The long-awaited football match between the 6th Class pupils and the school staff took place on a sunny Friday afternoon in the Shamrocks pitch. Crowds gathered at 1.45 and the atmosphere was electric as the team photos were taken by Frank van Pelt. Parents had been invited to come along if they wished and it was nice to see one or two of the new Junior Infant parents and pupils up in the track also. The referee for the game was John Jordan and he did a great job on the day.
Within 30 seconds Ms. Moran buried the ball in the net, to give the staff the lead. Both teams settled into the game, after that and the ball was kicked and hand-passed up and down the field with great speed and enthusiasm. A quickly-taken point by Ms. Ryan secured their lead as they continued to chase the ball up and down the pitch, with a ferocious intensity. While the pupils were a little slow to tackle the staff, at first, they soon lost their inhibitions and some gentle “shouldering” was introduced by the determined students, although there was no sledging or shmozzles!
At half-time a second team of 6th class pupils took over and the pupils who had played in the first half were able to take a well-earned rest. The boys and girls rallied to the end, with some superb passing from both teams. Mr.Clifford covered a lot of ground and his Kerry background showed on more than one occasion. Mr. Nolan put up a brick wall in defence and Pat Mc made some acrobatic saves. Ms. O’Mahony displayed some wonderful skills, which would have made Colm Cooper (Gooch) proud. A very fast Ms. Moran dominated at mid-field (and all over the park!). Ms. Callanan ran like Usain Bolt, her recent school running training paying dividends. Ms. O’Connell and Regina could be seen passing the ball with great gusto and determination. Ms. O’Sullivan was floored by one of the students, but she made a quick recovery and her superb passing helped secure more scores for her team-mates. The staff were in the lead by a single goal. There were some nail-biting moments before the final whistle, but, after a close contest, the staff were declared winners by three points at the end. They were exhausted, but happy to win the very first Staff vs 6th Class GAA match. Rumour has it that one of the staff goals should have been dis-allowed, but it may be difficult to prove as Hawkeye hasn’t been introduced up the track as yet !!!! All requests for a replay would need to be submitted to Mr. Nolan and the B.O.M. before the end of term.
Staff and students had a brilliant afternoon and, no doubt, the 6th Class vs. Staff will be be added to the school calendar from now on. Well done to all the players, young and old, and to a great audience. Staff social outings from now on will probably concentrate on keeping up fitness levels, so, boys and girls, keep practicing during the summer holidays– your 6th Class game will come all too soon!!!
Click on the photo, below, to view some great action photos, thanks, yet again, to Frank vanPelt.