The College Press —————Friday, 27th March 2015 Issue 4 Volume 10—————
The Easter Issue Music
Antibullying
Celebrations
Campaign Fun Facts
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College Press Editorial Team Editors:
Amy Farrell, Cara Mooney, Laura Hannon Student Contributors: Megan Hoare, Amy Farrell Cara Mooney, Laura Hannon
Special Thanks To: Mr. Doyle, Ms. Mitchell Mr. Brew
Editorial Hi everyone, These past few weeks have been jam– packed with Anti– bullying campaigns, music celebrations and not to mention the grand opening of our very OWN (wait for it…..) coffee dock!! So feel free to stop by and relax with your friends! We hope everyone enjoyed the fantastic performances from last night, a special shout out to those teachers who yet again failed to outdo our talented Newbridge peers #OurNC. Countdown is almost at an end, we hope you enjoy the last few weeks before summer. Till next time, Amy, Cara and Laura X 2
Rugby team fills School with Pride! So as the dust settles on another Cup campaign and a third semi final exit in a row, it’s time to reflect on what has been an amazing journey for a group of players who have become men before my eyes over the past five years. I first took on coaching this team when they were in second year and remember the first day at training with all 63 of them! Since then, as a group we have reached the Junior League semi final (lost to Roscrea), The Junior Cup Final in 2012 (beating Roscrea on the way) and a TY League semi final. This year, we won the Shield competition at the Clongowes 200 tournament and the League (beating Roscrea in the final) Throughout those years, there has always been one message that they bought into... 1 team, 1 circle. Every fifteen which was selected knew that they were simply the ones picked to represent the entire group on that particular day. Bigger than that, every game they played was an opportunity for those players to represent not only the squad, but their year, their school and everyone who has gone before them in the College. When we look to the two Cup semi final games against Roscrea, the 8:8 draw followed by a 20:19 defeat, I am filled with pride for these group of players. Many pages have been written about the two games, so there is no need to go into the scoring sequences or who played well etc etc. In the first game, I think we were lucky to come away with a draw as the powerful Roscrea pack had a strangle hold on the game. In saying that, we had a chance to win the game with the final play. In the second game, we handled their pack far better and looked the more complete team. Our pack were magnificent in never taking a backward step against the bigger group, while our backs rewarded that effort, tearing the Roscrea defence to sheds on occasion. Two very close calls went against us on the day, one non-call of a forward pass resulting in a try for Roscrea, while we had a try disallowed for the same reason later on. It’s not sour grapes or anything, it’s just on another day you get those calls and win the game. In both games, both sides could have won, lost or drawn. A draw was probably the fairest result in the replay according to most spectators and writers as it was simply a tussle which neither side deserved to lose. But, that is what this wonderful game does sometimes and it’s important that you learn from defeat. Roscrea were fully deserving of their place in the final. I have to say that as a coach to this group, I realised one surprising thing after the semi final, that I too have learned an awful lot. I feel that I have grown as a coach because of the experience of working with these young men and for that I thank them one and all. Dave Brew
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Anti-Bullying Ambassadors Filming Day 19th of March 2015 In case you missed it Thursday March the 19th was the day that teenage girls all around the school terrified the life out of every one of their teachers and fellow students. They showed their true colours as YouTube sensation Marcus Butler strolled around the school getting mobbed for ‘selfies’ at every corner (yeah…sorry about that Marcus). Well, Marcus didn’t just cause meltdowns for the fun, he was in the school to film with the Anti-Bullying Ambassadors.
As part of the Anti-Bullying initiative and the Diana award we were chosen as a showcase school in Ireland. This means, that the film we made along with Alex Holmes and Marcus Butler on the 19th will be shown in April at an event for Anti-Bullying in Facebook. We are all very excited to see the outcome (hopefully the fangirls screaming didn’t pick up on the mic). On the 18th we met Alex Holmes and his filming crew, Pete and Steve for a brief meeting. Alex is the Anti-Bullying programme manager for the Diana award, and leads the Anti-BullyingPro campaign. It was truly an honour for each of us to meet and work with him, he is such an inspiration to all of us Anti-bullying Ambassadors and we are delighted to be part of his campaign. 4
The day itself was filming a series of clips that promoted Anti-Bullying and highlighted the work of the Ambassadors. This included, interviews with Ambassadors, parents, Mr O’Brien and Mr Conroy. A remake of our Safer Internet Day, with the help of some second years, and third year Aoife Ryan with her amazing Young Scientist project. A brief training day with 5th class from Scoil Bhríde Athgarvan, who were an absolute pleasure to have into the school, they worked so well with the Ambassadors even with big cameras looming over them (and I’m not just saying that because I’m a past pupil). Signing the Anti-Bullying Charter, a balloon launch, recognising our sticky note complements and complement sheets and a couple of shots of Marcus vlogging or talking to students. It really was a terrific day and it was so much fun to film. It was great to see someone with Marcus’ internet presence taking so much interest in a great cause. We all learned so much from Alex Holmes and we look forward to seeing them all again at next month’s Facebook event.
Lastly I would like to thank Alex, his film crew Pete and Steve, and Marcus for taking their time to work with us excited bunch of ambassadors. Mrs Gallagher and Mrs Burke from Scoil Bhríde Athgarvan for bringing your lovely class over for the day. My fellow Ambassadors for making the day so much fun and bringing positivity to the school every day. And of course, Ms Smythe, Mr Sherlock and Ms Lenehan for keeping us on track for the whole day (and every other day for that matter), without you three none of this would be possible and we truly appreciate the amount of work you all put in. Thanks for reading and don’t forget to follow us on twitter @ambassadorsnc. Remember that we are always here to help when you need it, just keep an eye out for our signature blue A. Megan Hoare 5
Music Trip Bright and early on the 7th of March, 20 groggy-eyed excited students headed off on a weekend trip to London City. On arrival we headed straight to Oxford Street, with wallets and purses filled with money waiting to be spent on the prestigious street. After a day well spent our caffeine fuelled bodies headed out for pizza before sitting down to a performance in the West End. While watching the excellent production “The Lion King� we overheard murmurs of teachers plotting for next years musical (unfortunately our budget isn't that big!!) At the end of a long, jam-packed day, our heads hit the pillow with relief and exhaustion. The next day we were set free in London, able to do whatever we pleased, be it sight-seeing, Camden Market or stuffing our faces in the bakeries. When the time came to go back home, we dragged our bags to the airport, a very enjoyable trip had come to an end.
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Just in case Pythagoras's theorem and An Trial aren’t doing it for you, here’s some random facts that are completely legit!
In other news….
Marcus Butler may not have been enamoured with the staff even if the staff were enamoured with him :-) —>
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Music Galore Last Thursday the 12th of March our anticipated celebration of music night took place in the theatre under the control of the much loved Ms. O’Brien. With plenty of talented acts ranging from piano, flute, guitar, violin, singing and even the trumpet the audience was never left bored. This special, intimate night displayed an almost magical sense among the viewers and performers through the flow of the music. Special shoutout to Ailish Flanagan, who’s rendition of the ‘Can can’ on the keyboard was a once in a lifetime experience… The Senior Choir finished off the talent fuelled night with three performances that left the audience raving. Massive thankyou to Ms. O’ Brien, the success of the night could not have been pulled off without her!! Well done to our many talented also for making the night so enjoyable, we hope to see you back again next year!
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Seachtain Na Gaeilge I mbliana rinne pobal na scoile ar fad sár-iarracht chun Seachtain Na Gaeilge a cheiliúradh. Rith Seachtain na Gaeilge ón 1 -17 Márta. Maisíodh an scoil ar fad don ócáid agus ghlac gach duine le spiorad na Gaeilge don tseachtain. Cruthaíodh atmaisféar iontach sa scoil le linn na tréimhse ar fad. Bhí ceol traidisiúnta againn san áit shóisialta gach lá agus fiú taispeánadh biachlár na bialainne as Gaeilge don tseachtain. Bhí eachtraí éagsúla ar siúl ag daltaí na scoile le linn na seachtaine freisin. Ghlac a lán daltaí páirt in Agallamh an Fháinne ar an gCéadaoin . Chomh maith leis sin eagraíodh Tóraíocht Taisce don Chéad Bhliain agus Tráth na gceist agus damhsa Gaelach sna ranganna éagsúla. Ar an gCéadaoin, bhí ceardlann cheoil ag muintir na hidirbliana agus ar an Déardaoin imríodh cluiche iománaíochta agus ghlac múinteoirí agus daltaí páirt ann. Ba mhór an chraic é!! Bhí comórtas póstaer do na daltaí sa chéad bhliain agus comórtas ‘an doras is gaelaí’ do na daltaí sa dara bliain. Bronnadh uibheacha Cásca ar na buaiteoirí. Chríochnaigh an tSeachtain le Lá Glas ar an Luan agus chuir sé go mór le hatmaisféar na seachtaine. Ar an iomlán, bhí Seachtain na Gaeilge ar fheabhas againn anseo i gColáiste an Droichid Nua, lán le himeachtaí corraitheacha agus spiorad na Gaeilge. Tá aip Seachtain na Gaeilge 2015 ar fáil don iPhone anois ar iTunes agus is féidir na himeachtaí go léir a bhí ar siúl i do cheantar agus ar fud na tíre a fháil ann. Ní féidir a shéanadh ach go raibh Seachtain na Gaeilge bríomhar, taitneamhach againn go léir i mbliana; agus is léir go bhfuil spiorad na Gaeilge beo beathach sa scoil seo! Gaeilge Abú!!
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Miscellany Cricket in Newbridge College Yes, I thought that might catch your eye, but more about that later. What prompted me to write about cricket for this edition of the College Press is firstly, the Irish cricket team, and secondly, an article I read in the 1900 summer edition of the College Magazine (now the College Annual). Ireland would not be considered a cricket playing nation but to qualify for three world championships in a row is in itself a real achievement. At the time of writing they have won three out of four games against some of the world’s best. It is said that cricket was introduced into Ireland by the British Army. In 1855, during the Crimean War (1853 – 1856), a permanent camp was established on the Curragh. There were over 4,000 British soldiers stationed there. There was also a regiment of horse drawn artillery stationed in the barracks here in Newbridge. Queen Victoria visited the Curragh in 1861 to visit her son the Prince of Wales (Edward VII), who was serving in the Curragh and to inspect troops. So hence, we have the game of cricket in the Newbridge area. Newbridge College has a fine sporting tradition down through the years; firstly rugby and in more recent years hockey, basketball and a myriad of other sports. But it wasn’t always like that. In the very early years of the College (a boys’ boarding school), it was football (GAA) and hurling that were the main team sports. Handball, canoeing, gymnastics, cycling and walking also played a part of daily life in the College. The following is an article written by one of the students in the 1900 edition of the College Magazine. From the article it can be inferred that cricket was played in the College before 1900. Unfortunately, space precludes me from giving a more detailed insight into cricket in Ireland but read on.
OUR CRICKET CLUB President - Very Rev Fr McCormack O.P. Captain – Patrick J. McDonagh. Secretary – Patrick Walsh. Committee – Messrs – Tierney, Doherty, Fitzgerald, O’Reilly and Purfield We usually begin our cricket during Easter week. This year we were somewhat late, but as the weather was most favourable and the pitch in splendid condition, we promised ourselves a good season. Now, I’m sorry to say cricked is not our forte, at St Thomas’s and this for several reasons. The cricket season comes late in the term and near the examinations, when the final spurt 10
is being applied to our studies and every available moment must be given to our school work. Then it needs a number of players to constitute a good game and these are not always to be had, as the hand- ball alleys, and the boats, and tennis, and angling, have irresistible attractions for the majority; fielding too, is dull work under a hot sun, and even bowling begins to pall after a short time when you do not get a bat. Again it is very hard to rouse up even a small amount of enthusiasm among those that are interested in the game, unless there is a match or two in the near future, so that cricket in college has many difficulties to contend with. Notwithstanding all these drawbacks, we, fresh from the victories of the football field, determined to win laurels with the bat and ball in the cricket field. The election of officers was held on Easter Monday. The result being posted up in the play hall we proceeded amidst great excitement and cheering to the store-room to overhaul the cricket apparatus. But oh! What a sight met our eyes! Old nets, old bats, old stumps, everything seemed stamped with the Ĺ“runga of ages, in fact we talked in whispers as if we were in some ancient temple whose silence human voice had not broken for years. Needless to add, we were woefully disappointed, and slowly and sadly we wandered forth from that ancient room. But our captain, a keen admirer of cricket, was not to be baffled. He rallied his forces, and forthwith he and the Committee waited on the Prior and pointed out the deplorable state of affairs. The Prior being also a keen admirer of cricket very kindly ordered the Secretary to send for a whole new outfit. Our fondest hopes are now realised. We are in our infancy as cricketers, but any person who watched us practising three times a day since Easter and saw a few contests among ourselves will readily admit that the team now formed will soon be known and feared through Leinster. We played four matches, two among ourselves, one against Co. Kildare, and one against Carlow.
Cricket: As explained to a foreigner... You have two sides, one out in the field and one in. Each man that's in the side that's in goes out, and when he's out he comes in and the next man goes in until he's out. When they are all out, the side that's out comes in and the side that's been in goes out and tries to get those coming in, out. Sometimes you get men still in and not out. When a man goes out to go in, the men who are out try to get him out, and when he is out he goes in and the next man in goes out and goes in. There are two men called umpires who stay out all the time and they decide when the men who are in are out. When both sides have been in and all the men have been
out, and both sides have been
out twice after all the men have been in, including those who are not out, that is the end of the game. If you can make sense of the above I suggest that you have your IQ checked. There are 22 clubs in the Leinster area providing cricket for youth players, and league and cup competitions for boys from U11 – U19, and girls from U11 – U15 are run throughout the sum11
mer. Many clubs accept children from the age of 7. In 2010 the primary schools, secondary schools and club youth sections amalgamated to form the Youth & Schools' Section which oversees the running of youth cricket in Leinster. Currently 30 secondary schools take part in 12 competitions for boys and girls completed during the summer term. At primary school level The Leprechaun cup is a knock out competition and in 2010, 30 schools competed many being introduced to cricket in their school yard. These school clubs can be found on www.cricketleinster.ie and there is one near you. The one day events are really exciting to look at on telly as caution is thrown to the wind in order to score runs or to get the batsman out. So, is there anyone for cricket? Try it. Since this is the last edition of the College Press before the Junior and Leaving Cert I would like to wish all the students the very best in your studies.
Enjoy your brEak, you’vE EarnEd it.
Good luck to the fifth years heading to Lourdes ;) 12