Summer 2013 2

The College Press —————Friday, 31st May 2013 Issue 5 Volume 8—————

The Summer Issue

Exam Tips

College Press Oscars

End of Year Reflections 1

College Press Editorial Team Editors: Sorcha Lavelle-Walsh

Ciara Maher Student Contributors: Sam Burke Pages 4 & 5 Dervla Collins Ciara Gardiner Sarah Coller Paddy Morrin

Pages 7— 11 Pages 7— 11 Pages 12— 15 Pages 28— 31

Very Special Thanks To: Mr. Doyle

2

Editorial The Crew, our many (many) loyal followers…

This is going to be difficult for you to read as your tears slowly spill from your eyes, smudging the print...but, dare we say it, this is our final issue as supreme editors of your one and only A5, typed manuscript.

We’ve had some ups and down as a unified body, i.e. the circle of life that is the editor and the reader, but through it all we’ve reached an especial harmony that epitomises the spirit – nay, the very essence of our school.

This vital gateway into the lives of the student body could not have been produced without the glorious rabbi that is Mr Doyle (private religion class joke). We’d like to thank him for all the hard work and time he puts into organising The College Press, as well as the mentorship he provided us with in our roles as captains of this majestic vessel.

We know you’ve always loved reading these editorials as much as we’ve addressed such serious topics within them, so before we leave you to flee to the door of Roses 4 to protest the reality that we will soon be sixth years and unable to meet the demands of such an executive role, we will leave you with this thought: how did the inventor of the clock know what time it was?Think about it… xoxo

Sorcha and Ciara :)

3

2013 Summer Concerts Well another year has come and gone. We’re up to our necks in study and the exams are around the corner. But past that, there is plenty to look forward to, most notably, summer concerts!

re: e h t t u o s lover enix p o o h p P e h 3 t 1 For uly 20 J 0 1 : e k berla m i T n ti s Ju Park.

If classic rock is more y our thing there’s: The Who, 8 Ju ne- The O2, Dublin.

have: e w e c n e i he aud t n i ium s l d r i a t g S e a h v t i r v o A F une 14J , s m a i l l i Robbie W 4

ear: y e h t s of g i g ium. d g i a t b S e iva f th One o , June 21- Av a Rihann For modern rock fans: The Killers, July 13- Phoenix Park .

od for a o m e th in e ’r u o y And finally if nd Electric a n e g y x O : rt e c n o long c Picnic.

And there’s a list of a few of the big names this year. Hopefully you get see some of the above concerts. With all that said, good luck to Junior and Leaving cert students, have a great summer and we’ll see you next year!

5

By Sam Burke

Alliance Français Debating National Champions Congratulations to the Newbridge College French debating team of Róisín Flynn, Olivia O’Neill Brown, Robert O’Neill and Sam Russell and to Ms. Jane Mitchell their mentor, who were victorious over Loreto College, St. Stephen’s Green in the All Ireland Alliance Debating Final on Monday the 19th of April. The motion was “the European Dream has failed”.

Les Joutes Oratoires’ Debating League was created 15 years ago as part of the cultural wing of the French Embassy, the French Alliance in Dublin to help Leaving Certificate students prepare for their orals. The aim of the league is to allow students from all over Ireland to meet to discuss a wide variety of subjects in French.

“I'm really glad I participated in French debating this year” says team member Sam. “Debating helped to improve my confidence in speaking in pubic a lot! It was my first time doing anything like it and at the beginning of the year I was really nervous for the debates, but as the year went on it got easier and easier.”

Not only have the team won a National title, they have developed skills that will make all the difference come exam time. Sam says that “the debates this year have improved my written and spoken French so much. The speeches I have prepared this year will definitely come in handy for the leaving cert next year.”

The team would like to thank everyone who supported them throughout the year, but especially Miss Mitchell, who deserves a huge thank you for all her hard work and allowing them to take part in the competition.

Special thanks to Sam Russell and Olivia O’Neill-Brown 6

College Press Oscars 2013 Following on from our highly acclaimed article earlier this year, (Abs, Arms and Assets) the College Press research team- Dervla Collins and Ciara Gardiner, have returned for this years final issue to find the schools most widely renowned personalities. Although to get an award on prize day is all very good, first years clambered over each other to cast their votes and we got many bribes from students eager to win one of our coveted Oscars. Counting the votes was not an easy task due to the multitude of students nominated and internal discrepancies (Ciara can’t tally properly), but thankfully, finally the moment has come when we can reveal to you your winners of the Newbridge College Oscars 2013.

Best actor/actress TY Play Winner- Rob Buckley, Niamh Leahy Best supporting actor/actress- Ciaran Callan Best actor/actress Musical Winner- Mark Sutton, Hugh O'Donnell Best supporting actor/actress- Daniella Traynor, Sam Burke The traditional academy awards to begin with, all involved were very deserving and it was hard to narrow it down to winners as nearly all the cast was nominated! Thanks to the casts of both shows for all their hard work this year!

Best hair Winner- Sam Burke and Aisling Kelly Runners up- Adrian Quirke, Greg O'Neill, Lindsey Whelan Although Ado did not win the category his hair is infamous for being apparently “very soft”. Unfortunately Conall Murphy did not feature after winning best hair in TY. Best Laugh Winner- Louise Scully, Conor Lohan Runners up- Tadhg Meaney, Aoife Fennell, Sean O'Neill It was a unanimous decision on the part of the third years to vote for Louise.

7

Best Couple Winners- Orla Howlin and Eugene Price Runners Up- David Breen and Aveen Van Der Hoven, Matthew and Jenny.

Orla and Eugene are back to claim this award for the second time.

1st year couple Winner- Evan McGee and Ellen McGuire Runners up- Caoimhe Sweeney and Tom We are sure it will last forever‌ Best Ginger Winner- Tommy Leahy, Sean Murphy Runners up- Ben Howlett, Aoife Horan, Niamh Byrne, Johnny Ryan Forget the ginger jokes, we love red hair and Newbridge College clearly does too. This was definitely one of the most popular categories!

Best Nickname Winner- Pockets (Conor McCarthy), Stretch (Conor Fletchmore), Puh (Peter O'Neill) Runners up- Damo (Michael Gately), Trips (Ronan McDonald), Gary (Conor Keane), Derfla (Eoin Collins) This category seemed of interest only to the older years with a decided lack of imagination being shown by younger years. The sixth years would like to pay a special mention to Charlie Ryan, the creator of most of our nicknames. Some of Charlie's best works include; Radler, Buckers and Gichi.

Best Twins Winner- McGarrys and Briodys Runners up- McGlynns, Morriseys, Robby and Davey, Cathal and Mick Initially we had hoped to establish the best twin in the winning pairs. However when family tensions erupted in the Briody household this category was soon eliminated.

8

Best Fanger Winner- Mark Shanahan, Andrew Shanahan Runners Up- Niall Fleming, Jeff Hovenden Keane, Daniel Murphy Clearly there is something in the water in the "Fangahan" household that gives them that extra edge as they attempt to seduce the school's female population. Their tactics seem to be working with notable success.

Best school event Winner- Variety Show, Manchester trip Runner up- TY show, ski trip Unfortunately, despite the "roaring" success that was Sports Day the students opted to vote for other events. This will be truly shattering for Dave Brew and all we can say is no need for the bouncy castles next year :( Most likely to succeed Winner- Katherine Murphy, Urara Runners up- Conall Murphy, Hugh O'Donnell Hopefully we will be seeing these names in the future, on the sports pitch, the world stage and academically.

Best annual pose Winner- Mr Cash, Mark Sutton Runners up- Pedro and beret, Chris Carey and cake I think we can all agree that this years annual has surpassed all others, with a range of breath-taking poses from some of the more courageous members of our school body. We would like to congratulate Mr Cash on being the only teacher included in these Oscars, and in providing lots of inspiration for next years annual.

Most likely to be famous Winner- The Leahy sisters, Gavin O'Neill Runners up- Cian Lavelle Walsh, Tim Murphy There seems to be a musical trend in this category, but the Leahy sisters are also known for their family drama. Soon on the E! network- keeping up with the Leahy’s... maybe?

9

Best Dress Sense Winner- Jamie and Joe Darcy Runners up- Laura Morrin, Ross Fallon, Bailey O'Rourke, Ena Ryan Yet another family dominated category, the Darcy brothers walked away with this award.

Best Drama Queen Winner- Jeffrey Hovenden Keane, Bronagh Leahy, Laura Marshall Runners up- Caomhan Doolan, Niamh Leahy, Jeff Berry This was a close call, but we had to include Jeff to prevent him from throwing a strop.

Best Modifications to a car Winner- Zack O'Rourke Well done Zack, the only nominee.

Best impressions Winner- Bronagh Leahy No contest here, Bronagh has entertained us for six years with her impressions of the teaching staff, students and her family.

Best Gentleman Winner- Luke Gillespie, Luke tai Runners up- Jack Briody, Charlie Ryan, Cian Rea There was a lot of confusion over the name Luke, but everyone seemed to be happy to vote for either or.

Best gaelgoer Winner- Kate Scully Comhghairdeas chuig muintir uí Scully chun an teanga a choinneáil.

Best “tell him” Winner- Megan Leahy Awkward tension in the history class after this slipped out...

10

Best sneezing Winner- Clionadh Tutty Bardon Runner up- Brian Hayden Clionadh takes this category for quality, but Brian deserves it for quantity. Well done to both they have kept us all entertained.

Congratulations to all winners and runners up, we hope these life changing awards will bring you as much happiness as the people who voted for you. Unfortunately due to the recent economic crisis there are no prizes but feel free to bask in the glory of winning a College Press Oscar!

Thanks to all the enthusiastic voters and those that suggested categories.

11

LEAVING CERT ADVICE FROM THE POINTS PROFESSIONALS! This month we asked top-points-scoring past pupils for their tips to get the class of 2013 through the last month of tortu- I mean study, and perfecting the CAO! So let’s take a look...

Aoife Keane: Points: 615 Studying: Medicine in UCD

By Sarah Coller

James Tighe: Points: 615 Studying: Economics and Finance in UCD

Aileen Kyne: Points: 590 Studying: Medicine in UCD

Evan Hurley-O’Dwyer: Points: 625 Studying: Mathematics in Trinity

Jill McTernan: Points: 590 Studying: Dental Science in Trinity

12

TOP TIP: AILEEN: Don’t freak

out at the start of an exam if there is stuff you don’t know or if it looks like a very difficult paper. Just write down anything you know!

GETTING THROUGH THE LAST MONTH Go through all the past exam papers, making sure you can answer everything. If there’s something you don’t know, ask!

JILL:

AOIFE: Take

breaks. I found it hard to study for long periods of time so I took breaks literally every hour.

Also, after school I found it really helpful to play sport or even just hang around the social area for an hour just to clear the head and re-focus! I also took the odd day off, as it came closer to the end I felt like I was going a little crazy so it really helped to have a day here and there!

EVAN:

It’s the last month and a lot can be done in it so my only advice can be to be selfish: Only do work that you think will help you the most, i.e. forget about anyone else’s expectations from you to do specific work and only focus on what you feel you need to do.

For science subjects the internet was brilliant www.thephysicsteacher.ie for anyone doing Physics or Applied Maths, and www.khanacademy.org for Maths

TIME MANAGEMENT It is really all about practicing under exam conditions. Saying ‘I’ll give 20 minutes to this question and 40 minutes to that one’ just won’t work in the exam hall if you haven't practised it.

AILEEN:

13

AOIFE: What

I found most helpful was to do 1 exam question (pick 1 subject per Sunday) every Sunday under exam conditions i.e. without books and under time pressure. You'll probably want to do this more often than once a week as the LC gets closer!

LANGUAGES JILL: Again,

go through all the past papers. Make a list of all the topics that come up in the letter/essay section and ensure you can write at least three sentences about it, i.e. pollution, modern technology etc.

JAMES: I

chose French as my language and I just listened to Journal en francais facile podcast and kept trying to go over vocab.

AILEEN:

I learned about 20 idioms and phrases, which I threw on the page during my exam.

In English Poetry I would advise trying to pick up on something that no one else will mention (something like meter or stress of the words). For German I listened to German Vloggers to help for the EVAN:

DE-STRESSING ACTIVITY Some form of exercise - circuits, hockey or gym. Also just hanging out with friends.

AOIFE:

EVAN:

Going for a run – I found it much easier to study after a refreshing run.

14

CRAMMING SNACK/DRINK JILL: There

is nothing a cup of tea cannot fix!

JAMES: If anyone is to follow my snacking habit they'll need a permanent baker!! Don't think my mum will ever bake as much again!! Drink has to be double espresso.

AILEEN: Ice-cream AOIFE: Bounty and tea during the break in study!

CAO JILL: Don’t worry if you don’t know what you want to study yet. Put the CAO to one side until the exams are over and focus everything on getting maximum points. When your exams are finished, you still have a few days to make your decision.

JAMES: Pick a course which pursues a career you can actually see yourself in and will enjoy.

AILEEN: - Make sure you rank them according to YOUR preference and not the points from previous years! Also, don’t remove any courses from your CAO form after the exams if you think they didn’t go well I nearly did this!!

TOP TIP: Rest is never over-rated. Make sure you get enough sleep before each exam. I honestly can't function without 8 hours!

AOIFE:

15

Can we just e acknowledg g how amazin oks?? lo f r u t o r t s that A

s to the n o ti la u t a Congr g team, n ti a b e d h Frenc n, Sam Roisin Flyn O Neill ia v li O , ll e s Rus b O Neill o R & n w o Br he Alliance t n o w o h w ational Francais N ship!

Champion

ll o a t k luc the f g o n g t ti Bes sit Leavin e s ! tho r and une J o i r Jun . this XX fo t ute age Cer n p i m t See he las e m t m o r so s f tip ros! p `

16

EXAMS!!!

! !

ER

M UM

S

CONGR ATS to the Concer n Deba te team who DE FEATED Ardsco Mhuire il on Thu r sday th 16th M e ay. NC d id the double !!

17

We asked some of our outgoing sixth years about their time in Newbridge College and their best memories…

Here’s what they had to say!

My best memory in Newbridge College was meeting my best friend and all the mischief we got up to in the school together.

Sarah Craddock Third year English with Miss Williams, kind of went downhill from there.* Jordan Leigh Kenna Going under ski trip in TY, forcing all the teachers to go the long way round to the hotel to avoid being tackled into the snow.

Niall Peter O’Neill (Puhhh’s) one line in the musical “oh my word, it’s marvellous” and the standing alterations he received.

Zachery O’Rourke Moving to Newbridge College in 5th year. I was nervous but it was easy to get along with almost everyone... Apart from Luke Tai!! Now leaving school with some life long friends... Apart from Luke Tai!!

Micheal Behan My favourite moment is when during a class a teacher at a particular student what he had done in the class. It then t urned around, look the teacher dead in the eye and said “I drew a ship.”

Ed Wynne Best moment was playing a part in the school musical in front of everyone.

Luke Tai.

18

I will never forget Norway - falling down the slopes, broken ankles, swollen feet, could some bruises. Yet attributed of a lifetime that I will never forget.

Aisling Wyer I must say that it is extremely hard to pick out one memory to label as the ‘best’ because frankly there’s just so many of them! Down through the years there have been a lot of unforgettable moments, the one that sticks out most for me was probably the day I got school captain. I had been at a debs the night before and had finally gotten into bed at five in the morning, to be awoken two hours later at seven. I don’t think I have ever been so tired in my life and I distinctly recall fighting to keep my eyes open throughout my Irish class.

It was all so worth it in the end though to hear my name being called out in the church in front of the whole school. I don’t think I have ever felt such pride!

Grainne Carr Hasn’t happened yet but leaving will be the best moment!!

Hannah Lahart O’Reilly (#ouch) In first-year PE when Mr brew accidentally threw a basketball at Addie. Never seen a ball hit someone so hard.

Luke McKenna

James Fallon agreed with this as his favourite moment and added a picture to illustrate the carnage *Mr. Doyle Jordan’s current English Teacher … seriously not impressed!!!

19

Miscellany It Happened 100 Years Ago On 13th January 1913, the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) was formally established by the Ulster Unionist Council. Edward Carson’s strategy was to exploit Ulster Unionist opposition as a means of preventing Home Rule and maintaining the whole of Ireland within the Union. Recruitment was to be limited to 100,000 men aged from 17 to 65 who had signed the Ulster Solemn League and Covenant, ("all means which may be found necessary to defeat the present conspiracy to set up a Home Rule Parliament in Ireland"), Its first commander was Lieutenant-General Sir George Richardson KCB. 218,206 had signed the Covenant supported by 234,046 women.

16th Jan - The House of Commons accepts the Home Rule Bill for Ireland .

30th Jan - It was rejected by the House of Lords.

19th May - Lawler’s Hotel, Naas, opened its doors to the public for the first and it’s still business as usual in 2013.

4th Jun - Suffragette Emily Davison steps in front of King George V's horse, Anmer, at the Epsom Derby. She died 4 days later.

26th Aug - Dublin Lock-out: Members of James Larkin's(1871- 1947) Irish Transport and General Workers' Union employed by the Dublin United Tramways Company begin strike action. It began when William Martin Murphy, an industrialist, locked out some trade unionists on 19 August 1913. In response, Larkin called an all-out strike on Murphy's Dublin United Tramway Company. Other companies, encouraged by Murphy, sacked ITGWU members in an effort to break the union. The conflict eventually escalated to involve 400 employers and 25,000 workers. Vicious rioting between the strikers and the Dublin Metropolitan Police, particularly at a rally on O'Connell Street on August 31, in which two men were beaten to death and about 500 more injured. Another striker was later shot dead 20

by a strike-breaker. The violence at union rallies during the strike prompted Larkin to call for a workers' militia (The Irish Citizen Army) to be formed to protect themselves against the police. The Citizen Army for the duration of the lockout was armed with hurling sticks and bats in order to protect workers' demonstrations from the police.

The statue of James Larkin stands on O'Connell Street in Dublin. The inscription on the monument is an extract in French, Irish and English from one of his famous speeches: "Les grands ne sont grands que parce que nous sommes à genoux: Levons-nous.”

“Ní uasal aon uasal ach sinne bheith íseal: Éirímis.”

“The great appear great because we are on our knees: Let us rise."

27th Aug - Lt Peter Nestrov, of Imperial Russian Air Service, performs a loop in a monoplane at Kiev (1st aerobatic manoeuvre in an airplane).

5th Oct Canon Patrick Augustine Sheehan, Parish Priest of Duneraile and author died. Some of his best works include, My New Curate, Glenanaar, The Queen’s Fillet and The Graves of Kilmona.

7th Oct - Henry Ford institutes a moving assembly line.

3rd Nov - The USA introduces an income tax.

25th Nov - The Irish Volunteers, Óglaigh na hÉireann, were founded at a public meeting held in the Rotunda Rink in Dublin. The founders included The O’Rahilly, a member of the Gaelic League, Eoin Mac Néill, Professor of Early and Mediaeval Irish History at UCD, and Patrick Pearse, another member of the Gaelic League. The Volunteers were formed against a background of rising militancy in Ireland. The spur for this was the Irish Home Rule Bill of 1912 to which the Unionists were vehemently opposed. Inspired by the example of Ulster, the Irish Volunteers were founded.They fought in the1916 Easter Rising and are now the official army of the State. The buttons on a soldier’s uniform have a harp with the letters I and V on either side. The Defence Forces will be celebrating 100 years in 2013.

Good luck in your exams. Don’t panic, keep cool and stay focused.

21

Newbridge College National Champions 2012/2013 This year I was fortunate enough to be a member on our schools Concern debating team, along with Gráinne Carr, Chloe O’Reilly and Jeffery Hovenden Keane. The Concern Debates are Concern Worldwide’s flagship schools activity, giving students the opportunity to research and debate issues that affect those living in the developing world. Our quest began in a cold Armstrong’s classroom last October, as we convincingly persuaded our audience of twenty why the world should fear Mitt Romney. The next few months saw our team debate motions asking who is to blame for poverty, will we find a cure for AIDS in our life-time, and can the world sustain its growing population. Having been successful in each of these, we were excited to in January hear that we had made it through to the knock-out stages- meaning we were one of only sixteen schools left in the competition. Against an impressive Presentation Thurles e Phase u g a e L e Th 22

side, we proposed the motion that foreign aid to India should be ended. Waiting for the results of this particular debating was nervewrecking, as we knew defeat would mean the end of the competition and none of us were willing to accept that.

Getting Professional..

.

Fortunately, our side had made it through. We were headed to the quarter finals! Eagerly we began to research our next motion- that governments should continue to support the biofuels industry. St. Gerads from Dublin would oppose. It was around this time that we began to casually suggest the idea that we could actually win the competition- but we couldn’t allow ourselves to consider this too seriously. As the chief adjudicator stood up at the end of the debate and announced that we had won, this dream became a little more real. In April, we would travel to DCU for the semi-finalges and winning would t S ta u o k c mean a trip with Kno Concern.

The semi-final was upon us when we proposed that Hugo Chavez’s legacy should be celebrated. Ard Scoil Ris, the team who 23

we were up against, had already made it to this stage twice before- so we knew they would be a strong side. When we arrived at DCU on April 18th, there were couple of things to be done before the actual debate. We had our team photos taken, as The Semi-final well as particularly cringe-worthy individual headshots, and a video interview. The auditorium was filled with people when we eventually took our seats and prepared to get going.

Immediately we were blown away by the standard of the Ard Scoil Ris team, and knew that winning wasn’t going to be easy. None of us could really have called it and as the chief adjudicator made her closing remarks, I felt as though I were going to get sick. On hearing the words “the motion has been carried”, our side of the room leapt up, screaming and clapping. The four of us hugged each other in disbelief.

We were going to the final, and we were definitely going abroad.

What had begun as a competition with 120 schools was now down to two, and we were one of them. On May 16th, we would oppose the motion “the international community must now take military action to topple the regime in Syria”.

The folrs Ms h mento it W lowing Ms elly and K weeks Murphy were 24

filled with drafting and re-drafting of speeches, researching arguments, (dreaming of winning), and perfecting our performances. The day came and we travelled to City West Hotel, along with an impressive collection of some of Newbridge’s finest who were willing to support. We had the chance to practise in the room which we would later debate.

Looking out on the rows and rows of chairs with s n a F programmes and our photos Adoring in them really brought home how far we had come since our more humble beginnings in school classrooms.

After a vigorous debate against Ard Scoil Mhuire, Corbally, all there was left to do was wait. And wait. Agonising. We couldn’t tell which way it was going to go; Ard Scoil Mhuire had proven a strong side and all we could do was hope we were enough to match them. There was the open forum, several speeches and a prize-giving to get through before the result was announced. Then, for the final time, the chief adjudicator stood at the podium and delivered the verdict- the motion had been defeated.

We had won.

Grainne held the trophy high over her head as our supporters clapped and cheered, tossing our mascot panda in the air. Hugs were once in order (we’re just that kind of team). We were pre25

The Trophy

sented with our trophy and soon the stage was flooded with family and friends. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who in the midst of it all, was trying to get their head around what had just happened and what it meant. s s o T This time, we weren’t travelling to the next The Coin debate- we were going to Ethiopia. We were the National Champions!

This year we’ve really had the most incredible experience, and there are a few people who we cannot thank enough. First of all, Fr. Larry our school Chaplin, whose additional research, advice and support, particularly in the case of the Chavez debate, was invaluable. In case you didn’t hear, he contacted a friend in Venzuala and translated the 17 page response from Spanish to English just to help us with our research. Fr. Larry always said that he would see us in the final- and he proved right. Thank you for every way that you’ve helped us out this year, we really appreciate it.

Then there are our mentors, Ms Catherine Kelly and Ms Deirdre Murphy. Their commitment to our team, the time they gave-up for us, their endless efforts to ensure we were always at our best amazed the four of us as much at the end of the year as it did at the start.

They put in so many lunch-times, after-schools and late “edmodo” nights just to help us and thought of every single approach or argument opposing teams could possibly come up with so that we were prepared. I only hope that they understand just how much we appre26

ciate the effort they put in, and that they’ve enjoyed this year as much as we have.

I’d like to thank the three team members who I’ve had so much fun debating with this year, and who each brought winning qualities to the team. Second-speaker was Chloe “voice of reason” O’Reilly, who simply implored the audience that look, she makes total sense so really, you should just agree with such a logical argument; fourth-up Jeff “tear-your-argument-to-shreds” Hovingdon-Keane, only person to have ever made Chuck Norris accept defeat; and captain Gráinne “Idon’t-know-how-she-does-it” Carr, a deadly combination of reasonable, sweet and vicious, who may have brought a tear or two to the poor captains of opposing teams as we fought our way to the next round. Our different styles gave us our collective edge, and though we were never the most polished team, we had personality- which in the end, proved winning.

To Gráinne, Chloe and Jeff; let’s do this one more time…see you in Ethiopia!

!

pions

Na

Ch a m tional

By Ciara Maher

27

Ski Trip 2013 We started our Scandinavian odyssey on a cloudy Sunday morning in February. The excitement was palpable as we boarded a SAS airline to Oslo. It became apparent to me while on the plane that the Norwegian Kronje rates were totally ridiculous as a standard packet of crisps was 100 Kronje! As we stepped on the snowy turf of Oslo there was sudden realisation of how cold it actually was with the temperature at minus 10. The hotel’s name was the Birkebieneren and the rooms were surprisingly spacious and luxurious with the Toilet having under floor heating which scalded the feet of many of my compatriots. The food was adequate with substantial helpings.

On the first night we simply unpacked our extensive gear. Before we went we were all divided into Advanced, Intermediate and Beginner groups. We were fitted our ski gear which included Skis, Helmet, Boots (incredibly irritating) and poles.

On the first day each group was allocated an instructor and they showed us the basics techniques at first. It was like the Grand National at first but then everyone seemed to get the correct technique. After a bruising but an enjoyable day’s skiing we went back to the warmth and comfort of our hotel rooms.

That night the intended quiz was called off due to lack of interest. After dinner we were all rushed to bed by the enforcer Mr.King whose bellow could be heard all the way back in Newbridge.

28

Day 2 was the catching on day as everyone seemed to be accomplishing the green slopes with some daredevils tackling steeper slopes. That night we went to the theatre like cinema in Lillehammer. We watched Zero Dark Thirty which lucky wasn’t dubbed in Norwegian. Day 3 we were introduced to Red and Blue slopes and the dreaded Off Piste which catches out the some of the experienced skiers. That night we went to Kirstens Hall to watch an Ice Hockey match which was entertaining until the never ending breaks in play kick in. On Day 4 most of us flew down from the peak to the very bottom in a matter of minutes with no causalities along the way. Newer and tougher Off Piste conquests were conquered with aplomb. That night we were treated with a scrumptious meal in a Restaurant/Night club in Lillehammer. Day 5 we attempted Black slopes which tested our mettle but by the end of the day they didn’t pose much of a threat. We went swimming and Shopping that night and suddenly we all realized that it was the last day of our fantastic tour.

Day 6 was easily the most enjoyable as we attempted every discipline and as our experience increased the more enjoyment we had. The day flew by us and then it was all over.

That night we packed away our gear and we went to bed with the sound of Mr.King and his assistant Mr.Doyle’s orders still ringing in our ears. As we went home we realized that this trip was utterly brilliant in every way.

29

By Paddy Morrin

Sports Column Newbridge vs St. Sen

Micheal’s

Paddy Morrin

! ior Cup Semi-Final

The latest chapter of this epic rivalry was held at a misty and tense Donnybrook. With the anticipation at boiling point, the game kicked off and immediately the liffeysiders were in the Micheal’s 22 but their chances came to ill effect. As Newbridge battled for possession, the ball was given away and from that lost possession Micheal’s were in the Newbridge 22 for the first time and from their first entry into the Bridge 22 they scored from relentless recycling of the ball with the Micheal’s prop barrelling in for a try (0-5). The Micheal’s Fly Half added the extras (0-7). From the ensuing kick-off Newbridge were right back in the fight with a stolen line out from McKnight and a JP drive and then the filthy Micheal’s pack gave a cynical penalty away which deserved a yellow card for the perpetrator. Healy bisected the uprights from the resulting penalty (3-7). The Bridge boys were heroic in defence and they were awarded another penalty at halfway.

With Healy in superb form they elected for the sticks but the resulting kick just dropped short. Newbridge put their bodies on the line with standout tackles from the aggressive Jake Howlett and number 8 Tom Brady but these moments of great bravery came to no avail as the relentless Micheal’s attack finally penetrated the Bridge defence with the Micheal’s scrum half squeezing in for a try (3-12). Their impressive fly half floated over the ensuing conversion (3-14). Then suddenly a lifeline as Newbridge were on the rack, Howlett again made an 30

electric break and galloped into the Micheal’s 22 lifting the siege in the process. After a maul from a line out and a series of phases later the ball was shipped to JP in the corner and he dived in spectacularly for a tremendous try (8-14). Healy then showed his kicking ability with a superb kick from the touchline (10-14). At half time Newbridge seemed to be reinvigorated thanks to the brilliance of the Howlett break and subsequent score. Half Time (10-14). From the resumption Micheal’s upped the ante and were posing all kinds of threats in the Bridge 22. After some brilliant off-loading play Micheal’s were in again but the scorer was unbelievably held up by the ‘Bridge defence.

But this gallant defence was finally breached by the Micheal’s fly half who stepped outside and ran in for a comfortable try (10-19). The out half added the extras (10-21). But still Newbridge fought manfully and very nearly scored when Matt O’Connor nearly went over in the corner but nevertheless this pressure was a brief as Micheal’s were controlling the game but they were beginning to show fatigue. With more crunching tackles from the impressive Jake Howlett and great foraging at ruck time by McKnight the Bridge was beginning to show their authority. With 65 minutes on the clock Sutton kicked impressively to the corner and with a great maul from the ensuing line out and numerous battering phases towards the try- line, it was visibly clear that the Micheal’s defence was beginning to creak under the relentless Bridge pressure and after a number of cynical fouls the referee gave the Micheal’s centre a yellow card. Newbridge eked ever closer and finally crossed over with Ed Wynne barging over (1521). Sub Robbie Mullen calmly slotted the conversion (17-21). With three minutes to go it was all to play for but Micheal’s unfortunately hung on to their brittle lead. The Final Score (17-21). A gallant campaign concludes at the semi , but in the opinion of this reporter, next year we will have our revenge!

31

Happy Summer!

32

33

34

Our new Astro

35

36

37

Winning teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strictly come dancing <â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 38

39

40

41

42

43

What a great year, have an epic summer and lets prepare for more great moments during 2013/2014 school year!

Can I just take this opportunity to say a HUGE thank you to Sorcha and Ciara, I literally am in awe at how they do all they do and I have never worked with two nicer people.

Mr. Doyle

44