Publication of WSE/MLL Report

Last Friday the Department of Education and Skills published  its report on the Whole School Evaluation/Management Leading and Learning carried out at Our Lady’s during May 2011.  Once again we would like to congratulate students, parents, staff and management of the school on the excellent report  which acknowledges the high standards that the school strives for in all areas of its curricular and extra-curricular programmes.  We are particularly pleased with the following findings:

·         In the area of teaching and learning

o    There is a striking sense of community among  staff and this  is being  channelled in a manner which adds greatly to learning opportunities for all students.

o   Classroom management  is of a very high standard. Students are well behaved and lessons are conducted in a safe and well ordered environment.

o   A particular feature of teachers’ practice is a strong commitment to the creation of print rich learning environments in base rooms.

·        In the area of Management

o   There is a highly effective senior management team that models learning for the school community

o   A clear focus on teaching and learning has been incorporated into the planning process

o   The board demonstrates a clear engagement with the quality and development of teaching and learning

o   The board of management and senior management have displayed considerable energy and commitment in addressing improvements to the school building.

o   The management of facilities is very good. The school building is well maintained. School corridors are tidy and incorporate an impressive visual environment that celebrates student achievements.

The full report and the school’s response to it can be read on the Department of Education and Skills Website

All Ireland Basketball Final

  There was no joy for our Under 16 basketball team in the All Ireland Final at the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght on Thursday last. In spite of a spirited performance Our Lady’s were unable to overcome the challenge of a physically imposing and skilful team from Christ King Secondary School, Douglas Co. Cork.  From the beginning the Templemore girls were under severe pressure but they fought bravely to the end and managed to get some great scores throughout the game.  They did very well to reach the All-Ireland Final and gave a spirited  performance in front of the large crowd of enthusiastic supporters from Templemore. Well done on getting to the  final and on the great display in the final to all the team and to Managers, Ms Mary Fitzpatrick and Ms Aisling O’ Toole.

Badminton Success

Well done to the  Boys’ Under 19 and Under 14 Badminton teams who qualified for the Munster School Finals on Wednesday last. The Munster Finals will take place at UL on February 2^nd.   U 19 Team: Sean Patrick Guerins, Martin Delaney, Eamonn Joyce,  Bill Bergin.  U14 Team: Lyndon Fairbrother, Stephen Quinlan, Luke Quinlan,  Jamie Morrissey. Contratulations to the team and to coach, Ms Breda Maher.

Soccer Challenge

Thanks to St. Joseph’s College Borrisoleigh who hosted a second year soccer challenge between students of Our Lady’s and St. Joseph’s on Friday last. Thanks to Ms Breda Maher who looked after the team.

LCA trip to Limerick by Sofia Iannelli

LCA1 had a great outing in Limerick recently. We did a walking tour of “Angela’s Ashes”, as we have been studying this novel as part of our English and Communications course. This proved to be really interesting. We saw where Frank McCourt had lived, even though the house is no longer there. We were really amazed that three of the five churches mentioned in the novel are now closed. This reflects changing times in our society. We saw the post office, where he got his first job as a telegramme boy. We saw the school where Frank went to school and the lane where his mother picked up the coal from the street to keep her family warm.

 Later we went ice skating at ‘Limerick on Ice’. This was great fun and we utterly enjoyed the experience. A great day was had by all the LCA 1 students and by Ms. Tina Fogarty and Mr. David Farrelly.

New Date For Open Evening

Beginning of the second term

Staff and students returned to school on Monday January 9^th , much refreshed after the Christmas break. Junior, Leaving Cert and LCA students are conscious that the Pre exams are less than four weeks away and that the deadlines for project work are drawing near. Consequently this will be a very busy term for them. First, second and fifth year students too, have a lot of work to get through before the mid-term break in February.  The first year hurlers will begin serious training in the coming weeks for the Rice Cup which will take place in April.

U 16 Basketball Team Reach All Ireland Final

Our Lady’s played Presentation Castleisland in the U-16 Cup Semi-Final in University of Limerick on Wednesday 11^th January 2012 at 11.30 Our Lady’s had a very nervous start and found themselves 14 points to one behind at the end of the first quarter.  However, a very strong second quarter saw Our Lady’s close the gap to just six points at half-time.

The third quarter was very even with both defences dominating but a late score by Castleisland put them into an eight point lead going into the final quarter.  However one trait these group of girls have in abundance is determination and this never say die attitude saw them come out on top by two points in a thrilling final quarter.  Final score 34 to 32.

This was a fantastic win for Our Lady’s in their first year in the B division against a very talented Castleisland team.  Every player played their part, Elaine Fitzpatrick (16 points ) and Kate Cashman (8) scored some fantastic baskets.  MairéadEviston scored some great baskets and was outstanding in defence, as was Maria Curly, whose brilliant interception near the end of the match proved vital.  NiamhTreacy (4) used her strength to get some great rebounds, especially in the final quarter which helped to secure victory.  Our Lady’s have now qualified for the first time ever for the All Ireland Cup Final, which will be played in the National Basketball Arena in Tallaght in the last week in January. 

Congratulations to the team and to their managers Ms Aisling O’ Toole and Ms Mary Fitzpatrick.

Panel :MairéadEviston, Maria Curley, Elaine Fitzpatrick, Kate Cashman, NiamhTreacy, Emer Cahill, Katie Collins, Miriam Campion and Jennifer Denny.

Tintreach reach All Ireland Semi- Finals.

 Congratulations to the school’s traditional music group “Tintreach” who have advanced to the All Ireland semi-finals of the  Siamsa Gael Linn competition.  In December the group recorded a 12 minute CD which was submitted to the panel of judges. Our Lady’s group was among the successful entries who were selected to progress to the All- Ireland semi-finals. Best of luck to the musicians and to music teacher Ms. Anne Marie Johnston.

Congratulations

Well done to the LoughmoreU 21 hurling team on their victory in the U21 A County final and to Moyne- TempletuohyOg team on their victory in the U21 B hurling County final. The majority of players on both teams are either present or past pupils of Our Lady’s secondary school.

Open Evening

Open evening for incoming first years will take place on January 26^th  from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.  Prospective first years and their parents will have an opportunity on that evening to visit the school and meet staff before hearing a short presentation  on the school from members of school management.

North Munster U 16 ½  A Victory for Camogie Team

Well done to the  U 16 ½ camogie team  who had a landslide victory over  St. Mary’s of Newport in the North Munster  (A) final at Templemore Town Park on Saturday last.  In spite of a delayed start and very cold weather conditions, Our Lady’s gave an exhibition of hurling from the throw in and left the opposition completely overwhelmed.  The Templemore backs weren’t too busy but dealt well with the occasional challenge from Newport.  Eimear Cahill at centre-back was particularly impressive. Maria Curley and MaireadEviston at centre-field dominated the game while the forwards availed of all the chances they were presented with and finished with final tally of 4-14 to Newport’s 1-4 .NiamhTreacy  who scored 4-4 stood out  and gave a real player of the game performance.

Team Ciara Manton, Danielle Healy, Kate Cashman, Noleen Brereton, Orla Cahill, Emer Cahill (C ) , EilishHassett,  Maria Curley,  MaireadEviston,  Miriam Campion,  NiamhTreacy,  Elaine Fitzpatrick, Sarah Buckley, Aisling O’ Dea, Leann  Collins. Congratulations to the team and to manager, Ms.Teresa Brennan.

Carol Singing

On Thursday,Ms. Johnston and her music students braved the cold weather  to cheer up  the Christmas shoppers in Templemore with a Christmas  carol session at Templemore town hall.  Thanks to the members of the public for their generosity. The proceeds will be used to purchase equipment for the school’s music department.

ICTU Youth Connect Representative Visits Our Lady’s

On Wednesday 14th December Grainne Murphy a representative from ICTU Youth-Connect visited Our Lady’s as part of the LCVP course. The 5th and 6th year students had a one hour talk with Grainne where she engaged students in discussion on  the world of work. The five module talk dealt with such diverse topics as workplace responsibility and exploitation, rights in the workplace, child labour and ethical trading. It encouraged students to identify their rights and learn how to assert themselves. This was a very informative talk for students and we Thank Grainne for her visit. Thanks also to Ms Caroline O’ Hara who organised the talk.

“Christmas with a Twist”

On Tuesday all first year students had a nice treat when they were guests of St. Joseph’s Primary School who performed “Christmas with a Twist” in the Templemore Arms.   Thanks  to St. Joseph’s for the invitation and hospitality and to Ms. Johnson who  arranged for the group to attend the show.

Confessions for Christmas

On  Thursday, all students had an opportunity to attend confessions for Christmas. After  preparation for confession in the school library with Sr. Helen, students went to the church for confession. Thanks to Sr. Helen and to   Canon Eugene Everard, Fr. Walton, Fr. Pat Murphy, Fr. Liam Everard, Fr. Lottie Brennan and Fr. Padraig Corbett who heard confessions. Well done to all our students who participated so fully and respectfully in the sacrament.

Croke Cup Victory

Well done to the Croke team who had  1-9 to 0-6 win over a determinedThurles C.B.S. team in the final of the competition at Templetuohy on Tuesday last. In spite of the conditions both teams played with passion and the game was enjoyable to watch. Both sets of backs were very strong, contributing to the low half time score of 0-6 to  0-3 in favour of Templemore.  Early in the second half the C.B.S. enjoyed a period of dominance and the teams levelled.  The crucial score came after  a well taken Templemore free was  grabbed from the air  on the edge of the square by Thomas Nolan and put in the back of the net.  There were a few more anxious moments after the C.B.S. were awarded a penalty but the  quick reflexes of goalie, David O’ Shea ensured that Our Lady’s kept their lead and went on to win by a margin of six points.  David O’ Shea (J.K Brackens) made a number of crucial saves. The full back line of Michael Greed (J.K Brackens)   Anthony Ryan (Loughmore-Castleiney) and Peter Nyland (Loughmore –Castleiney) stuck to their task throughout the game and Ryan in particular stood out. The half - back line of Jamie Bergin (Drom-Inch)  Emmet Moloney(Drom –Inch) and  Franz Leimlehner (Borris-Illeigh) were the mainstay of the Templemore team with Emmet Moloney giving a man of the match performance as centre-back. At centre-field, Jordan Moloney (J.K Brackens) and  Stephen Nolan (Drom-Inch)  worked diligently for the full hour.  The half forwards, Kevin Hassett (Drom-Inch), Tommy Nolan(Drom Inch) and  Brian McGrath (Loughmore-Castleiney)  hurled with conviction while the full forward line of Ciaran Thorpe (Drom-Inch)  Ross Donnelly (Templederry-Kenyons) and Colm Kinane (Drom Inch) fought hard against a very strong C.B.S. full back line.  With seven of the starting fifteen from the Drom-Inch club it’s hard to escape the  feeling that the present success of that club and the confidence that goes with that success had a bearing on the outcome of the game. Subs:Diarmuid Ryan (Clonakenny) Scorers: Thomas Nolan : 1-2, Stephen Nolan : 0-6, Ross Donnelly: 0-1.  Panel:  Jack Kennedy (J.K. Brackens), Jamie Morrissey (Moyne-Templetuohy) Sean Dwan(Holycorss –Ballycahill)RadostawNatkaniec (J.K. Brackens) ConorSheedy (J.K Brackens) Padraic Campion (Drom-Inch),  Lyndon Fairbrother(J.K Brackens), Conor O’ Meara (Drom Inch)  Eamonn Kennedy (J.K. Brackens) Padraig Guidera (J.K. Brackens),  John Carroll (Errill- Rathdowney), Darragh Gleeson (J.K.Brackens) Aidan O’ Meara (Drom-Inch), Eoin Ryan (Loughmore-Castleiney), Tom Murphy (J.K Brackens) Martin O’ Connell (Loughmore-Castleiney) Paul Bergin (Drom - Inch) Stefan Maher (Loughmore-Castleiney). Well done to the team on a great victory and to managers, Mr. Noel Fogarty and Mr. Rory Purcell.

Disappointment for McGabhann Cup team

The McGabhann cup U18 ½  A football team suffered a narrow  1-9 to 1-8 defeat in the final of the competition at Cahir on Wednesday last. Our Lady’s led from the start  of the game to the finish of normal time but a late penalty for Clonmel High School deprived Templemore of victory.  This was a most disappointing end to Our Lady’s bid to retain the title, especially since they seemed the stronger team throughout the game. Commiserations to the team and to managers, Mr Fergus Leonard and Mr. Tom Byrnes.

Gael Linn  Recording Session

“Tintreach”,  the school’s traditional music group travelled to New Inn Recording studio  on Tuesday last  to record its entry in this year’s Siamsa Gael Linn Competition. The 12 minute CD will be submitted to the judges and successful entries will progress to the All-Ireland semi-final .Best of luck to the group and to their teacher, Ms Anne Marie Johnston.

Retirement Function for Mr. Johnny Bourke and Mr.Batt O’ Meara.

Over sixty current and retired staff from Our Lady’s gathered in the Templemore Arms on Friday night last to celebrate the retirement of Mr. Johnny Bourke and Mr.Batt O’ Meara , both of whom retired from teaching in June last.  Johnny andBatt began their teaching careers as H.Dipstudents  in Templemore C.B.S. on the same day in 1972, having just completed their primary degrees in UCD and UCG respectively.  In the course of the evening, generous tributes were paid to the Johnny and Batt by former colleagues and friends, some of whom had been students in their classes over the years.  Both were praised for their work as teachers, for their involvement in the extra-curricular life of the school and, in particular, for the exceptionally warm relationshipthey enjoyed with students and colleagues alike.  In the course of the tributes, the glory days of the Harty Cup and All Ireland victories in 1978 and the celebrations that followed were remembered in great detail. Speakers reflected on the many changes  Johnny and Batt witnessed over almost forty years in the classroom and the positive influence they had on the lives of so many students who passed through the school.  Principal, Ms Patricia Higgins said that the accumulated wisdom and experience of Johnny and Battwould be a great loss to the school.  There were many highlights to the evening but the valedictory speeches of both men and the tribute in song by  a group of  colleagues were among the most memorable. We wish both Johnny and Batt  many happy years of retirement in the company of their families  and  thank them for the magnificent contribution both have made to the school over so many years.

Back to the Eighties

This year’s musical,Back to the Eighties came to a close witha great last performance on Saturday night.  The gamble of putting on a fourth show was handsomely repaid by the large and enthusiastic crowd who attended the finale. The first audience on Wednesday included 700 eager primary school students from the surrounding schools.   On Thursday, Friday  and Saturday night, the cast rekindled memories for the adult audiences with  songs and music from the eighties , all  beautifully executed over the three performances.  Niall Scott as Corey Senior was suitably reflective and philosophical while Tommy Mallen as Corey Junior showed the composure of someone well used to the stage. Louise Delaney as Eileen  sang and acted magnificently  as did  Clara O’ Brien (Ms Brannigan) and Aisling O’ Shea (Tiffany).  Darragh Kennedyas Mr. Cocker   maintained the high standard he set for himself in last year’s show and The Gleesons – Gillian and Liam- as Michael Feldman and Cyndi looked totally at home on the stage and seemed to enjoy every moment of it. For many, especially the younger audience, the favourite was the normally shy Steve Cullen who gave a brilliant performance as class geek, Fergal. Among the younger actors and novices, John Carroll (Alf), John O’Meara (Kirk), Karolina Varadi (Mel), Aoife Kelly (Kim),Rian Mooney (Billy Arnold), David McGrath (Lionel), Glynn Steward (Huey), Kate Cashman (Laura), Paige Heap (Debbie) and featured singer Grainne Daly, all did really well. A word of praise too for the large chorus who  sang and danced with force and conviction throughout the performances. Well done on a great show to  ProducerMs.Anne Marie Johnston; Director,Mr. Derek Ryan; Musical Directors, Fran and Pat Murnane; Choreographer, Ms.Siobhán King; Stage Managers, Ms.Martina Butler Young andMs. Norma Galvin; Artistic Director , Ms. Mary Byrne; and to Acting Deputy Mr. Paul Fogarty who oversaw many aspects of the show. The overall effect was enhanced by the skill of Gerry Taylor on lighting and Declan O’ Sullivan on sound. Thanks to staff and parents for their help and support with the show.

Lottery

Our Lady’s Lotto commenced on Monday last and will run for the remainder of the school year. We have had a great response from parents, past pupils and the general public. Sincere thanks to everyone who has joined up for this year and especially to Mr. Seamus Bourke and his team of promoters who have worked so hard on the draw over the past few weeks.  All proceeds of the lotto will go towards paying off the debt on the school’s new social area.

The letters drawn this week were : CJTZ; there was no winner. Next weeks jackpot will be €3,300. The cash prize winners this week were:Ml  & Fred Corcoran, Sarah Buckley,  Elizabeth Tierney, Noel Kennedy,  Raymond Coonan.

Croke Cup Semi-Final Victory

Congratulations to the Croke team who overcame Nenagh C.B.S. at Templederry on Wednesday last in the semi –final of the Croke Cup, Tipperary Under 15A hurling competition.  After a competitive first half, Our Lady’s led by 1-4 to 0-4. Early in the second half Nenagh scored a goal to level the game. Kevin Hassett’s crucial goal gave Templemore the   boost that took them on to a 2-11 to 1-10 victory. It was a great team performance but David O’ Shea in goals made many crucial saves while Jordan Moloney gave a man of the match display and  Emmett Moloney,  Tommy Nolan and Kevin Hassett  worked hard all day.  Brian McGrath too was impressive throughout the game. Well done to the team and to mentors, Mr. Noel Fogarty and Mr. Rory Purcell.  We can expect a renewal of friendly rivalries when we meet Thurles soon in the final of the competition.

Basketball

Our Senior  basketball team played Rochfordbridge at home on Wednesday, Novebmer 23^rd.  Our Lady’s got off to a great start with a few well taken scores  by Claire Fitzpatrick and Bridget Greed. Some great rebounds and scores by Karen Costigan saw Our Lady’s extend their lead by 30 points to 4 at half time. The game was over as a contest at this stage and Our Lady’s added a further 12points to run out winners on a score of 42 points to 10.

The seniors play their final league game against Tullamore on Friday, December 2^nd and are depending on other results to go their way if they are to qualify for the semi-final.

The Cadets played a challenge against Rochford  in preparation for their Cup  semi-final against Castleisland in January. This group are improving g with very game and played the fast ball to great effect in this challenge.

Best of luck to the teams and to their coach, Ms Fitzpatrick in the upcoming games.

Back to the 80’s

Beginning on Thursday night  next, November 17^th,  Our Lady’s will host its school musical Back to the Eighties in the school gym. For weeks now, the production team and cast have been working diligently on the show and we look forward to another highly entertaining production.  On Wednesday, November 16th over 600 students and staff from  all the local primary schools will attend a matinee  and this will be followed by evening shows at 8pm on  Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.

Back to the 80's tells the story of the 1989 graduating class of William Ocean high as seen through the narrator, Corey Palmer who is now living in the year 2001. Throughout the story, Corey Sr introduces and provides insight for various characters.

The then 17-year-old Corey is madly in love with his next-door neighbour, Tiffany Houston, one of the coolest girls in the school. However, she barely notices this, as she is too busy mooning over Michael Feldman, the hottest guy around. Michael and his friends are athletic and good-looking - the kind of guys that Corey and his two best friends dream of being. However, while they may not be the coolest guys in school, they are still one up on Feargal McFerrin III, whose best friend is his computer, and who believes the crazy notion that one day CDs will replace cassette tapes.

 Best of luck Producer Ms Anne Marie Johnston, Director, Mr. Derek Ryan,  Musical Producers, Pat and Fran Murnane, Choreographer, Ms Siobhán King,  Artistic Director, Ms Mary Byrneand to  the entire cast of Back to the 80’s.

Basketball

Congratulations to the U 16 Basketball team who defeated Causeway in the  Cup on Monday last.  A strong performance from Our Lady’s girls throughout the game ensured them a 42- 22 victory and a place in the quarter final againstCastleisland.  Well done to the team and to coach, Ms Fitzpatrick.  Best of luckalso to KateCashman and Elaine Fitzpatrick who have recently been drafted into the Irish Under 15 squad.

Harty Cup

 TheHarty team recently played two challenge games in preparation for their crunch match against Waterford Colleges on November16^th.On November 2^nd they played Birr Community School and on November 7^th they had a useful workout against C.B.S. Doon.  Best of luck next week to the team and to mentors, Mr. Tom Byrnes and Mr. Martin Bourke

Camogie

Well done to  Our Lady’s Senior Camogie team who defeated St. Aiden’s, Cork City in the senior championship  at Templemore Town Park on Monday,  November  8^th.  The score in the game was 6-1 to 4-4 in favour of Our  Lady’s. We now play  Desmond College, Glanmire in the semi-final. Best of luck to the team and to trainer, Ms Teresa Brennan.

Sligo Rovers Victory

Congratulations to  Past Pupil,  Richie Ryan from Templetuohy who captained Sligo Rovers to their second successive  FAI title last weekend.   Richie represented the school many times on the hurling pitch during his time at the school.

 Medal Presentation

The School held its GAA Medal presentation function on Tuesday night last  for the victorious teams of the 2010 to 2011 school year . Presentations were also made to students who were members of victorious Inter-County teams over the past twelve months. Guest of honour was recent past-pupil and Captain of the victorious Tipperary Minor football team, Liam Mc Grath .

Welcoming the guests, Acting Principal Mr Butler, congratulated all the medal winners and their families. He paid special tribute to staff members who prepare teams every year in spite of the increasing demands being placed on their time and in spite of the  growing number ofchallenges involved in running a successful games programme in the school.

Mid Board Chairman, Mr Mattie Ryan congratulated the school on its recent successful Whole School Evaluation and praised all those involved in games in the school.  Referring to Drom and Inch’s recent County Final victory, Mr Ryan said   it shows that if, in the face of failure, you continue to persevere, success will come at last.

Mr John Costigan  spoke of the long tradition of games in the school and made a link between the success of various school teams and  success for Tipperary inter-county teams - the most recent example being  Our Lady’s victory in the Mc Gabhann  Cup in 2011 and the central involvement of  four members of that team in Tipperary’s victory in the Minor All Ireland.

Mr. Hugh Coughlan in his speech recaptured vividly  the drama and magic of the Tipperary Minor victory and especially the victory over Kerry in the Munster Final.

Medals were presented to the Mc Gabhann Cup,  Munster Senior Football champions; the  Kinane Cup, U16 ½   Munster B hurling champions;  the  Westcourt Cup (Rice Cup Shield) winners, and to the U16 ½  Munster  B  Camogie Champions.

Finally presentation were made to  Liam Mc Grath, John Mc Grath, Colin O’ Riordan and Alan O’ Riordan who were prominent in  Tipperary’s All Ireland Minor Football victory; to Elaine Fitzpatrick, Maria Curley, Niamh Treacy and Kate Kashman  who were part of the All Ireland winning, Tipperary U 14 Ladies’ Football team ; to Ann Eviston, Mairead Evistion, Eimear Cahill and Niamh Treacy who won All Ireland hounours with the Tipperary U 16 Camogie team; and to  Anne Evistion who won player of the year in the All Ireland minor Camogie final.

The function was followed by refreshments in the school’s social area. Thanks to everyone who attended the function and to Ms Kinane and her Home Economics students who prepared the refreshments.  Thanks to Mr Noel Fogarty and Ms. Teresa Brennan and Mr. Paul Fogarty who helped organise the function.

Basketball

Well done to the  U16  Basketball team and to their Manager, Ms Fitzpatrick on the team’s victory Rathmore Grammar School Belfast on Tuesday last. The score in the game was 42 -14 in favour of Our Lady’s. The team now play Causeway Comprhensive School, Kerry in the quarter-final.

Harty Cup

The Harty Cup team played a useful challenge against Johnstown V.S. on  Wednesday last. The performance of the team was very encouraging with all players and subs very much on form.  This game gives a boost to the school’s confidence as we face a very strong Waterford Colleges’ team in the crucial final round of the group stages  of the competition. Only a win will do in this game which is fixed for November 16^th.

First Year Parents Information Evening

The school hosted it annual information evening for parents of First Year students on Monday last. The purpose of the evening was to give parents and guardians an update on the progress  of the first year group and to provide a forum to discuss issues of concern. Mr Butler first addressed the  meeting  and reported that all first years are settling in very well as a group and doing well in school. He referred to national research on the experiences of  First Year students in secondary school and said that the findings from the school’s own research were broadly in line with the national experience.  He  gave a short presentation on current trends and priorities in education  that would affect the experience of  this Year’s first years as they went through the school. These include  proposed changes in the Junior Cert and  the  Department of Education and Skill’s Literacy and Numeracy initiative.  Acting Deputy Principal, Mr Paul Fogarty   gave an overview of systems used by the school to support students including the  Merit system, Carideas and the Code of Behaviour.  Yearhead, Mr. Seamus Bourke gave a brief outline of his role  with the First Years and congratulated parents on how well the group were doing.  Finally, Guidance Counsellor, Ms Karen Starr spoke of her role in relation to first years and encouraged parents to contact her if there were any difficulties. Afterwards, over tea and refreshments, parents had a chance to meet members of the year team and discuss issues of concern to them.  Thanks to parents and staff who attended the meeting.

 GAA - Corn Uí Chathain  Victory

Congratulations to the First Year Hurling team on a great win over Abbey C.B.S. in Corn Uí Chatháin final at Dr. Morris park on Tuesday.   After winning all their qualification games in the tournament, Our Lady’s proved too strong for Tipp. Town  team in the final.  The performance of the Templemore lads gives the school renewed hope for the future. While there was talent in abundance on display in the final, Brian Mc Grath  from Loughmore, Diarmuid Ryan from Clonakenny, Stephen Nolan from Drom-Inch and Jamie Morrissey from Templetuohy were most prominent.  Some of the scores taken by Brian Mc Grath, in particular, would have done justice to older brothers John and Noel.  Attention will now turn to preparation for the Rice Cup in spring and with lots of coaching and match practice this group might be ready to hold their own with the best. Well done to the team and to mentors, Mr.  Seamus Bourke, Mr. Tom Byrnes and Mr. David Farrelly.

The younger hurlers in the school followed up the Corn Uí Chathain victory with a win over last Year’s Rice Cup champions, Clonmel High School in the first round of the  Croke Cup on Thursday.  The thorough preparation of the team by mentors Mr. Noel Fogarty and Mr. Rory Purcell was evident throughout the game and Our Lady’ were always in command.

The Harty Cup suffered their first defeat of the year when they were overcome by a stronger Midleton team on Wednesday last. The loss of Jospeh Nyland after five mintues was a loss to the Templemore team who struggled to cope with the more physical  Cork side. The next game  will be crucial for Our Lady’s as it will determine whether we are qualify for the knock out stages after Christmas.  Best of luck to the team and to mentors Mr. Tom Byrnes and Mr Martin Bourke in the final game in a couple of weeks’ time. We wish Joseph a speedy recovery from his injury.

Birth of Iarfhlaith O’ Sullivan

We send our congratulations and best wishes to Principal, Ms Patricia Higgins, her husband Alan and daughter Aoife on the birth last Friday of Iarfhlaith  Sullivan.  Ms Higgins faces into a busy few months with her small baby but we hope she will also have time to relax a little and take it easy during her time off from school.

  Ladies’ Football

On Thursday 20^th October the Junior Ladies achieved a second consecutive win in the Junior Ladies football competition against Fethard Presentation in Ballycahill. Our Lady’s were the stronger side throughout the whole game and won on a score line of 8-15 to Fethard’s 0-2 which scores coming from Sarah Buckley 1-1, Niamh Kennedy 1-3, Brid Spillane 2-2, Miriam Campion 2-3, Niamh Treacy 0-3, Ciara O’Toole 1-0,  Aoife Kennedy 1-2, Kate Cashman 0-1. The girls now play St. Ailbes in the next round.

On Monday 17^th October the senior ladies travelled to Glenroe Co. Cork to play Ard Scoil Chroi Naofa, Bantry in the second round of the Senior Ladies’ Football. On a very windy and wet day Our Lady’s played with a lot of heart and determination but unfortunately could just not get ahead of the West Cork side. Scores on the day were Brigid Greed, Ciara Bourke, Niamh Treacy, Ciara O’Toole, Miriam Campion and Sarah Buckley. We also wish all injured players a speedy recovery.

LCA Trip

LCA1 students had an extremely interesting trip to the Source Arts Centre in Thurles last week. They visited the Tipperary Studies Centre in the library section. Here they were provided with an opportunity to view digital editions of the Tipperary Star from many years ago. They were also given a talk by Denis Kenny on a number of the resources available in the library for the public.

They also visited the "Horse Show" Art Exhibition at the Source, which they thoroughly enjoyed, especially the Peter Curling art piece.

Finally they  attended the Frank Rafter Art Exhibition at L.I.T. This was really interesting, especially the pencil portrait of "Clint" of Clint Eastwood. Jean-Forbes-Cooke gave the students an enlightening trip of  Tipperary Institute and made students aware of the excellent opportunity for study available on our doorstop.

Death of Br. Fintan Norris

It was with great sadness that we learned during the week of the death of Br. Fintan Norris who taught at Templemore C.B.S. and Our Lady’s Secondary school from 1969 to 1986. Br. Norris is remembered with affection  by the hundreds of students he came into contact with over those years.  His kindness, his integrity, his unstinting commitment to his work as a teacher , and his unusual sense of humour made a lasting impression on the students  he taught and the colleagues he worked with in Templemore.

Presidential Candidate Visit

 On Friday morning last the school had a surprise visit from Presidential candidate, Sean Gallagher. On his arrival Mr. Gallagher was greeted by members of the student council before briefly addressing sixth year students. Welcoming Mr. Gallagher, Acting Prinicpal, Mr. Butler wished him well in the Presidential campaign and reminded him that the last signature in the visitors’ book at the school was that of President Mc Aleese.  In his address to sixth year students, Mr. Gallagher urged them to concentrate on the things they could achieve and not be concerned with obstacles. He spoke of how as a young primary school student, it appeared  because of his visual impairment that his life’s chances would be severely limited, and yet a week ago he was able to hand in his nomination paper to run for the Presidency of Ireland.

 Master Chef Ireland Finalist

 Well done to past-pupil, Bridín Jones on her phenomenal achievement in reaching the final of the first ever “Master Chef Ireland” competition. As a student at Our Lady’s Bridín was an all-round achiever but showed particular talent as a cook under  the supervision of Home Economics teacher, Mrs Mary Meagher, when she won the Board Iascaigh Mhara Cookery competition in 2000.  Congratulations to Bridín and to her family on Bridín’s  wonderful achievement in the competition.

Camogie

Well done to the senior camogie team who recorded a  convincing victory  over Presentation, Waterford at Templemore Town park on  Wednesday last. In spite of being understrength due to the involvement of some players in the Transition Year trip to Dublin, Our Lady’s girls played well and were worthy winners.

Kinane Cup

The  Kinane Cup team suffered a surprise defeat at the hands of a very strong Bandon team at Ballygiblin on Wednesday.  Our Lady’s had many chances to take control of the game but shot too many wides. In time added on the game was still in the balance with Our Lady’s trailing by one point. Then a goal for Bandon, against the run of play left Templemore with too much to do, the game ending with a final score of 1-17 to 0-15. Thanks to Mr. Gerry Ryan and Mr. Shane Dolan who trained the team.

Pitch and Putt

Hard luck to the Pitch and Putt team who took part in the Munster Schools’ finals at Tipperary on Wednesday. Unfortunately, none of the players qualified for the All Ireland stages of the competition in spite of playing very well. Thanks to Ronan Loughnane of Templemore Pitch and Putt club who entered the teams and to parents who provided transport and supervision.

Transition Year

On Wednesday last, Transition Year students and 5^th Year Music students, accompanied by Ms. Johnston and Mr Purcell travelled to Dublin to attend “Mamma Mia”.  They just had time to fit in a visit to Dublin Zoo before attending the show. For music and non-music students alike “Mamma Mia” was a thoroughly inspiring  and enjoyable experience.