Basketball
Girls and boys from fifth and sixth attend training sessions after school on a Thursday from 3-4pm. Both basketball teams are entered into the Cumann na mBunscol league where the children play home and away matches. This runs from November to January. The Cumann na mBunscol blitz in April.
Girls basketball team were runners up in the 2017 blitz.
Cumann na mBunscol Champions
Today was a special day in Scoil an Linbh Íosa as every pupil and teacher in the school gathered in the hall to celebrate the fantastic achievement of our lady basketballers - Cumann na mBunscol Kildare league champions! On Wednesday 7th of April, the girls travelled to Scoil na Naomh Uillig to show their skills and all the hard work and preparation that took place in order for them to get to the final. The referee held a minute silence prior to our 11.10 am game start in memory of our beloved Ms. Casey - a wonderful and dedicated basketball coach. The game started and after an excellent start we were ahead at the half time whistle. Although, our opponents, Scoil na Naomh Uillig had other ideas and came back fighting in the third quarter. After an intense final quarter, the players, their coachers and supporters breathed a sigh of relief as the game finished in Scoil an Linbh Íosa's favour: 12 - 10. We were crowned champions, for the first ever time to the delight of all present for Prosperous N.S. Our captain, Leah Coulahan lifted to cup to a rapturous roar and the celebrations commenced. And the celebrations did commence! The word of the girl's win spread like wild fire through the school and all the children were super excited to show their support for the girls. Some of the senior classes gathered at the main gate to make a guard of honour for the girls and to give them the acclamation they so thoroughly deserved. Time ticked, 'We are the Champions' was loaded on the sound system, and the children were buzzing to welcome home the champions.
As the girls arrived, the shouting and clapping began. The girls walked through a sea of boys and girls who were so proud of their achievements. Both Ms. Hetherton and Ms. Byrne addressed the pupils and everyone got the opportunity to congratulate these wonderful sportswomen. |
Today, the 20th of February was the day that we, as a school, gathered together to congratulate our basketball winners. Every class was present in the hall, along with their teachers. Also present was Noel Byrne, husband of Ms. Casey, to present the girls with their winning medals. Ms. Kiely, one of the girl's basketball coaches, gave a wonderful speech. She spoke about how she became a basketball coach in Scoil an Linbh Íosa, working alongside Ms. Casey to develop a love for basketball within the children of the school and also within herself. She highlighted the key traits of any successful basketball player - passionate, dedicated, hard-working among many others. Undoubtedly, these girls hold these traits and many more in abundance. The girls received their winning medals of which we're sure will be displayed proudly in their homes for many years to come.
To say we're proud here in Scoil an Linbh Íosa would be nothing short of an understatement. These girls showed determination, enthusiasm, perseverance and sheer grit to get to this stage. They have worked so hard for this victory and that makes it all the more sweeter for them. Speaking of sweet things, these girls will celebrate with a nice trip down the village for some hot chocolate as a small treat.
A huge thank you to both Ms. O' Connor and Ms. Kiely who have worked so hard with these girls and have given them the skills and confidence to play super basketball. Basketball that wins finals! Another thank you to Ms. Byrne for her commitment and her support to all things sporting in Scoil an Linbh Íosa. A special thank you to Noel Byrne for coming to present these medals today. It was great to have Noel present and for his wonderful speech, remembering Kathy and her influence on basketball in Scoil an Linbh Íosa.
At a difficult time for Scoil an Linbh Íosa it was great to have something to celebrate. We know that Ms. Casey would be so excited with this fantastic win - a culmination of her hard work and skill and perseverance to keep these girls playing even when at times the results wouldn't go their way. We can picture her running the sideline making big calls, praising the girls for their efforts and sparking a drive in the girls to go all the way. As we celebrate this win and speak about it for many years to come, Ms. Casey will always be in our thoughts.
Nothing succeeds like success.
At a difficult time for Scoil an Linbh Íosa it was great to have something to celebrate. We know that Ms. Casey would be so excited with this fantastic win - a culmination of her hard work and skill and perseverance to keep these girls playing even when at times the results wouldn't go their way. We can picture her running the sideline making big calls, praising the girls for their efforts and sparking a drive in the girls to go all the way. As we celebrate this win and speak about it for many years to come, Ms. Casey will always be in our thoughts.
Nothing succeeds like success.