Cumann na mBunscol Update- December 2024

Captains In The Spotlight

Gaelic games are team sports. There can be no success without the contribution of all team members working together. 

However, every team has a captain. It is usually a boy or girl, chosen by the teachers, who has special skills on the field and in the area of leadership and motivation. 

Captains are also chosen for their ability to represent the school in the best possible manner. 

For many years now, Cumann na mBunscol has been bringing the winning captains and their cups to Croke Park for a photo-shoot after the football and hurling/camogie finals. 

We’re privileged to have Croke Park as a venue for this event and it is greatly appreciated by the children, parents and their teachers. 

It is also an opportunity to honour some children who have excelled in the finals. 

On Tuesday, November 12th, 20 captains gathered and were photographed along with an Allianz representative and Cumann na mBunscol executive members. The following awards were presented: 

Winning football captains and award winners from the 2024 Allianz-Cumann na mBunscol finals in Croke Park. 

Included are: Fionn Ó Catháin, Scoil Oilibhéir. Isaac Swift, St. Mochta’s. Sophie Jennings, Ruby Wilson, Solas Chríost NS. Jessica Nic Sandair, Gaelscoil Bhaile Bhrigín. Darren Gibson, Callan McGovern, St. Killian’s, Kingswood. Andrea Inglist, Annabel Higgins, St. Patrick’s Diswellstown. Teddy Price, Grace Park, Educate Together. Jessica Lee Doyle, Holy Trinity, Donaghmede. Timmy Sheehan, Conor Keenan, Luke Redmond, Bishop Galvin NS. Ben Kelly, Ellitto Kelly, Gaelscoil Shliabh Rua. Sophie O’Toole, St. Attracta’s. Seán McGrath, Scoil Chiaráin. Nicole Bradshaw, St. Laurence, Baldoyle. Conor Brassil, Cathal Fynes, Scoil Assaim. Georgie Gahan, Clara Luz, Belle Beckett, St. Helen’s NS. 

Also in the picture are Alan Black from Allianz, Helen O’Rourke, Ardstiúrthóir LGFA, James Hayden, Tadhg Kenny and Jerry Grogan from Cumann na mBunscol. 

Gradaim Peile Chumann na mBunscol 2024- 2024 Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Football Awards

Top Scorer: Treyvon Akahomen - St. Mochta’s NS, Clonsilla

The third annual Gradam Dean Rock, for the top-scorer in the Cumann na mBunscol football finals, was presented by Dean in Croke Park recently to Trayvon Akahomen, from St.Mochta’s NS, Clonsilla. Trayvon scored 5-3 to ensure victory for his school in Corn John Nagle. His height and strength were significant but he also had the skills to make him a worthy winner. 

‘He was rising to the Heavens and coming down with the ball. And he didn’t need a second invitation to drive it to the back of the net. There was no stopping him as he scored 5-3. Anytime he got possession, the score- board operator had his hand on the button.’ - Niall Scully

Best Score: Cathal Fynes , Scoil Assaim, Raheny

Scoil Assaim had a long-overdue success in Corn na nGearaltach. They had tremendous players throughout the field and got some great scores. A wonderful goal by Cathal Fynes, after cutting through the entire opposition defence, stood out and was nominated as ‘Best Score’. His citation read:

‘A brilliant goal in the second half, epitomised the skill, drive and determination of this young man. He has a bright future.’

‘Cool’ Báire Award: Belle Beckett, St. Helen’s NS, Portmarnock

There were several outstanding goalkeepers on view throughout the 20 finals. In Corn Seán Mac An Bhreithimh, Belle Beckett stood out. The photograph on her award sums up the delight of her teammates at the final whistle after a late save ensured victory for the Girls from Portmarnock. Her citation read: 

‘A solid goalkeeper with a great pair of hands. Near the end, Belle Beckett made a superb save to preserve her team’s advantage.’ - Rónán Mac Lochlainn.

Spiorad An Chumainn Award: Annabel Higgins, St. Patrick’s NS, Diswellstown.

There are always special moments in Cumann na mBunscol finals that pull at the heart strings or just catch the attention in a special way. A simple but kind gesture this year earned the Spiorad An Chumainn award for Annabel Higgins. Chloe Thom, from St. Pius NS, Templeogue, lost her boot after kicking the ball in Corn Austin Finn. Her boot was retrieved by Annabel Higgins from St. Patrick’s NS, Diswellstown. This simple but impressive act of sportsmanship earned Annabel her award.

An Bratach Is Fearr - Best Banner: Gaelscoil Shliabh Rua

It was a difficult task for the adjudicators to select a banner from the hundreds of colourful offerings among the crowds in Croke Park. Their choice was a simple but effective creation. The award citation read as follows: ‘Bratach simplí, cliste i measc lucht leanúna den scoth. An-obair á dhéanamh ag Gaelscoil Shliabh Rua dár gcluichí agus don Ghaeilge.’

An Clár Is Fearr - Best Match Programme: Bishop Galvin NS, Templeogue

This comprehensive match programme is a fitting memento of a wonderful occasion and achievement for Bishop Galvin NS. It contains pen pictures of all players, school statistics, photographs and messages from the school principal. It was a worthy winner.

Laoch na hImeartha - Timmy Sheehan, Bishop Galvin NS, Templeogue

Timmy Sheehan was a deserved winner of the 2024 Laoch na hImeartha award. His performance in guiding Bishop Galvin NS to success in Corn Kitterick - the top division in Cumann na mBunscol football - was outstanding. Timmy has all the skills and is strong and mobile. He is also a talented soccer and basketball player. 

Laoch na hImeartha: Ava Connellan, St. Patrick’s NS, Diswellstown.

Ava Connellan stood out as the outstanding player in Corn Austin Finn - division one for girls. St. Patrick’s NS, Diswellstown, took the honours against St. Pius X from Templogue. Niall Scully’s match report stated - ‘She has such a nimble balance. Weaving in and out of traffic. And two cultured feet that turned crumbs to profit.’

Raheny Role Model Leaves Rich Legacy

The departure of Brian Fenton from the Dublin senior team has generated an impressive response from sports lovers from all around the country. His football prowess had been lauded and his huge medal haul is proof of this as he contributed to so many great days for the Dubs.

From a Cumann na mBunscol perspective, Brian has been a wonderful role mode for our primary school children. His sportsmanship and discipline have been exemplary and he has been an inspirational player for anyone aspiring to all that is best in sport. Brian made his Croke Park debut in the mini-sevens, representing Scoil Assaim, Raheny and playing in the Tyrone jersey.

His club loyalty, along with teammates Brian Howard(Scoil Assaim) and Seán McMahon( Scoil Neasáin), has been no less impressive. 

All three players are huge supporters of the club’s pioneering All-Stars programme for children with additional needs. 

The three stars attend the annual Féile Le Chéile games and fun day for this special group. 

Cumann na mBunscol wishes Brian good health to enjoy the next stage of his career. 

Games with his beloved Raheny will be well attended as we watch this wonderful player and gentleman continue his football career.