advantage.
The momentum shifted in the second quarter as Newpark responded with a determined effort, putting up 12 points to narrow the gap and leave the score at 20–12 heading into halftime.
The third quarter was a tightly contested battle, with both teams trading scores. Newpark steadily chipped away at the deficit, cutting the lead to just six or seven points. By the end of the quarter, the sides were neck and neck, setting up a thrilling finish.
An intense fourth quarter followed, with both teams exchanging baskets in a tense back-and-forth contest. With only a two- to four-point margin separating them in the closing minutes, the game hung in the balance. However, CCM held their composure, knocking down crucial shots to seal a 31–27 victory and secure their place in the semi-finals.
Second Year Basketball vs Newpark Comp
Newpark vs CCM proved to be an intriguing contest, also held on Thursday, 26 February. The opening quarter was a quiet and cagey affair, with few scoring opportunities for either side. However, Newpark managed to edge ahead early, taking a narrow 4–2 lead.
Although the margin remained small at first, Newpark gradually began to find their rhythm. Their defensive pressure tightened, and their attack became more clinical as they converted key chances. As the game progressed, they steadily pulled away, widening the gap and leaving CCM struggling to keep pace.
By the final whistle, Newpark had firmly taken control of the contest, securing an impressive 29–15 victory with a confident and composed performance.
Leinster Schools Cross Country Championships
The Leinster Schools Cross Country Championships took place in Navan Adventure Centre on Friday, 27 February, bringing together the very best young athletes from across the province for a day of exciting and highly competitive racing.
Coláiste Chill Mhantáin was proudly represented by a great group of students who delivered excellent performances.
In the Intermediate Girls race, Summer Fitzsimons produced a great run, finishing in an impressive 13th place in a strong and competitive field. The result earned her a well-deserved qualification for the upcoming National Cross-Country Championships, which will take place in Mallusk on Saturday, 7t March 2026. A great accomplishment and a moment to be very proud for both her and the school.
In the Senior Boys’ race, Aaron Fitzsimons delivered a strong performance in what was an exceptionally competitive field. Finishing in the top third of the race, Aaron narrowly missed out on qualification for Nationals.
Both Sadhbh Fitzsimons (Minor Girls) and Charlie Carpenter (Junior Boys) also ran brilliantly, each finishing in the top half of their respective races. Their strong performances contributed greatly to a very successful day for the school.
South Leinster Champions
CCM: 2-7
Creagh College: 1-8
On Friday, 27 February, our Junior footballers travelled to Ferns COE to face Creagh College Gorey in the South Leinster Final. Two very evenly matched teams played out a very tense and competitive game of football from beginning to end. Creagh started strong with a super two-pointer before CCM pulled one back through an Alex Mernagh free.
Creagh hit CCM for a goal from the resulting kick out and this was followed by a black card to CCMs captain Rhys Behan. This left CCM with an uphill battle, but to the lads’ credit they all upped their game with Harry Butler, Ben O’Leary, Sean O’Brien and Luke Connolly all driving the team on.
A goal and two-pointer from Harry saw CCM dominate this ten-minute black card period. A couple of points from Creagh saw them lead by 2 nearing the end of the first half before a great pass picked out Kale Conyard for a super goal, followed by a Mernagh point which left CCM with a two-point lead at half-time.
The second half started with CCM defending well with Harry Messitt, Cathal Byrne and, in particular, Alex McKenna dominating their opponents.
Points from Butler and Sean O’Brien either side of two Creagh points left two in it with 10 to play. Creagh reduced the lead to one point before a super Daniel Connolly run drew a foul to see Mernagh add the resulting free. After nearly eight minutes of added time played, Creagh were awarded a controversial free which saw the resulting two-point effort to draw the game hit the post to CCM’s delight. The final whistle blew and captain Rhys Behan accepted the trophy on behalf of a fantastic group of players.
This group now progress to the Leinster Final in the coming weeks. Well done to all involved.
Senior Rugby
CCM bowed out of the McMullen Shield at the quarter-final stage following a hard-fought and closely contested encounter with Gorey CS in Wicklow RFC, eventually losing 26–22.
CCM made an impressive start to proceedings, racing into a 12–0 lead after dominating early possession. Much of this control stemmed from a well-functioning lineout, expertly marshalled by captain Kieran Armstrong. Strong and direct carries from Ewan Meyer and Francisc Lucaci repeatedly tested the Gorey defence, allowing CCM to dictate territory and tempo during a commanding opening spell.
Gorey CS responded with determination, gradually working their way back into the contest. Out-half Rory Cooper grew increasingly influential, guiding his side into better field position. A well-worked try out wide on the right, followed by a successful conversion, narrowed the deficit and left CCM leading 12–7 at half-time.
The second half saw a significant shift in momentum. Gorey CS emerged with renewed intensity, gaining the upper hand at the breakdown and applying sustained pressure. CCM’s scramble defence, with Daniel Clarke particularly prominent in his tackling and turnover work, initially held firm. However, continued pressure eventually resulted in a decisive break through the middle for a converted try, pushing Gorey into a 19–12 lead.
Gorey continued to control territory through an effective kicking game, forcing the CCM backline to repeatedly turn and defend deep in their own half. Despite playing against the flow, CCM produced a moment of quality when Jack Duffy broke the line before linking with Ewan Meyer. The move culminated in Daniel Clarke crossing the line, reducing the gap to 19–12 and reigniting hopes.
Any momentum was short-lived, as Gorey forced a turnover from the restart and capitalised immediately, extending their lead to 26–12 and seemingly putting the contest beyond reach.
To their credit, CCM refused to relent. The introduction of Rahim Ahmed off the bench proved impactful, with his incisive break setting the platform for Eoin Barnaville Killick to touch down, narrowing the margin to just four points in the closing minutes. As in their earlier cup encounter against EGS, CCM pushed hard in search of a late winning score but were ultimately unable to find the decisive breakthrough.
Though disappointed to fall just short, CCM can take considerable pride in another wholehearted team performance. The result marks the end of the season for the senior squad and the final appearance in CCM colours for sixth-year students Kieran Armstrong, Jack Reid, Anton Barry, Rahim Ahmed and Jacob Murtagh, who conclude their school rugby journeys having made a significant contribution to the team.
First Year Girls’ Basketball
The First Year Girls’ Basketball team made it through the last 16 of their league. They played St. Killian's in a home game on Tuesday, 3 March. The girls started off well scoring in the first few minutes. They defended well, Killian's only scored one basket in the first quarter. CCM continued to dominate throughout the game. They worked well as team. There were some great scores from Anna Grennell, Sadhbh Fitzsimons, Grace Ivers, Olivia Guinan, Patricia Edwardo, Ruby Gill, Ava Williams.
The girls progress to the quarter finals and will play Bridgetown Co. Wexford.
Junior Open Ultimate Frisbee Cup
CCM sent five teams to the Junior Open Ultimate Frisbee Cup in Blanchardstown on Tuesday, 3 March. There were 22 teams competing for the Leinster title.
CCM Yellow came away with 20th, however placed 4th for Sprit of the Game, never letting their losses affect their sportsmanship and morale. In particular we saw really lovely aggressive scores from Adam Dennoune and Matthew Stapleton. Notably Shane Davis was outstanding on both offense and defence, acting as a real leader on his line.
CCM Navy ended the day at 19th place, just pipping CCM Yellow. Matthew Malone showed incredible patience on offense, finding the open players and making things happen when things started stagnating. We saw some really big stops in the air from Zach Hollingsworth and CJ Armstrong.
CCM Green topped our teams in the lower bracket, taking 18th place. They were probably our most positive and resilient group on the day, showing really nice teamwork and spirit. There was really nice play from them all but particularly good offence from Amy Snell and Mya Crean Dunne. Maksym Konochuk’s dedication on defence was impressive, as he threw himself around to stop everything.
CCM Red, a mix of First and Second years, finished 8th, losing their final match to Gonzaga in sudden death. There were really nice offence plays from Will Carey and Chris Delahunt, who showed great pitch awareness and real grit.
Finally, CCM White finished 5th overall, after five incredibly hard-fought matches, taking their final game in a universe point. They came out on defence and turned Fintan’s in the endzone. Taking a deep breath, they calmly passed up the pitch, with one aggressive throw from Taras Ivanets to Noah Cameron Doyle who boxed out his opponent to take the disc just on the endzone line. He reset the disc to Adam Armstrong who finished off the point with a zippy backhand to Charlie Seery Frier. With that final score, they qualified for All-Irelands in April!
Junior Rugby
CCM 36 – 0 Newpark
CCM’s Juniors produced a fine first half performance to defeat Newpark 36–0 in the semi-final of the Duff Cup at Terenure RFC on Wednesday, 4 March, booking their place in the final for the first time.
It was a cagey opening, with Newpark moving the ball confidently from touchline to touchline and forcing CCM onto the defensive. Centres, Tamati Rangitaawa and Alex McKenna, were outstanding early on, putting in crucial tackles, while back rowers, Bill Guinan and Tiernan Nolan, worked tirelessly at the breakdown to disrupt Newpark possession.
After ten minutes, CCM began to assert themselves. From a solid scrum platform, Rangitaawa spotted a gap and sent McKenna crashing through to score under the posts. Alex Healy added the conversion to settle the side.
From there, CCM took control of the half. Sustained pressure led to a well-earned try for Adam Armstrong, followed by further scores from Daniel Connolly from a cross-field kick from Luke Connolly after a scrum against the head. Daniel crossed again on the stroke of half-time after a beautifully-timed pass from Chris Delahunt. Healy added two further conversions, giving CCM a commanding 31–0 lead at the interval.
The second half proved more fragmented, with Newpark enjoying greater possession. Their dangerous backline and powerful number eight tested the CCM defence, and periods of indiscipline forced CCM into extended defensive stands. To their credit, the team showed resilience and organisation, refusing to concede.
The only score of the second half came after a sharp break from Delahunt, who released Healy to touch down in the left corner, rounding off the scoring at 36–0.
A dominant first-half display laid the foundations for a deserved victory. However, with last year’s beaten finalists, Mullingar, awaiting in the final, CCM know they will need to deliver a full 70-minute performance if they are to lift the trophy for the first time.
First Year Basketball vs St Mary’s College
CCM got off to a strong start in the first quarter on Thursday, 5 March, quickly establishing a four-point lead thanks to an outstanding performance from Daire Mitchell. His energy and skill set the tone for the team and provided CCM with early momentum.
The second quarter saw CCM continue their brilliant form, with all five players on the court contributing, including three substitutes. Their combined effort extended CCM’s lead to eight points by halftime, giving the team a comfortable advantage heading into the second half.
In the final stages of the game, CCM showcased incredible teamwork and commitment. All 16 players had an opportunity to contribute on the court, and every player put in maximum effort. This collective determination paid off as CCM secured a well-deserved victory, winning 27-19.
With this result, CCM now progresses to the East Schools finals, which will take place next week. The team will look to build on this performance and aim for further success in the upcoming final.
Senior Hurling
It was a big win for CCM senior hurlers in this South Leinster semi-final. Although Gaelcholáiste na Mara had the better of the early exchanges and raced into a two-point lead, thereafter CCM took over led by goals from Jack O'Leary and excellent points and work rate from all the forwards. Tommy Morrisey was impressive on his senior debut as were Rory Grove and Ben O'Leary. Jack Madden made an impression coming off the bench as did Jack Nolan and Alex McKenna. The overall work rate and team effort allowed Adam O'Brien to be released from goalkeeping duties for a stint in the forwards adding to CCM's tally of goals. Nathan Duffy Gough and Senan O'Donovan were dominant in midfield while Joe Culleton and John Lynch worked hard in the backs.
Gaelcholáiste continued to battle and struck for number of well-taken scores but the margin was too great and CCM finished out the game strongly, and now advance to the South Leinster final.
National Cross-Country Championships
Well done to Summer Fitzsimons who competed in the National Cross-Country Championships on Saturday, 7 March. Representing both herself and the school at a national level is a great achievement!
