Founded 15th Dec 1884
Schools
ST FRANCIS BOYS NS HURLING
Well done to the boy’s national school on winning the schools hurling final against Ballinamere/ Durrow Monday 24th of May. Both teams were undefeated going into the final but Clara came away victorious in what was a memorable game.
Well done to the boy’s national school on winning the schools hurling final against Ballinamere/ Durrow Monday 24th of May. Both teams were undefeated going into the final but Clara came away victorious in what was a memorable game.
WINTER 2009 - ST. FRANCIS BOYS SCHOOL WON 2009 COUNTY INDOOR HURLING
PHOTO OF TEAM WITH MENTORS RECEIVING CUP & PHOTOS OUTSIDE SCHOOL RETURNING AFTER THE BIG WIN
PHOTO OF TEAM WITH MENTORS RECEIVING CUP & PHOTOS OUTSIDE SCHOOL RETURNING AFTER THE BIG WIN
ST FRANCIS BOYS NS WIN 2010 HURLING FINAL:
On a warm sunny afternoon in O’Connor Park, Clara’s St. Francis Boys NS and Ballinamere NS served up a memorable, skilful game of hurling. It was end to end stuff with the lead changing on several occasions. Both sides came into the final with enhanced reputations and both schools had defeated Eoin Pol and Scoil Brid of Tullamore and also Killeigh and Rahan. As they both had 100% records it was decided not to play their Divisional game but go head to head in the final. This made for a very intrigueing fixture as neither had first-hand knowledge on the other.
And what a game it was. Clara pressed early but had a few wides before Ballinamere’s first attack yielded a goal. Clara struck back with 2 points from Josh Fleming, 1 from a 65 and Ballinamere replied immediately with 1-1 to rattle Clara back on their heels, then star mid-fielder Adam Dolan struck for a goal and from here to the half time it was all Clara, with a point from Seamus O’Brien and another from Adam Dolan. A marvellous cross pitch line ball from Dolan found Ciaran Doyle and the half back from 50m out rifled a great ball all the way to the net. Another point from Dolan left the half-time score Clara 2-5, Ballinamere 2-1.
The second half started with a Ballinamere point and then another Adam Dolan goal for Clara. An astute move brought Seamus O’Brien to full forward and the effect was immediate with O’Brien notching up 2-2 before Ballinamere realized the change. Both sides scored 1-2 each in a tense final 10 minutes but the damage had been done and Clara ran out victors by 6-8 to 3-4, which was rather flattering for the closeness of exchanges and the great sporting performance from Ballinamere from start to finish. It was a great victory for the Clara NS and they received a great reception from the huge support.
Clara Panel: Ruairi Cushen, Dermot Doolan, Conor Egan, Kieran Hartnett, Callum Egan, Jonathan Hanamy, Denis Hackett, Adam Dolan (2-2), Josh Fleming (1-3), Seamus O’Brien (2-3), Sean Tierney, Ciaran Doyle (1-0), Josh McCloskey, Eoin Dunne, Mark Newman, Sean Fleming, Jason Kane, Bailey Lowe, Philip Keegan, Conor Murray
On a warm sunny afternoon in O’Connor Park, Clara’s St. Francis Boys NS and Ballinamere NS served up a memorable, skilful game of hurling. It was end to end stuff with the lead changing on several occasions. Both sides came into the final with enhanced reputations and both schools had defeated Eoin Pol and Scoil Brid of Tullamore and also Killeigh and Rahan. As they both had 100% records it was decided not to play their Divisional game but go head to head in the final. This made for a very intrigueing fixture as neither had first-hand knowledge on the other.
And what a game it was. Clara pressed early but had a few wides before Ballinamere’s first attack yielded a goal. Clara struck back with 2 points from Josh Fleming, 1 from a 65 and Ballinamere replied immediately with 1-1 to rattle Clara back on their heels, then star mid-fielder Adam Dolan struck for a goal and from here to the half time it was all Clara, with a point from Seamus O’Brien and another from Adam Dolan. A marvellous cross pitch line ball from Dolan found Ciaran Doyle and the half back from 50m out rifled a great ball all the way to the net. Another point from Dolan left the half-time score Clara 2-5, Ballinamere 2-1.
The second half started with a Ballinamere point and then another Adam Dolan goal for Clara. An astute move brought Seamus O’Brien to full forward and the effect was immediate with O’Brien notching up 2-2 before Ballinamere realized the change. Both sides scored 1-2 each in a tense final 10 minutes but the damage had been done and Clara ran out victors by 6-8 to 3-4, which was rather flattering for the closeness of exchanges and the great sporting performance from Ballinamere from start to finish. It was a great victory for the Clara NS and they received a great reception from the huge support.
Clara Panel: Ruairi Cushen, Dermot Doolan, Conor Egan, Kieran Hartnett, Callum Egan, Jonathan Hanamy, Denis Hackett, Adam Dolan (2-2), Josh Fleming (1-3), Seamus O’Brien (2-3), Sean Tierney, Ciaran Doyle (1-0), Josh McCloskey, Eoin Dunne, Mark Newman, Sean Fleming, Jason Kane, Bailey Lowe, Philip Keegan, Conor Murray
ANNUAL NATIONAL SCHOOLS INDOOR HURLING FINALS
The North Offaly national schools indoor hurling finals were held last Friday 11th February in St. Marys Youth Center Tullamore. There were four teams competing, Clara BNS, Ballinamere NS, Scoil Eoin Pol and Scoil Brid from Tullamore. The format would be round robin with the top two teams qualifying for the final.
Game 1 saw the Tullamore derby which was always close 3-3 at half time and 6-6 at the final
Game 2 Clara faced Ballinamere and the Clara boys lead 7-4 at half time with goals from Josh Fleming-2, Ciaran Doyle-2 and Kieran Hartnett-3. The final score was 11-6 to Clara with a goal each in second half from Ciaran Doyle, Kieran Hartnett, Mark Newman and Conor Murray
Game 3 Ballinamere bounced back to beat Scoil Brid 5-3
Game 4 Clara faced Scoil Eoin Pol and had their best display yet with 6-0 at half time and great goalkeeping from Eoin Dunne keeping a clean sheet with a 12-0 final score. Goals from Nathan Bracken-3, Kieran Hartnett-1, Ciaran Doyle-1, Mark Newman-2, Conor Murray-1 and Conor Egan-4
Game 5 saw Ballinamere take on Scoil Eoin Pol, this was always a fight with the final score 3-1 to Ballinamere
Game 6 Claras final game was a tough physical encounter where the defensive work of Callum Egan and Adam Owens was outstanding. Our lads relaxed a little in the first half with a score 2-2 but they dug deep in the second half with a final score 6-3 with scores from Nathan Bracken-1, Ciaran Doyle-1, Kieran Hartnett-1 and Conor Egan-3
This set up the A Division Final as a repeat of last year with Clara Vs Ballinamere. At halftime it was 4-2 to Clara with Kieran Hartnett-3 and Ciaran Doyle-1. During the second half the team and subs turned it on to win the final 12-3 with scores again from Kieran Hartnett-2, Ciaran Doyle-2, Conor Murray-1, Nathan Bracken-1 and Josh Fleming-2 and great defense work from Adam Owens and Callum Egan again and some top class saves from goalkeeper Eoin Dunne. There were great celebrations when joint captains Josh Fleming and Kieran Hartnett were presented with the cup. Panel were Eoin Dunne, Adam Owens, Callum Egan, Ciaran Doyle, Mark Newman, Kieran Hartnett, Josh Fleming, Conor Egan, Conor Murray, Nathan Bracken
Clara BNS second team took part in the B Division indoor hurling also. They put on a great display, winning one game and losing out narrowly in 2 games by 1 goal only to Walsh Island and Geal Scoil, therefore not qualifying for the B Division final. However they ended the day on a positive note beating Durrow in a very competitive game. Panel were Philip Keegan, Lee Fleming, Sean Fleming, Dean Larkin, Sean Tierney, Gary Kelly, Josh McCluskey, Patrick Gaffey, Mark Doorley and Jack Mears. A special thanks to the Offaly coaches who organized the day.
The North Offaly national schools indoor hurling finals were held last Friday 11th February in St. Marys Youth Center Tullamore. There were four teams competing, Clara BNS, Ballinamere NS, Scoil Eoin Pol and Scoil Brid from Tullamore. The format would be round robin with the top two teams qualifying for the final.
Game 1 saw the Tullamore derby which was always close 3-3 at half time and 6-6 at the final
Game 2 Clara faced Ballinamere and the Clara boys lead 7-4 at half time with goals from Josh Fleming-2, Ciaran Doyle-2 and Kieran Hartnett-3. The final score was 11-6 to Clara with a goal each in second half from Ciaran Doyle, Kieran Hartnett, Mark Newman and Conor Murray
Game 3 Ballinamere bounced back to beat Scoil Brid 5-3
Game 4 Clara faced Scoil Eoin Pol and had their best display yet with 6-0 at half time and great goalkeeping from Eoin Dunne keeping a clean sheet with a 12-0 final score. Goals from Nathan Bracken-3, Kieran Hartnett-1, Ciaran Doyle-1, Mark Newman-2, Conor Murray-1 and Conor Egan-4
Game 5 saw Ballinamere take on Scoil Eoin Pol, this was always a fight with the final score 3-1 to Ballinamere
Game 6 Claras final game was a tough physical encounter where the defensive work of Callum Egan and Adam Owens was outstanding. Our lads relaxed a little in the first half with a score 2-2 but they dug deep in the second half with a final score 6-3 with scores from Nathan Bracken-1, Ciaran Doyle-1, Kieran Hartnett-1 and Conor Egan-3
This set up the A Division Final as a repeat of last year with Clara Vs Ballinamere. At halftime it was 4-2 to Clara with Kieran Hartnett-3 and Ciaran Doyle-1. During the second half the team and subs turned it on to win the final 12-3 with scores again from Kieran Hartnett-2, Ciaran Doyle-2, Conor Murray-1, Nathan Bracken-1 and Josh Fleming-2 and great defense work from Adam Owens and Callum Egan again and some top class saves from goalkeeper Eoin Dunne. There were great celebrations when joint captains Josh Fleming and Kieran Hartnett were presented with the cup. Panel were Eoin Dunne, Adam Owens, Callum Egan, Ciaran Doyle, Mark Newman, Kieran Hartnett, Josh Fleming, Conor Egan, Conor Murray, Nathan Bracken
Clara BNS second team took part in the B Division indoor hurling also. They put on a great display, winning one game and losing out narrowly in 2 games by 1 goal only to Walsh Island and Geal Scoil, therefore not qualifying for the B Division final. However they ended the day on a positive note beating Durrow in a very competitive game. Panel were Philip Keegan, Lee Fleming, Sean Fleming, Dean Larkin, Sean Tierney, Gary Kelly, Josh McCluskey, Patrick Gaffey, Mark Doorley and Jack Mears. A special thanks to the Offaly coaches who organized the day.
ST. FRANCIS BOYS NATIONAL SCHOOL TEAM WHICH WON THE NORTH OFFALY INDOOR HURLING LEAGUE ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH.
ST. FRANCIS BOYS NS - 2011 HURLING CHAMPIONS
The annual Cumann Na mBunscoil finals took place on Wed 25th May in both Birr and Tullamore. In O'Connor park the Division 3 hurling final was a repeat of the 2010 final between Ballinamere and Clara Boys NS, both bidding to capture the Colin Dunne Cup.
This final lived up to its promise of a thriller after last years close affair; just shaded by the Clara boys. Eventough Clara were the defending champions, Ballinamere came to the final favourites having won their earlier group game convincingly. Ballinamere won the toss and elected to play with a strongish breeze in the first half. From the outset the pressure was on the Clara camp. Ballinamere opened with a point and two early goals had a nervous Clara team on the back foot. Josh Fleming having missed two difficult frees against a strong breeze then opened Claras scoring with a point from a free. Ballinamere immediately replied with another goal 3-1 to 0-1. Another Josh Fleming point from a free was followed by a great Kieran Hartnett goal. Both teams swapped points to leave the half time score 3-2 to 1-3 a three point lead for Ballinamere.
The 2nd half was almost an opposite mirror image of the 1st half. Ballinamere tacked on the 1st point to leave 2 goals in it (4pts). The next 15 minutes was all Clara. Switching Captain Callum Egan to the half back line was starting to pay off and time and again he caught and delivered great balls into the forward line where Kieran Hartnett was boring holes in the opposition defence. A strong run from Hartnett ended with a left flick from Ciaran Doyle to the net. Almost immediately another great run from Hartnett brought the equalizer from another great stroke on the run, 3-3 apiece. A 20mtrs free from Josh Fleming had Clara in front for the first time. Fleming was winning superb ball in mid-field and pointed another long free his fifth and final point in the game. Sean Tierney had been switched into full forward line and again like his previous matches, he popped up to poach a goal, Claras final score leaving them ahead 4-5 to 3-3.
With still 12 minutes remaining Ballinamere threw everything they had at the Clara defence. Ballinamere goaled with 5 mins left there was only a goal between the sides. It was stalwart defence from Clara to the end which kept out the Ballinamere lads, with goalie Eoin Dunne outstanding ably assisted by strong full backs, Adam Owens and Mark Newman. Callum Egan played a captains part particularly in the closing stages and Nathan Bracken made three great breaks from defence to lift the onslaught. Josh McCluskey who was moved to mid-field did a great containing job on Ballinameres most dangerous player, John Murphy. Josh Fleming was outstanding at mid-field and Kieran Hartnett had his best game of the year. Ciaran Doyle, Sean Tierney and Conor Egan all played their parts in a great all round team performance. Final score Clara 4-5 Ballinamere 4-3
Ballinamere while very disappointed must take great heart from this year in that they used no boys from 6th class; this team are all underage next year and will be well up for it
Clara Panel: Eoin Dunne, Adam Owens, Josh McCluskey, Mark Newman, Nathan Bracken, Callum Egan (Capt), Josh Fleming,Sean Tierney, Kieran Hartnett, Conor Egan, Ciaran Doyle, Conor Murray, Lee Fleming, Bailey Lowe, Mark Doorley, Patrick Gaffey, Sean Fleming, Philip Keegan, Andrew Fitzpatrick, Ruairi Dunne, Dean Larkin, Gary Kelly, Jack Dooley
The annual Cumann Na mBunscoil finals took place on Wed 25th May in both Birr and Tullamore. In O'Connor park the Division 3 hurling final was a repeat of the 2010 final between Ballinamere and Clara Boys NS, both bidding to capture the Colin Dunne Cup.
This final lived up to its promise of a thriller after last years close affair; just shaded by the Clara boys. Eventough Clara were the defending champions, Ballinamere came to the final favourites having won their earlier group game convincingly. Ballinamere won the toss and elected to play with a strongish breeze in the first half. From the outset the pressure was on the Clara camp. Ballinamere opened with a point and two early goals had a nervous Clara team on the back foot. Josh Fleming having missed two difficult frees against a strong breeze then opened Claras scoring with a point from a free. Ballinamere immediately replied with another goal 3-1 to 0-1. Another Josh Fleming point from a free was followed by a great Kieran Hartnett goal. Both teams swapped points to leave the half time score 3-2 to 1-3 a three point lead for Ballinamere.
The 2nd half was almost an opposite mirror image of the 1st half. Ballinamere tacked on the 1st point to leave 2 goals in it (4pts). The next 15 minutes was all Clara. Switching Captain Callum Egan to the half back line was starting to pay off and time and again he caught and delivered great balls into the forward line where Kieran Hartnett was boring holes in the opposition defence. A strong run from Hartnett ended with a left flick from Ciaran Doyle to the net. Almost immediately another great run from Hartnett brought the equalizer from another great stroke on the run, 3-3 apiece. A 20mtrs free from Josh Fleming had Clara in front for the first time. Fleming was winning superb ball in mid-field and pointed another long free his fifth and final point in the game. Sean Tierney had been switched into full forward line and again like his previous matches, he popped up to poach a goal, Claras final score leaving them ahead 4-5 to 3-3.
With still 12 minutes remaining Ballinamere threw everything they had at the Clara defence. Ballinamere goaled with 5 mins left there was only a goal between the sides. It was stalwart defence from Clara to the end which kept out the Ballinamere lads, with goalie Eoin Dunne outstanding ably assisted by strong full backs, Adam Owens and Mark Newman. Callum Egan played a captains part particularly in the closing stages and Nathan Bracken made three great breaks from defence to lift the onslaught. Josh McCluskey who was moved to mid-field did a great containing job on Ballinameres most dangerous player, John Murphy. Josh Fleming was outstanding at mid-field and Kieran Hartnett had his best game of the year. Ciaran Doyle, Sean Tierney and Conor Egan all played their parts in a great all round team performance. Final score Clara 4-5 Ballinamere 4-3
Ballinamere while very disappointed must take great heart from this year in that they used no boys from 6th class; this team are all underage next year and will be well up for it
Clara Panel: Eoin Dunne, Adam Owens, Josh McCluskey, Mark Newman, Nathan Bracken, Callum Egan (Capt), Josh Fleming,Sean Tierney, Kieran Hartnett, Conor Egan, Ciaran Doyle, Conor Murray, Lee Fleming, Bailey Lowe, Mark Doorley, Patrick Gaffey, Sean Fleming, Philip Keegan, Andrew Fitzpatrick, Ruairi Dunne, Dean Larkin, Gary Kelly, Jack Dooley
Wed, 25 May 2011
St.Francis BNS won the Cumann Na mBunscoil Hurling Final in O' Connor Park
Ard Scoil Chiarain Junior Hurling
Ard Scoils junior hurlers had an impressive win against Pipers College, Naas last Thursday at a very well prepared Portarlington pitch. Under the management of Brian Gavin, Larry Mocklar and James Fleming. The Clara boys got off to a great start aided by a strong breeze and continued to out hurl the Kildare lads in the second half and now look forward to a Leinster final. This is a huge bonus as it is the first time in years for the school to enter a hurling team. Well done lads!!! The panel was Darren Fleming, Luke Dignam, Gavin Carroll, Carl Stewart, Colm Doyle, Leon Egan, Dermot Doolan, David Newman, Alan Gavin, Steven Buckley, Martin Fleming, Kevin O'Meara, Seamus O'Brien, Sean O'Brien, Ryan Kelly, Jamie Monaghan, Daryl O'Brien and Ciaran Kinahan.
Ard Scoil Chiarain
Ard Scoil Chiarain Senior footballers lost to Athboy on Monday on a score line of 7-7 to 0-7. The Ard Scoil Chiarain team was: Darren Fleming, Alan Gavin(0-1), Gavin Dolan, Evan O'Meara, Colin Gavin, Leon Egan, Colm Doyle, Willy Fleming, Wayne Flanagan(0-1), Evan Dignam(0-1), Sam Rickard(0-2), David Newman, Martin Fleming(0-2), Kevin O'Meara, Carl Stewart. Sub: Callam Stewart for Colm Doyle
Ard Scoils junior hurlers had an impressive win against Pipers College, Naas last Thursday at a very well prepared Portarlington pitch. Under the management of Brian Gavin, Larry Mocklar and James Fleming. The Clara boys got off to a great start aided by a strong breeze and continued to out hurl the Kildare lads in the second half and now look forward to a Leinster final. This is a huge bonus as it is the first time in years for the school to enter a hurling team. Well done lads!!! The panel was Darren Fleming, Luke Dignam, Gavin Carroll, Carl Stewart, Colm Doyle, Leon Egan, Dermot Doolan, David Newman, Alan Gavin, Steven Buckley, Martin Fleming, Kevin O'Meara, Seamus O'Brien, Sean O'Brien, Ryan Kelly, Jamie Monaghan, Daryl O'Brien and Ciaran Kinahan.
Ard Scoil Chiarain
Ard Scoil Chiarain Senior footballers lost to Athboy on Monday on a score line of 7-7 to 0-7. The Ard Scoil Chiarain team was: Darren Fleming, Alan Gavin(0-1), Gavin Dolan, Evan O'Meara, Colin Gavin, Leon Egan, Colm Doyle, Willy Fleming, Wayne Flanagan(0-1), Evan Dignam(0-1), Sam Rickard(0-2), David Newman, Martin Fleming(0-2), Kevin O'Meara, Carl Stewart. Sub: Callam Stewart for Colm Doyle
Ard Scoil Chiarain Mon 12/12/2011
Ard Scoil Chiarain Senior footballers lost to Athboy on Monday on a score line of 7-7 to 0-7. The Ard Scoil Chiarain team was: Darren Fleming, Alan Gavin(0-1), Gavin Dolan, Evan O'Meara, Colin Gavin, Leon Egan, Colm Doyle, Willy Fleming, Wayne Flanagan(0-1), Evan Dignam(0-1), Sam Rickard(0-2), David Newman, Martin Fleming(0-2), Kevin O'Meara, Carl Stewart. Sub: Callam Stewart for Colm Doyle
Ard Scoil Chiarain Senior footballers lost to Athboy on Monday on a score line of 7-7 to 0-7. The Ard Scoil Chiarain team was: Darren Fleming, Alan Gavin(0-1), Gavin Dolan, Evan O'Meara, Colin Gavin, Leon Egan, Colm Doyle, Willy Fleming, Wayne Flanagan(0-1), Evan Dignam(0-1), Sam Rickard(0-2), David Newman, Martin Fleming(0-2), Kevin O'Meara, Carl Stewart. Sub: Callam Stewart for Colm Doyle