Cumann na mBunscol Update- Nov 2024

Thu, 14th November 2024

Finals’ Buzz Still Strong

Whether they won or lost in the 2024 Allianz Cumann na mBunscol football finals recently, the buzz in schools is still vibrant.

The twenty boys’ and girls’ finals all had their own stories and life long memories were made.

Among the distinguished people present were Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns, Dublin star Ciarán Kilkenny, former Dublin star and Corn Sweet Afton winner Barney Rock and Niamh Donlon, current Dublin young star and All-Ireland winner.

Uachtarán at Corn Ó Donnchú

Jarlath Burns has been very generous to Cumann na mBunscol since his inauguration as Uachtarán.

He paid a memorable visit to our athletics in Morton Stadium last June and he was present in Croke Park recently for an exciting Corn Ó Donnchú decider between Gaelscoil Míde, Cill Bharróg and Scoil Oilibhéir, An Chúl Mhín.

Corn Ó Donnchú was first presented in 1962 by Louis Donohoe , a publican and great supporter of the work of Cumann na mBunscol in the capital. Louis’ son, Ken, presented the cup in Croke Park.

Louis was significantly involved in Dublin GAA. He was a prominent referee, a selector with the Dublin junior team that won the 1960/‘61 All-Ireland and he also served as chairman of the Dublin junior board.

Ken’s maternal grandfather, Charlie Harris, was also a notable individual. He trained the Dublin team on Bloody Sunday.

He was associated with O’Toole’s GAA club and also with Bohemians FC. He trained the Irish team that competed at the 1924 Olympics.

This was the first time the new tricolour of green, white and orange was raised at an international event.

It marked the entry of the Irish Free State into the international sporting community.

Corn Ó Donnchú honours this remarkable sporting family.

Uachtarán Jarlath Burns in Morton Stadium, Santry with Jerry Grogan, James Hayden and Brian Stevenson.

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael, Jarlath Burns and Ken Donohoe at the presentation of Corn Ó Donnchú to Scoil Oilibhéir , An Chúl Mhín

Man of Many Parts

Dublin star, Ciarán Kilkenny played in five Cumann na mBunscol finals. He was a hurling and football winner.

Last year, he led his school to Croke Park victory.

In 2024, he presented medals and took on a new roll as umpire.

Eventhough he has 7 All-Ireland medals in his trophy cabinet, Ciarán still speaks fondly of his Cumann na mBunscol days and has never forgotten the influence his primary school teachers in Scoil Oilibhéir, in Coolmine, had on his career.

Ciarán with Jack Travers and James Hayden

Ciarán with James Hayden, Pierce Bermingham and Tadhg Kenny at the Cumann na mBunscol finals.

Girls On A High

The growth and development of girls’ football has been a real joy to Cumann na mBunscol personnel.

Girls’ teams are now almost on a par with the number of boys’ teams and the standard in certainly equal.

Dublin star Niamh Donlon played in both football and camogie finals with St. John Bosco NS, Navan Road. Now an All-Ireland senior medal winner with The Dubs, the Oliver Plunkett/ Eoghan Ruadh player was a popular and very welcome visitor to the Cumann na mBunscol finals.

Niamh Donlon with Clara O’Reilly and Olatz Cole Garcia from The Harold School, Glasthule

Bonfires For Bayside Boys After Corn Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh

There were big celebrations in Bayside NS as their boys team won the Corn MÍcheál Ó Muircheartaigh.

They are the third winners of the prestigious cup presented by Mícheál himself in 2019.

The impressive trophy honours the former Cumann na mBunscol teacher in St. Laurence O’Toole NS - a founder school of the Cumann. It also remembers his amazing contribution to Irish sport, culture and the Irish language.

The GAA decided recently to name the Division 1 National Football League cup after Mícheál. Cumann na mBunscol was delighted to honour the great man while he was alive. Along with his wife, Helena, he joined the Cumann na mBunscol executive for a special celebratory meal in The Croke Park Hotel after the game.

Bayside boys celebrate winning Corn Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh

Míle Buíochas James

James McCarthy has given great service to the blue jersey. He was a star with Sacred Heart NS, Ballygall and played in Croke Park with them.

His record-breaking achievements at senior level have given great pleasure and satisfaction to football followers in the capital and throughout the country.

Cumann na mBunscol wishes him good health to enjoy his break from the pressures of inter-county football . His club, Ballymun Kickhams, will benefit now from his commitment into the future.

Another former Sacred Heart NS, Ballygall player was present in Croke Park at the Allianz-Cumann na mBunscol finals.

Barney Rock won Corn Sweet Afton, now called Corn Kitterick, in 1976.

He presented it this year to Bishop Galvin NS from Templeogue. The team was captained by Timmie Sheehan who gave an outstanding display and scored five points.