Well done to our Rice Cup hurling panel on their victory over Kilkenny C.B.S.  in the semi-final of the competition which was played in Urlingford on Wednesday last. After a slow start Thurles performed well and eventually ran out victorious on a scoreline of 3-13 to 3-6. The final will be played this Wednesday in Cashel against the defending champions, Midleton C.B.S. We wish
them the best of luck.

Rice Cup Shield Blitz

The school entered two teams into the Rice Cup Shield Blitz which took place in Dr. Morris Park on Wednesday last. Their opposition on the day consisted of teams from Clonmel, Nenagh, Kilkenny and
Midleton. One of our teams progressed to the semifinal where they were beaten by Midleton C.B.S..  Overall a very enjoyable day was had by all and over fifty students got some game time on the
day.

Second Year Hurling Blitz

The school entered a team into last Tuesday’s second year blitz which took place in Dr. Morris Park. The team beat Nenagh, Borrisoleigh and the Abbey C.B.S. before succumbing to Templemore by a single point in the final.

Transition Year History Trip

Our transition year students travelled to Dublin last Tuesday on a history field trip. In the morning they visited the historic Collins Barracks where they studied the history of the Irish at war. Some of the exhibitions they viewed included ‘Soldiers and Chiefs’, ‘The 1916 Rising’ and ‘The Irish at War at Home and Abroad’. After lunch they visited Croke Park where they participated in a guided tour which focused on the stadium’s long history and how it prepares for big match days. The students really enjoyed this very rewarding and informative excursion.

Retreat

On Friday last our transition year students participated in a retreat in St. Patrick’s College that was facilitated by the group ‘ Mustard Seed’ from Clondalkin. Through a combination of reflection,
meditation and role play the students learnt a better acceptance of themselves and of others.  The students really enjoyed the experience.

Fitzgerald Shield

Congratulations to our under-17 ‘b’ panel on their victory over Roscrea in the final of the Fitzgerald Shield last Friday week. A strong team performance saw them win the game on a scoreline of 3-7 to 2-6.

Gaisce Trip

Last Thursday, as part of their efforts to attain the Gaisce President’s Award , thirty transition year pupils travelled to Mountmelleray Scout Activity and Sport Centre, high in the Knockmealdown Mountains, where they stayed for two days. The President’s Award is Ireland’s National Challenge Award, the country’s most prestigious and respected individual award programme, and a challenge from the President of Ireland, to young people between 15 and 25 years of age. In order to receive their medals students have to demonstrate achievements in four separate categories; community involvement, physical recreation, personal skill and adventure journey. The students completed a thirty kilometre trek over two days and were also kept busy by the necessity to cater for all their own meals. Their adventure was a great success and all pupils will now be awarded their bronze Gaisce medals.

First Year Basketball

On Sunday, the 21^st of April, our first year basketball panel travelled to Cavan to participate in the All-Ireland playoffs. The team took on Archbishop McHale College of Tuam in their opening game, a match that Thurles won well. Unfortunately, the team lost to St. Pat’s College, Cavan in their second game and this narrow defeat brought their season to a close. Well done to all involved in the panel and here’s hoping that next year will be even more successful. Panel: Daniel Ryan ( captain), Patrick O Gorman, P.J. Tunstall, Jonathon Ely, Shane Fitzpatrick, Ben Slattery, Rian Fleming, Patrick Tobin, Cillian O Meara, Cormac O Connor, Ciaran Kirwin, Tomas Caffrey, Philip Ryan, Killian Ryan, Jonathon Strapp, Padraig Ryan, Cillian Cullinane, William O’Donoghue, Micheal Mulcaire.

National Spring Clean Day

On Wednesday last our Green Schools Committee held their Action Day. First, second and third year groups came to the assembly hall in the morning where they viewed a presentation on energy efficiency and took part in quizzes. In the afternoon the committee participated in both an internal and external clean-up operation. The committee had previously helped to tidy up the Railway Field.

Under-16 ½ Football Final

‘Hard luck’ to our under-16 ½ footballers on their narrow defeat to Milltown in the final of the Corn na Corraige which was played in Mallow last Wednesday. Thurles played well against very strong opposition and led at half time on a scoreline of 2-5 to 1-7. However, Milltown fought back and eventually won the game by two points ( 2-14, 2-12). On a positive note there were strong performances on the day from Enda Heffernan, Billy McCarthy, Mattie Stakelum, Niall Heffernan, Mikey Connors and Jack Cleary and several of the panel are still under age for next year.

Young Social Innovators

Our 4T class of transition years will be travelling to the Citywest Hotel and Conference Centre this week to participate in the final of the Young Social Innovators competition. The group’s project is entitled ‘ Teach Them Green, Keep them Keen’ and they have made the shortlist of the final four schools in the ‘ Make the World Greener’ category. YSI has become one of the most important elements in the transition year schedule over the last number of years and the class has been working on this project for over six months now. We wish them the very best of luck.

Rice Cup

Congratulations to our under-14 hurling panel on their victory over Charleville C.B.S. in the quarter final of the Rice Cup last Wednesday. Aided by a strong breeze Thurles started very well and led at the interval by seven points.  Charleville regrouped at half time and fought their way back into contention in the second half. However, a strong team performance, in bad conditions, ensured  that Thurles ran out as victors on the narrowest of margins; Thurles 1-8, Charleville 1-7. They will now face Kilkenny C.B.S. in the semi-final of the  competition and we wish them the best of luck.

Orals and Practicals

This is a busy period for our Leaving Cert students. Last week they completed their Irish oral exams. The oral exams are an integral part of the Irish syllabus with 40% of total marks on offer to students. A good performance in the orals provides students with an excellent starting point when they begin their exams in June. The Leaving Cert music practicals take place this week and like the orals they account for a large percentage of the overall marks on offer. Also this week, the students will be participating in their French and German oral examinations and we wish them all well.

Driver Education Programme

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of last week our three Transition Year class groups participated in a day long driver education programme delivered by the Irish School of Excellence. This course is designed to provide the students with a detailed understanding of the fundamentals of driving and to foster responsible attitudes and driving behaviours. The students practised for the driver theory test and also learned practical skills such as how to change a tyre and how to insure a car.

U.C.C. Open Day

Some of our fifth year students got a taste of college life last Friday when they attended the open day at University College Cork. The students were given a guided tour of the campus by a specially designated student ambassador before attending presentations on degree programmes in the Boole Theatre. They also consulted information stands and met with academic staff. This informative excursion should help the students to gain a better insight into possible academic options in the future.

Under-15 Football

Our under-15 footballers were in action last Monday when they played Comeragh College in the second round of the competition. Thurles played well but unfortunately were beaten by two points on the day. Nevertheless there was a lot to be positive about; Matthew Kelly was the star player on show, scoring some fine points from the centre forward position. There were also impressive performances from Conor Moore, James O Sullivan and from Michael Murphy in goal.

ISTA
Junior Cert Science Quiz.

Well done to our third year science students who participated in the ISTA Junior Cert Science Quiz in High School CBS, Clonmel on Thursday evening last. In total Thurles had three teams competing in what proved to be a very close competition.  Jake, Conor, Jack and John finished in joint third position but were unlucky to lose the resulting tie-break. Well done to all involved. (Thomas Tobin, Diarmuid Meagher, Aidan Treacy, Conor O Gorman, Ryan White,  John Lanigan, Ciarán Taaffe,  Mateusz Pietrzykowski, Jack Wardick, Jake Barnes, Conor Stakelum, Stephen Flanagan, Micheal Foley, Rory
Purcell.)

Last Tuesday our Transition Year students attended a motivational seminar at the LIT campus in Thurles. Entitled ‘Xceptionalise-success secrets for students’,  the seminar was organised in conjunction with the Tipperary North County Enterprise Board and was delivered by Mr. Kevin Kelly. Mr. Kelly is a leading authority on entrepreneurship, leadership, sales and motivation. He spoke to the students about his own business experiences and gave them some very insightful and practical tips for interviews. He also highlighted the characteristics which employers are looking for in potential employees. The students found the seminar both enlightening, thought provoking and practical.

First Aid

Last week our transition year students began a three week course on First Aid. The course is provided by volunteers from the Order of Malta who very generously give of their time to instruct the pupils. Students who successfully complete the course will be rewarded with basic level First Aid certificates. The training programme comprises both theoretical and practical sessions and is structured to give participants the skills and confidence to apply the theory in practical situations. Among other things, the students are learning how to place somebody in the recovery position, how to wrap bandages, how to make a sling and how to deliver C.P.R. . The school would like to thank the Order of Malta for providing this very useful training.

Under-16 ½ Football

Well done to our under-16 ½ footballers on their victory on Wednesday last over Hospital in the semi-final of the Munster competition. The first half was extremely competitive but a goal from Jack Cleary helped Thurles to a two point lead at the interval. A strong team performance in what was a tough physical contest helped the team to consolidate their lead in the second half, eventually running out winners on a scoreline of 1-11 to 2-3. Their opponents in the final are as yet unknown.

Thurles C.B.S. News

Zambian Departure

Friday, the 15^th of March, was a momentous day in Thurles C.B.S. as the entire school community gathered in the school yard to wave off our eight students and three teachers who were departing for Mufilira in northern Zambia. After an arduous thirty hour journey the students involved ( Declan Atkins, Brian Bourke, Sean Brennan, Killian Dunne, Seamus Hanafin, Faolan Linnane, Cian O Connell and Jack O Dwyer) along with their teachers ( Mr. Hogan, Ms Horan and Ms. Kennedy ) arrived safely at their destination and have been participating in a busy schedule of events. In total, the group will spend two weeks in Zambia where they will be visiting an old people’s home, an orphanage and an AIDS hospice as well as teaching at a primary school and visiting an adult training centre in the village of Murundu. While in Zambia they will be staying with Br. Michael O Donoghue, former principal of Thurles C.B.S.. This is certain to be an inspiring and life changing experience for all involved and for the school community as a whole.

Rice Cup

On Wednesday, the 13^th of March our under-14 hurlers participated in a Rice Cup blitz in Dr. Morris Park. The panel performed admirably, winning all four of their games. Their opposition was provided on the day by the North Mon, Blackwater College, Wexford C.B.S. and Kilkenny C.B.S. They have thus qualified for the quarter final of the competition where they will take on either Charleville or Clonmel.

MOG Car Safety Demonstration

On Tuesday last our transition year students attended a car safety demonstration course intended to teach young drivers about the limitations and frailties of a motor vehicle, thereby dispelling the notion of “invincibility” behind the wheel. The students were able to examine the internal workings of a specially modified car and gain an insight into the dangers of driving with damaged parts. It was a very interesting demonstration which helped to encourage responsible driving among young people.

Under-15 Football

Our under-15 footballers were in action on Thursday, the 14^th of March, when they took on Killenaule in the first round of the Tipperary Schools competition. A strong team performance saw them progress to the next round following a 4-4 to 1-6 victory.

Under-16 ½ Football

Well done to our under-16 ½ footballers who defeated Pallashenry last Wednesday in the quarter-final of the Munster Schools competition. A strong team performance led to a victory on a scoreline of 3-7 to 2-5. Scores on the day came from Brendan Kelly ( 1-1), Jack Skehan (0-2), Adam Garrett (1-0), Mattie Stakelum (1-2), Mikey Connors (0-1) and Jack Cleary (0-1). The team will now play Hospital in the semi-final on the 10^th of April and we wish them the very best of luck.

Hurling Challenges

Last Tuesday week some of our first year hurlers played a challenge game against Scoil Ailbhe while our under-17 ‘B’ panel played Borrisokane on the following day.

Our under-16 footballers got their season off to a great start last Wednesday when they defeated Ballybunion Community School in the first round of the Munster Championship. Playing with a strong wind Thurles were the first to settle and Ronan Heffernan opened the scoring after seven minutes. Thurles were resilient in defence and hunting in packs they limited their Kerry counterparts to just one point in the first half. Thurles led by seven points at the interval and the second half saw Ballybunion attempt to take advantage of the breeze by playing long balls into their forwards. The C.B.S. backs held firm however and repelled the Kerry onslaught. The midfield, despite the loss of Faolan Linnane to a shoulder injury, supplied fast low ball to a quick moving forward line which scored an impressive 1-8 against a strong breeze. Ballybunion scored two late goals which really only served as consolations as Thurles ran out worthy winners on a scoreline of 2-13 to 2-6. There were strong performances throughout the team most notably from Willie Tierney, Mark Lennon, Ronan Heffernan, Enda Heffernan, Mattie Stakelum, Mickey Connors and Keith Cahill. The team will now play either Shannon or Hazelwood College in the next round.

C.S.P.E. Trip

On Wednesday last, as part of their Action Project on democracy, the 3NG C.S.P.E. class participated in a tour of Leinster House as a guest of local representative Mr. Michael Lowry T.D.. The students were lucky enough to witness Leader’s Questions and so they saw the Taoiseach, Enda Kenny respond to questions from, among others, Micheal Martin and Marylou MacDonald. Afterwards they were given a guided tour of the building which focused on its long history, its many famous visitors and its priceless historical artefacts. They also visited the Seanad chamber where they were shown how the electronic voting system works. Overall the students really enjoyed what was a very educational excursion.

White Cup Replay

Following the pulsating drawn game two weeks ago Thurles once more faced De la Salle in the White Cup final on Tuesday last. Thurles played against the breeze in the first half and trailed at the interval by 1-6 to 0-5. Hopes were high for the second half but it was De la Salle who made the most of their chances, scoring two goals of the highest standard. As Thurles chased the game they conceded two further goals but they nevertheless fought on and finished the game strongly. In the end they lost on a scoreline of 5-7 to 12 points. As usual the entire team gave their all with Harry Fitzgibbon and Cathal Bourke particularly impressive.

Under-14 Hurling

Our under-14 hurlers played Charleville on Thursday last in a very useful challenge game. They will compete in the Rice Cup blitz next Wednesday where their opponents will be Kilkenny C.B.S., Blackwater College, Carraig C.B.S. and Wexford C.B.S.
Geography Field Trip

Our Leaving Cert geography students travelled to Tramore last Thursday to measure and examine examples of coastal erosion. This field trip was part of their Leaving Cert project and constitutes 20 % of their overall grade.

Harty Cup

Congratulations to our Harty Cup hurlers ontheir victory over Castletroy College of Limerick in the quarter final of the competition, played in Tipperary town on Thursday last. Castletroy started well, building up a four point advantage before a late Thurles flurry meant that the C.B.S. went in at the interval leading by a single point. ( 11-10) Thurles pressed home their advantage in the second half and deservedly won the game on a scoreline of 2-23 to 2-12. The C.B.S. will now face Waterford Colleges in the semi-final. We wish them the best of luck.
Concern Debating

Our Concern debaters were in action last Wednesday night when they travelled away to Kilkenny to take on St. Kieran’s. Thurles were opposing the motion that ‘The UN belongs on the scrapheap of history’. Team captain, Declan Atkins gave an exceptional display of debating skills while Tom Bourke, in his first ever debate was also extremely impressive. Colm Shepard and James Whelan also performed admirably. In the end the team was very unlucky to have been defeated. The team’s next debate will take place in the school on Monday, the 28^th of January and the boys will be proposing the motion that ‘ The world is unable to sustain its growing population’.
Bayer Health Care Science Competition

Well done to Eoin Corbett, Adam O Dwyer and Jack Darby whose entry in the Bayer Health Care Science Competition claimed second place at a prize-giving ceremony in Trinity College on Thursday last.  This nationwide competition invited second level students to create a movie which promoted healthy living. The competition was organised in conjunction with the Irish Heart Foundation and there were several possible topics to choose from, including healthy ating, exercise and smoking. The boys’ anti-smoking film earned them a tour of the science gallery in Trinity College while they each received an i-Pad Touch as a reward for their success.
Bereavement Talk

On Thursday last Ms. Bernie Carroll of H.S.E West delivered a talk to parents and guardians on the theme of bereavement, grief and loss. The talk focused on reaction to loss, how to help others cope and recognizing and responding to signs of distress. This very informative and enlightening lecture was very well attended.

White Cup Hurling

Our under-15 hurlers played a useful challenge match against Blackwater College on Tuesday last. This should stand them in good stead for their opening round encounter against De la Salle next Tuesday.