As term draws to a close today the traditional winter sports of hockey and rugby conclude their seasons. Of course, pride of place this term must go to badminton players. Our girls had silver All Ireland badminton success this term, while our F1 Boys are All Ireland Champions.
We have had many hockey and rugby finals and play-offs this past few weeks. There are 17 girls hockey teams and 4 boys hockey teams in the College. We have 13 boys rugby teams with a girls junior and a senior girls squad. On any given day ,our pitches are busy. Hockey players have represented Leinster South, Connacht and Leinster, as well as development squads. We have boys and girls training with Leinster rugby teams and development squads also. All players in all codes have been busy since last August. Well done to all players and their coaches.
The Equestrian Club continues to re-build post covid. One highlight this year was Martha Hughes Bravo competing in The Iberian League.
Within our school community we have had a number of standout successes this term and in no particular order here are some of the highlights.
Ellie McLoughlin Class 2019 & Yasmin Pratt Class 2018
Both Carlow girls who were boarders were in South Africa with Irish U21 Hockey this past week.Ellie plays in goal while Yasmin plays as a forward .Ellie is currently studying Sports Science in UCD where she also plays her club hockey. Yasmin plays her club hockey with Loreto (Dublin) and is studying Media and Communications at Carlow IT.
Amy Hancock and Emma Simmons Form 4 students
Both girls have been selected for the Irish U16 Hockey for a trip to Zwolle Netherlands next week ,with further trips planned for the summer. Amy is a day pupil from Carlow while Emma is a boarder from Wexford.
Nichola Fryday Class of 2013
From County Offaly Nichola is a former boarder. She currently is playing her rugby with Exeter Chiefs. With a degree in Food and Agri Business Management, Nichola previously worked with Kerry Foods. This weekend sees Nichola captain Ireland Women’s team for the 3rd time when they take on Scotland in Cork’s Musgrave Park. This will be Nichola’s 25th cap.
Tamilore Anwonusi Class of 2017
Tamilore is also a former boarder from Carlow .Tamilore has represented Ireland 7’s and this week was again selected to play for Ireland 7’s in World 7's Restart in Singapore.
Tamilore is currently studying in Political Science and Pre-Law at Trinity University Canada.
Charlie Tector Class of 2020
Charlie recently won an U20 Grand Slam with Ireland starting all five games at out-half.
With home games at Musgrave Park Cork against Wales Italy and Scotland ,the Irish U20’s also secured wins on the road against England and France .Most notably with the last play of the game, Charlie kicked an 81st minute conversation against France to win the game in Aix-en-Provence. Charlie also secured a Man of the Match Award against England.
From Rathnure in Co Wexford, Charlie is studying Agricultural Science at UCD and playing his club rugby with Lansdowne RFC.
Martin Mulhall Class of 2015
From Kilkenny, Martin recently played Premiership Cup rugby with Saracens His current team is Swansea University. Martin has signed a contract for next season with Bristol Bears Martin is currently completing his masters in Sports Business Management at Swansea University.
Stephen Smith and Sean Naughton Form 5 students
Both Sean at 10 and Stephen at 8 have had a very good season with the Kilkenny College Senior XV. Both boys have been part of Leinster Development programmes. Having secured starts with Leinster U18 ,the boys are away in France over the Easter break with Irish School U18 Rugby Squad Both boys are boarders in Wolfe House, Sean is from Kildare while Stephen is from Carlow.
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