Cumann na mBunscol Teachers Singin’ The Blues

Dublin’s victory over Monaghan in Croke Park at the weekend greatly pleased many Cumann na mBunscol teachers throughout the county. 

Almost every panel member played in Cumann na mBunscol leagues and Croke Park finals. 

New panel member Daire Newcombe, who attended St. Mary’s, Lucan, made his debut this year against Laois. He was a hurling and football winner in Croke Park. He is highly thought of by Principal Dara Burke and renowned hurling coach Fintan Clandillon.

The exploits of Ciarán Kilkenny, Cormac Costello and Jack McCaffrey in Cumann na mBunscol finals have been well documented. They were primary superstars. James McCarthy triumphed with the famed Sacred Heart, Ballygall - the school that also gave us Barney Rock, the McCaul brothers, John Kerins, Gerry Hargan and Dermot Deasy.

Craig Dias, who has given amazing service to Kilmacud Croke’s and Dublin, made his Croke Park debut in a hurling final with St. Laurence’s, Kilmacud. 

He was superb in the 2022 AIB Club championship and was many people’s choice for player of the championship. Craig has fond memories of his Croke Park final.

Dean Rock got a rousing reception when he entered the field against Monaghan at the weekend, before scoring the goal that sealed the win. 

Dean made his Dublin debut at halftime in the 2001 Leinster final. He scored 1-2 that day and, soon afterwards, went to Newbridge with a Cumann na mBunscol team that played Kildare. The rest is history. Dean attended St. Mary’s NS, Garristown.

Brian Fenton, Brian Howard, Cormac Costello, Niall Scully and Jack McCaffrey all were selected to play in the Mini-Sevens at All-Ireland semi-finals and finals. The Small brothers and Eoin Murchan played for St.Patrick’s NS in Drumcondra.

Eight-time All-Ireland winner Michael Fitzsimons was a winner with Johnstown BNS on a team captained by Cuala All-Ireland Club superstar John Sheanon and including Paul Schutte and David Treacy. 

Dublin panel members and their primary schools: 

Stephen Cluxton - St. David’s Artane, Daire Newcombe - St. Mary’s, Lucan, Michael Fitzsimons - Johnstown BNS, Lee Gannon - St. Vincent’s, Glasnevin/ Holy Child, Larkhill, James McCarthy - Sacred Heart, Ballygall, John and Paddy Small - St. Patrick’s, Drumcondra, Jack McCaffrey and Seán MacMahon - Scoil Neasáin, Harmonstown, Brian Fenton- Scoil Assaim, Raheny, Ciarán Kilkenny- Scoil Oilibhéir, Coolmine, Cormac Costello, St. Fiachra’s, Beaumont, Seán Bolger - Scoil Eoin Bosco, Navan Road, Niall Scully, St. Mary’s NS, Rathfarnham, Con O’Callaghan - Harold BNS, Glasthule, Colm Basquell - Scoil Cholmcille, Knocklyon, Evan Comerford, Scoil Chiaráin, Hartstown, David Byrne, Scoil Olaf, Ballally, Craig Dias and Paul Mannion - St. Laurence’s, Kilmacud, Tom Lahiff, Bishop Galvin, Templeogue, Cian Murphy - Scoil Maelruáin, Old Bawn, Lorcan O’Dell, Ballyroan BNS, David O’Hanlon - Scoil Mobhí, Adam Fearon - Réalt Na Mara, Skerries, Ben Millist - Our Lady’s, Ballinteer, Liam Smith, Taney NS, Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne, Scoil Lorcáin, Baile na Manach, Dan O’Brien, Oatlands, Ross McGarry - Ballyroan BNS, Killian McGinnis - St. Pat’s, Skerries, Seán Lowry - Holy Child BNS, Larkhill, Killian O’Gara - Scoil Santain, Greg McEneaney - Skerries, Senan Forker - Castleknock. 

Of the 26 players on the Dublin panel for the game against Monaghan, 19 of them played in Cumann na mBunscol finals.