Sport
For many years now, Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire has followed a varied and comprehensive sports programme. Our sports year begins in September with the playing of the Cumann na mBunscoil Boys and Girls gaelic Football competitions. These are held early in the school year to enable matches to be played on firm pitches and are normally finished by Halloween. Our girls have been particularly successful in this competition winning two Divisional titles in the last five years.
Football is followed by indoor hurling and camogie which starts early in the New Year. The indoor competitions cater for boys up to fourth class and for girls up to fifth class. Our own school hall is used for training and the Community Centre is used for matches. We are very grateful to the Hall Committee for their co-operation. These competitions are fantastic and provide greeat sport and excitement for everyone involved irrespective of the skill levels.
Handball competitions take place at this time also and these cater for boys and girls at U-11 and at U-13. tag Rugby is also played and training takes place each week for 3rd to Sixth Classes. This culminates in a Tag rugby Blitz held in March each year. Athletics are also run off at this time of the year and the school is represented annually at the East Clare Schools Athletics Championships which are usually held in Ennis.
These are followed by the 7-a-side hurling and camogie outdoor competitions. These usually start in March and are agood opener to the full hurling and camogie competitions which begin after Easter. The hurling and camogie championships provide great excitement and come to a climax at the various divisional finals held in Cusack Park every June. Our school has been lucky enoughto make plenty visits over the last few years and win or lose, every boy and girl who has the distiction of playing in "The Park" remembers it for the rest of their lives.
Both boys and girls also take part in the FAIS schools soccer competition. This is a five a side tournament with emphasis on skill and participation. The winners go on to Provincial level followed by All Ireland level.
Swimming is another aspect of the sports programme. All children from Second Class upwards have swimming lessons from September to Halloween. All ability levels are catered for and the lessons provide life ling skills. While there is no competitive swimming inthe school, many of our children take part in local galas and also in the Comunity Games competitions.
The lastest addition to our Sporting Calendar is Gymnastics. Gymnastics coaching and training is provided by Ms Elaine Ryan. Training takes place every Monday evening and involves pupils from Junior and Senior Infants along with First and Second Classes. Click here to see Gymnastics class in action.
As can be seen, Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire provides a very full and varied sports curriculum. Emphasis at all times is on enjoyment and participation (though we do like to win) and children are encouraged at all times to pursue healthy lifestyles.
