Patrician 2019

Maths

UK Mathematics Challenge February 2019

The UK Mathematics Trust competition is aimed at the problems. The beauty of Maths is there is often more
top one third of pupils in Year 12 in the United Kingdom. than one way to solve the problem and these questions
The Trust is based at the school of Mathematics in certainly reward ingenuity.
Leeds University. This competition gives the pupils
an opportunity to demonstrate their problem solving Clíodhna de Brún was the top student in St. Patrick’s
skills and their ability to complete a task outside of the College who achieved a gold award. Ryan Convery
curriculum. and Lauren Coyle were silver award winners. Liam
Downey, Dominic Bryson, Cianan McGrellis, Dara Devlin,
The challenge aims to stimulate mathematical thinking Mark McEldowney, Caolan McGovern, Oran O'Donnell,
and problem solving. It involves answering 25 multiple- Caoimhe Tohill, Eunan Quinn and Mary Ni Lochlainn
choice questions in one hour and is sat at school under achieved bronze awards.
normal exam conditions. The questions are challenging
and call on pupils to use existing knowledge to solve Well done to our prize winners in the UK Intermediate
Maths Challenge.

BR: Ryan Convery, Liam Downey, Dominic Bryson, Dara Devlin, Caolan McGovern, Mark
McEldowney, Cianan McGrellis, Oran O'Donnell.
FR: Lauren Coyle, Caoimhe Tohill, Mrs B Mussen, Principal, Clíodhna de Brún, Mary Ní
Lochlainn.

Answers from UK Junior Maths Challenge on page 100

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Maths

WORLD PI DAY 2019

Year 10 celebrated Pi Day in March (3.14) by taking part in a range of Using Maths
activities to deepen their understanding of the relationship between a circle’s radius,
diameter, circumference and area. A special thank you must go to our Year 13 pupils
who set up and led the activities, listed below, with the utmost professionalism and
enthusiasm.
• PIE FACE
- a test of times tables, memory and the ability to
answer mathematical sums in a short space of
time, with the added pressure of getting a face
full of whipped cream!
• WHICH HOLDS MORE?
- the collection and analysis of data leading
to discussions concerning the relationship
between the circumference and capacity of a
cylinder
• PI TREASURE HUNT
- working quickly in teams to successfully
complete a circular trail of clues/problems
• PI DINGBATS & IZAK 9
- thinking outside of the box to solve visual
word puzzles and circle questions
During the day pupils were further challenged
to recall as many digits of Pi as possible with
some pupils being able to state over 80 digits
which was brilliant but maybe we have a little
way to go to break the amazing World Record of
70,300 digits!

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Maths

Game 24

During the month of June, Year 8 and 9 pupils tested

their mental arithmetic skills competing against

Game 24t he other pupils in their class to gain one of the 24
qualification places in the end of year Game 24
aDguariinnsgt tthhFeei mnoatohnlestrh. p Toufhp Jiuelsn iean iYtmehaerior 8 cf alatnhsdse t9o gp guaapimnil soe tneeiss toeftd ot htheme 2iru4 m lqteuipnatlliayfil,c aadrtiiitovhnimd peeltai,cce asskd iinldls t hcoem enpdet oinf g
year Gamoer 2s4u Fibntarlsa. cTht ea allim4 onf tuhme gbaemres isi nto tmhuelticplay,r ddivsidoe, tahdad totrh suebterancdt all 4
numbersr ien sthuel tcaisrd 2so4 t.hat the end result is 24.


Example

There are several ways of calculating this:

Method 1 Year 8 Winners.
12 X 2= 24
4 X 3=12 24 X 1= 24

4 X 2=8 Method 2 24 X 1 =24
8 X 3= 24

4 +2 = 6 Method 3 6 X 4 = 24
3 + 1= 4



Congratulations to Conall Bradley (Year 9A), Ben
CongratuKlaetiaonrsn teoy Co(Ynaella Brra9dBley), (RYro 9rAy), MBecnG Keoanrniegyl e(Yr( Y9Be)a, Rro8ryA M) caGnodnigle (Yr 8A) and
CToounronra DmoCewnontsen.y o T(YrhraD 8nBkos) wwalhsnooe twyoo t(nhY eteh Yaeeirar rr8 e1sB1p )peucwtpihvileso wfinwhaool sa nisns ittshhteeed Yi wreairtreh 8 st &hpe 9e o Gcffaticimviaeet i2n4g .
finals in the Year 8 and 9 Game 24 Tournaments.

Thanks also to the Year 11 pupils who assisted with

the officiating. Year 8 Heats.

Year 11 challenge game.

Year 9 Winners.

Year 9 Heats. Year 11 Helpers.

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Moving Image Arts

GCSE - Caolan McGovern.

GCSE

GCSE - Lauren Coyle.

GCSE - Imogen McSwiggan. GCSE - Imogen McSwiggan.
104 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

Moving Image Arts

A Level - Pascal Deery. A Level - Conor Barton.

A Level

A Level - DJ McKendry. A Level - Pascal Deery.

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Music

Christmas Carol Service

Carol Service Full Choir.

Both the Senior and Junior Choirs provided music for the Carol service in St. Mary’s Chapel, Maghera. The
beautiful music set the tone for the Christmas period.

Carol Service Year 14.

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Music

BODYGUARD TRIP

Pupils from the Performing Arts and Music departments thoroughly enjoyed their trip to see the
Bodyguard in the Opera House, Belfast. The pupils were even more excited when they got to meet
some of the cast after the show.

Leavers' Mass

As another year passes, we say goodbye to choir members and instrumentalists. We thank you for your
hard work and dedication to the music department and wish you every success in the future.

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Performing Arts

Beauty &
The Beast

The College showcased a production
of Disney’s, Beauty and the Beast, from
Wednesday 28th November until Saturday
1st December. The College welcomed
thousands of visitors over the duration
of the four shows and they were only
too pleased to 'be our guest'. What a
spectacular display of talent, as cutlery, tea
cups, talking candlesticks, feather dusters
and all sorts of furniture graced the stage.
The College is immensely proud of all the
young people involved who possessed
(in abundance), all the qualities that are
needed to make an unforgettable Disney
extravaganza.

The love story unravelled in the enchanted
castle and the colourful costumes set the
perfect ambience for young and old. Belle,
after rejecting Gaston (many times), finally
got her prince as he transformed in a cloud
of smoke from a hideous beast into a

perfect gentleman.

In true Disney style, the big
numbers belted from the cast,
supported by an incredible
orchestra and beautiful
harmonies. ‘Be our Guest,’ ‘A
Change in Me’, and ‘Human
Again’, brought the audiences
to tears time and time again as
the curtain opened and closed.

Beauty and the Beast will
remain a tale as old as time,
with pupils and teachers of the
College, who have made lifelong friendships
and truly unforgettable memories.

To our College Principal, Mrs Mussen, thank
you for your continued encouragement and
support. To our very generous sponsors and
volunteers who went above the call of duty,
we thank you sincerely for your generosity.
To our fantastic and supportive audiences,
we are eternally grateful for your cheer
and compliments. It really was a beast of a
show!

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Performing Arts

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RE

Pope John Paul II Award Ambassadors

“During the Pope John Paul II Award, “My Name is Caitlin Talbot, and I am
I was chosen by my College to a current Year 13 Pope John Paul II
serve as one of the two Diocesan Ambassador. I decided to become
Ambassadors for a two-year period. involved with the Pope John Paul group
There are hundreds of young people as I had seen and heard such great
each year that play a role in church reports on the experiences that come
and faith-based activities. along with the Award. The Award is very
prestigious as it can distinguish you from
All ambassadors are invited, through others in circumstances such as applying
the Diocesan Youth Commission, to for jobs or completing UCAS forms.
meet with Bishop Donal McKeown Not only can the Award further your
three times per year (once each understanding about Pope John Paul’s
term) to share views on faith matters work, it gives you an insight into the
and topical issues with the Church. community that you live in. It also makes
This will help to inform youth ministry you realise how there are so many
policies and strategies in the less fortunate families living within the
diocese.” community that perhaps I wouldn’t have
realised prior to the award.
Ryan O’Kane, Year 13
Through the work of the St. Vincent de Paul appeal, we, as Year 13 students,
helped in raising £1950 pounds whilst also donating 70 hampers to those in
need at Christmas.

I enjoyed partaking in this activity as it was rewarding knowing that you were
making Christmas better for other people. It also makes you overwhelmed with
all that we have. I have developed a sense of gratitude and know not to take
things for granted. I enjoy the Award for the social aspect as I love to engage
and get to know others in the community. At Christmas, the College hosted its
annual Tea party for the elderly.

This is a day when the College provides entertainment such as singing and
dancing. I loved being a part of this as it brought everyone out of their comfort
zones and seeing them enjoying their day was such a rewarding experience.

It is a great opportunity for young people of my generation to get involved in
their parish and community.”

Caitlin Talbot Year 13

The Papal Cross Award

“I am completing the Papal Cross Award as I achieved a Gold Award in my Pope
John Paul Award in Lower Sixth. I found the Pope John Paul Award very rewarding.
It gave me opportunities to become more involved in my Parish and community. The
Papal Cross Award is enabling me to continue my volunteering by reading at Mass,
volunteering at SPRED and in my Parish activities. This is developing my confidence
and skills such as communication and team work.

After having received my Gold Award and listened to the presentation about Pope
John Paul II, I feel more inspired to strengthen my faith and commit to giving my time to
support those in need in my community.”

Michaela Mc Kenna, Year 14

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RE

Pope John Paul II Award ceremony

Year 14 pupils who were presented with their Pope John Paul Award in the Millennium Forum, Derry.

Raising funds for Trocaire

This year the staff and pupils in the college raised a grand total of £2687.80 for Trocaire.
This was raised through sponsored fasts, a daily spare change collection and staff break.

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Science

AS Biology – Benone Field Trip

As part of their AS Biology course, students visited Benone Beach in April and studied plant succession along the sand dunes.
Using belt transects and keys they were able to identify the different species of plants that occur there, one or two ‘unusual’
species were also identified! They were able to collate the data, and create an overall picture of the patterns of distribution of
the variety of plant species present. It was a great opportunity for the pupils to experience real fieldwork.

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Science

Halloween Spooktacular

Science 2018

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The Patrician 2019

SPORT

114 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera

The Patrician 2019

IN OUR
SCHOOL

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Sport

St. Patrick’s Ballarat visit

Ballarat presentation to Mr P. Hughes and Mr S. M Lockhart. The three years since the Spring of 2016 seemed to
have melted away as the tri-annual visit of Australian
school St Patrick’s Ballarat was again part of the College
sporting schedule in 2019. Ballarat complete an Ireland
and European tour on a three year rota and the early
part of the tour sees the Australian school visit Dublin,
Cork, Galway and Derry where they are entertained by
the College. Having played and trained at venues in
both Dublin and Cork the tour group again stopped off in
Maghera for their final sporting experiences on the island.
The group had a very enjoyable basketball session in the
Sports Hall on the Wednesday evening and also had time
to view the College’s ‘Australian corner’ which houses
a framed Ballarat jersey presented by Mr Howard Clark
in 2016. On the Thursday morning the team then had an
excellent festival of sport at the Watty Graham’s complex,
our thanks to the club for this. The full group of over 80
boys from the two schools took part in games played
under some of the rules of both codes - Gaelic Football
and Australian Rules Football, all excellently ‘umpired’
by ‘veteran’ Ireland Compromise star, Mr Lockhart. The
Ballarat boys showed some excellent skills in the Gaelic
Football but really came alive when the oval ‘footie’ was
introduced. The game was played in excellent spirit
with the sporting ability, sportsmanship and general
presentation of the Ballarat boys a tribute to the ethos of
their school. Presentations were also made by Ballarat

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Sport

Head Coach, Mr Gavin Webb, of 2019 Tour gear to Mr
Hughes and Mr Lockhart which will be added to the
‘Australian Corner’ to commemorate the 2019 visit.

Highlight of the day was the announcement by Ballarat
of the names of the two lucky College students who will
have an all expenses paid, 18 day trip to Ballarat in the
Spring of 2020 - an amazing offer by the school and we
offer our thanks to St Patrick’s Ballarat for this opportunity.
The lucky boys chosen were Eoghan MacOscar and
Ethan Doherty and part of their stay in Ballarat will include
a team bonding trip with the Senior Football squad to the
Northern Territory, one of the most eagerly anticipated
team trips in the Ballarat school sport itinerary. An
incredible journey and some incredible experiences
certainly await the two lucky boys.

As ever, it was a delight to welcome the full Ballarat party,
and we look forward also to their return in 2022.

Eoghan MacOscar and Ethan Doherty will travel for a 2 week all
expenses paid trip to Ballarat in Spring 2020.

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Sport

Ulster Schools’ All-Star Awards

The Danske Bank/Ulster Schools' GAA, All-Star Banquet All Stars 2019 - Ceat McEldowney, Camogie and Fintan
was held again this year in the Europa Hotel Belfast and Bradely, Hurling pictured with Mrs B Mussen.
the College had two pupils receiving awards on the
night. Peter McCullagh, Slaughtneil, was presented with a Fintan Bradley and Peter McCullagh pictured at the Ulster
framed jersey to mark his selection as Hurler of the Month Schools' All Star Banquet with Head of PE and Sport, Paul
in December - this was a newly introduced award this Hughes
school year and was sponsored by The Irish News. Peter's
award was a result of some excellent performances in the
Leonard Cup competition during the month.

Also attending was Fintan Bradley, Lavey, who was
selected for the prestigious Danske Bank/Ulster Schools'
All Star Hurling team for 2019. Fintan was an outstanding
performer for the College in the Mageean and Buggy
Cup competitions during the school year and was also
among the top scorers in the Senior Hurling ranks in the
school year. Both boys were very deserving winners of
their awards and will no doubt hope to continue their good
for with the caman and sliothar in to their respective club
seasons. The boys were accompanied on the night by
parents and family members and by Head of PE and Sport,
and coach to the two teams, Paul Hughes. Congratulations
to Fintan and Peter and congratulations also to Danske
Bank/Ulster Schools' for a tremendous event in celebration
of the role and significance of school sport for so many
pupils across the province.

There was also success on the Camogie front with College
pupil, Ceat McEldowney being awarded a Camogie
College's All Star Award. This rounded off a fantastic year
for Ceat as she had already achieved Senior All-Ireland
success with her Club, Slaughtneil. Well done Ceat, a
fantastic ambassador for the School.

Fintan Bradley, Lavey, collected his Peter McCullagh attended the Ulster Camogie All Star, Ceat McEldowney
Hurling All Star Award at the Ulster Schools' All-Star Banquet as Hurler of with Mrs B Mussen, Principal.
Schools' All-Star Banquet. the Month for December.

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Sport

Primary Schools’ Castle Cup - Football

St Brigid's, Mayogall - Castle Cup Champions. St Brigid's, Mayogall captains.

The College hosted a very successful running of their annual
Castle Cup Festival of football for the Primary schools of the
county in the Summer term. Played at the spectacular Watty
Grahams grounds and with 33 teams from approximately 24
different schools represented on the day, it really was a festival
of Gaelic Football. The weather threatened rain but couldn’t
dampen the enthusiasm of the swarms of pupils all over the
seven mini-pitches laid out at the Glen complex.

Three different sections were available to cater for all the
schools who took part with some schools having more than one
team to follow on the day. Early morning games were played
across group stages in the battle for the elusive knock-out spots
when the real championship fervour came to the fore. Of course,
being championship there were winners and losers, cheers and
tears in the respective finals but all the teams can be very proud
of how well they represented their schools on the day.

Congratulations to the winners of the respective finals,
commiserations to the gallant runners-up but a huge thank-you
from the College to all those schools who supported the event.
The College would like to pay particular thanks to the County

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Sport

St Mary's, Gortnaghey - Junior Shield Champions. St Mary's, Gortnaghey captain with Mr
P Hughes.
GAA Development Officers who were excellent
referees on the day, assisted of course by the St Canice's, Feeny - Junior Shield runners-up.
College’s own young whistlers from Year 11 who
performed very well also.

Most importantly though, a special thanks to Watty
Grahams, Glen for yet again supporting the event
with the provision of their tremendous club facilities.

Winners and runners-up on the day:

• Ulster Bank Cup Final:
St. Brigid’s, Mayogall defeated St Patrick’s and St.
Joseph’s, Tirkeeran
• Football Shield Final:
St. Eoghan’s, Moneyneena defeated St. Columba’s,
Ballerin
• Junior Shield Final:
St. Mary’s, Gortnaghey defeated St. Canice’s,
Feeney

St Patrick's St Joseph's, Tirkeeran - Cup runners-up. St John's, Swatragh.
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Sport

St Eoghan’s, Moneyneena - Football Shield Champions.

St Columba's, Ballerin - Football Shield runners-up. St Eoghan’s, Moneyneena Captain
with Mr P Hughes.

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Sport

Castle Cup - Hurling & Camogie Blitz

St Brigid's, Mayogall - Senior Headmaster's Cup Champions. Mr S M Lockhart presents the Headmaster's Cup to Mayogall.

The College followed up our Primary Schools’ Castle
Cup Football day with another very successful running
of our annual event but aimed at the Camogs and
Hurlers in the Primary schools of the county. A record
39 teams from approximately 20 different schools were
represented on the day, a fantastic tribute to the work
done at Primary Schools’ level by the teachers for the
promotion of Gaelic Games. And with the huge number
of Primary School teams in attendance the seven mini-
pitches, (laid out at the Watty Graham’s, Glen complex),
were in action throughout the day. The availability of the
local Development Officers also helped keep the games
moving while Year 11 pupils from St Patrick’s also gained
some insight to the other side of the whistle as they too
helped officiate on the day.

Two different sections were available in each code to
cater for all the schools who took part and games were
played across group stages in the battle for the much
sought after knock-out spots. The standard of play and
the enthusiasm of the pupils, and teachers ensured a
tremendous atmosphere throughout the day, with game
of the day perhaps being the Senior Hurling final where
St Brigid’s Mayogall edged a very hard fought victory

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Sport

over St Patrick’s Glen to win the Headmaster’s Cup – and • Headmaster’s Shield (B)
complete a Castle Cup ‘double’ after their footballers also St Columba’s, Ballerin beat St John’s, Swatragh B
triumphed in the senior football a week earlier. A new
name appeared on the Headmaster’s Shield when an
impressive St Columba’s Ballerin edged past St John’s
Swatragh B in their final although the St John’s girls lifted
school spirits with a tremendous one point victory over
Anahorish PS in the senior Camogie Shield competition –
the game was certainly one of the highlights of a very busy
day. The trend of close fought games and new names on
the trophies continued in the Camogie B Cup when St
John’s Dernaflaw and St John Bosco Ballynease contested
the final and finished again with only one point between
the teams – the Dernaflaw girls delighted to land their first
Camogie silverware.

Congratulations to the winners of the respective finals,
commiserations to the gallant runners-up but a huge
thank-you to all those schools who supported the event.
We would like to pay particular thanks to the County GAA
Development Officers who were excellent referees on
the day, assisted of course by the College’s own young
whistlers from Year 11 who performed very well also.

Most importantly though, a special thanks to Watty
Grahams, Glen for yet again supporting the event with the
provision of their tremendous club facilities.

Winners and runners-up on the day:

• Camogie Shield (A)
St John’s, Swatragh beat Anahorish PS
• Camogie Cup (B)
St John’s, Dernaflaw beat St John Bosco, Ballynease
• Headmaster’s Cup (A)
St Brigid’s, Mayogall beat St Patrick’s, Glen

St John’s, Dernaflaw were Camogie Cup B Champions. Mrs C Scott presents the Camogie B Cup to St
John’s, Dernaflaw.

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Sport

St John's, Swatragh, Camogie Shield A Champions.

St Columba’s, Ballerin were Headmaster's Shield B Champions.
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Sport

Senior Camogie

BR: Emer Coyle, Laura Scullion, Lia Kelly, Chloe Bradley, Brianna Kelly, Maria Mulholland, Grace Diamond, Niamh McCullagh,
Bronagh McCullagh, Hannah McMullan
MR: Miss N. Donnelly, Ciara Convery, Bronagh Gallagher, Carla Farren, Rachel McCusker, Éadaoin Donnelly, Philippa Hasson,
Niamh Gribben, Céat McEldowney, Sinead McGill, Shauna Creamer, Mrs C. Kelly
FR: Eilis Toner, Cliona Convery, Maria Rafferty (Captain), Mairead Comer, Caitlin McWilliams, Aisling Porter
Missing: Eimear McEldowney, Clare Gunning, Chloe Mullan, Ellen Kelly, Aoibheann Molloy, Emily McClenaghan, Erin McCool.

The Senior Camogie team was a brilliant group of girls who worked
straight out of the blocks at the end of hard, showed fantastic ability and
September. They found themselves always worked as a team on and off
in the group stages with Cross and the pitch.
Passion Ballycastle, St. Catherine’s
Armagh, St. Louis Ballymena and St.
Mary’s Magherfelt.

These where a tough few matches
for the girls but they showed great
commitment and determination to
come out on top with 3 wins out of 4.
This placed them in the semi-final of
the Ulster Championship against old
rivals St. Louis Ballymena. This was a
hard fought game, with both teams
pushing hard for scores and the work
rate and determination showing what
it meant to get into the Ulster Final.

However, despite the brave battling
of our girls they came up just 2
points short, a disappointing end to a
fantastic season. This was and still is

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Sport

U14 Camogie Team

BR (L-R) – Ellie Hendry, Cliodhna McElhinney, Annie Madden, Ailis McWilliams, Clare McMullan, Aine McCullagh, Lucy Kelly, Cara
McCloskey, Mairead McIlvar, Carla Collins, Eavanne Martin, Michaela Doherty, Leah McPeake, Sinead Mellon, Gracie McLaughlin.
FR (L-R) – Caoimhe Kearney, Blathnaid McLaughlin, Caoimhe McCloskey, Abi McNeill (Capt.), Eavan Convery, Saorla Mac Giolla
Fhiondain, Orlaith Hull, Mary Murray, Eimear Doherty, Nicole Cassidy, Aimee Strathern, Briege Convery, Maria Hughes, Cliodhna
Kearney

The U14 Camogie trials took place in February with over 50 The Final was played at Cargin and was a tremendous
girls trying out. From the off set, the talent of the girls shone advert for underage Schools’ Camogie. Two very
through and this made the final decision for the panel, a committed and talented teams played out an excellent
difficult one. The girls found themselves in a group with game with scores, and the lead, ebbing and flowing
Cross and Passion Ballycastle and St. Patrick’s Keady. The throughout the game. St Louis, Ballymena held an early
girls found their feet early on in both these games and ran lead but were reeled back in by St Patrick’s. Our girls rallied
out convincing winners with each player playing their part. superbly and actually held an impressive lead for a short
The girls where first in their group and so this left them in period in the second half – the water break on a very warm
a semi-final with St. Mary’s Magherafelt. Both teams were day perhaps coming at the wrong time. St Louis rallied
very familiar with each other and this made for an exciting again after the break and snatched back the lead which
game. The St. Patrick’s girls had a tough battle on their they managed to maintain and squeeze through to the
hands and had to show work rate and determination to Ulster title by a single point. Our girls can be proud of the
eventually run out winners on a score line of 6-3 to 2-2. effort and resilience which they brought to the game and
Now, the Ulster Final awaited the team against St. Louis their skills and ambition to win again as Juniors will be the
Ballymena. next challenge for them..

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Junior Camogie Team

BR: Katie McMullan, Emma Collins, Doireann Donnelly, Annie Madden, Molly McKeagney, Alicia Convery, Roisin Convery,
Heather O'Hagan, Mary Ní Lochlainn, Caoimhe Glass, Miss Quigg.
MR: Mrs Lavery, Holly Convery, Anna Rafferty, Sinead McGuigan, Emma Curry, Katie Doherty, Dearbhla McGuckin,
Carla McEldowney, Cora McEldowney, Katie Diamond, Sinead Gallagher.
FR: Maeve McStocker, Leah Lennon, Aimee Lennon, Tiarna Niamh Mullan, Mary Kate McCloskey, Eavanne Martin,
Clodagh McAleese.

U16 7-a-side Team

BR (L-R) - Mrs C Kelly, Alicia Gillen, Doireann Donnelly, Emma Collins, Annie Madden, Clara Ferris, Carla McEldowney, Miss N
Donnelly.
FR (L-R) - Katie McMullan, Leah Lennon, Aimee Lennon, Eavan Martin, Clodagh McAleese

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Sport

Year 8 Camogie Champions 2018

The winning team.

Eimear Doherty, captain of the team pictured
The Year 8 Camogie team were awarded a Civic Reception for their success. along with Mrs. B Mussen, Principal.
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Sport

Anne Quinn with her niece Niamh Quinn and the St Patrick's had 5 Camogie All-Stars in 2005.
Corn Uan Uladh trophy.

Leaving the Line

Former Senior Camogie Coach, Mrs Anne Quinn will The 2003 Captain, Ceara Cushnahan, and coaches.
leave the College at the end of this school year and 1998 - first Senior winning team.
will bring to a close a career steeped in after school
camogie involvement which runs over many, many
years and equally as many successes. As a pupil Anne
was heavily involved in what was a ‘growth sport’ during
her time in St Patrick’s. Amalgamation between the
St. Mary’s Girls School, (St Mary Building) and the St
Patrick’s Boys school had only happened in 1978 and
Camogie was only beginning to find its feet in those
times of change. Anne, however, was at the forefront of
the change and in 1980 was appointed Senior Camogie
Captain for the school year – ‘won a few games but
no cups’, as she would say herself. That early tutelage
under the watchful eye of Camogie pioneer, Miss Ann
Kelly, would be a significant benefit to Anne in many
ways when she returned to the College as a teacher in
1985 – and of course immediately became involved with
underage Camogie teams, ‘I wanted to give something
back’, was Anne’s view.

Ann and Anne would work together in the early
part of the ex-pupil’s teaching career and again that
desire to grow and expand Camogie was an ever
present, culminating with an All-Ireland A Final in 1994,
unfortunately losing to St Mary’s Neagh. Anne would
win Corn Uan Uladh on her own in 1997 – (‘My face
was sore from smiling – just so delighted’), and then
joined with Miss Catriona Higgins to embark on what

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Sport

Senior Camogie Trip to New York. 2016 Corn Uan Uladh Champions - Anne's last winning team.
130 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera
would become a dynasty of success and big days out on
both the provincial and national stages with the Senior
Camógs of St Patrick’s Maghera. Senior Finals were won
and lost, (4-in-a-row from 2002-2005 and again from
2010-2013), at Provincial and All-Ireland levels, but Anne’s
straight talking, no-nonsense approach always saw the
pragmatic side of the game while excuses were neither
given nor sought – the game ended with the final whistle.

Anne was the epitome of what a St Patrick’s coach
should be – fiercely committed to her sport and her
teams, competitive in every game played, demanding
of standards from her players but always child centred
and looking out for the best for the pupils, (two New
York trips offering huge life opportunities to the girls),
always magnanimous in victory and in defeat and always
a St Patrick’s person first and foremost. Her record in
Senior Camogie over the years is exceptional and her
straightforward, no nonsense approach invaluable, and
in an ever changing era of school sport the likes of Anne
and her dedication to the cause will be sorely missed and
so hard to replace.

A huge thank you from all involved in sport in the College
to Anne for her exceptional service to Camogie and her
enduring promotion of the ethos of Sport in St Patrick’s,
and of course a very happy and restful retirement.

Sport

Anne Quinn’s record in Senior College Camogie – Corn Uan Uladh

1994 Champions – A Kelly/A Quinn St. Patrick's, Maghera 1-2; St. Mary's, Magherafelt 0-3 All-Ireland A Runners-up
1998 Champions – A Quinn
2000 Runners up – C Scott/A Quinn St. Patrick's, Maghera 1-10; St. Mary's, Magherafelt 2-6
2001 Runners up – C Scott/A Quinn
2002 Champions – C Scott/A Quinn St Mary's, Magherafelt 3-0; St. Patrick's, Maghera 1-2
2003 Champions – C Scott/A Quinn
2004 Champions – C Scott/A Quinn St Mary's, Magherafelt 2-4; St. Patrick's, Maghera 1-3
2005 Champions – C Scott/A Quinn
2010 Champions – C Scott/A Quinn St. Patrick's, Maghera (0-7) 1-7; St. Mary's, Magherafelt (1-4) 1-4
2011 Champions – C Scott/A Quinn
2012 Champions – C Scott/A Quinn St. Patrick's, Maghera 2-4; St. Mary's, Magherafelt 2-2 All-Ireland A Runners-up
2013 Champions – C Scott/A Quinn
2014 Runners up – C Scott/A Quinn St. Patrick’s Maghera 2-8; St. Mary’s Magherafelt 0-2
2015 Runners up – C Scott/A Quinn
2016 Champions – C Scott/A Quinn St. Patrick’s Maghera 1-6; St. Mary’s Magherafelt 0-4
2017 Runners up – C Scott/A Quinn
St Patrick’s Maghera 5-3; Cross & Passion College Ballycastle 1-7

St Patrick’s Maghera 3-6; Cross & Passion Ballycastle 2-5 All-Ireland A Runners-up

St Patrick’s Maghera 1-8; St Mary’s Magherafelt 0-1

St Patrick’s Maghera 3-13; Cross and Passion Ballycastle 1-3

St Mary’s Magherafelt 2-9; St Patrick’s Maghera 2-6

St Mary’s, Magherafelt 0-11; St Patrick’s Maghera 1-5

St Patrick’s Maghera 3-7; St Mary’s, Magherafelt 1-6

Cross & Passion Ballycastle (1-9) 2-8; St Patrick’s Maghera (1-9) 1-4

Senior Camogie Trip to New York.

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Mageean and Buggy Cup 2018/19

BR: Daniel McCartney, Daithi McGuigan, Cathan O’Neill, Peter McCormick, Barry Walsh, Cathal O’Kane,
Neil O’Kane, PJ McAleese, Enda Downey
MR: Mr P Hughes, Owen Grant, Mark McEldowney, JP McGuigan, Daniel Glass, Cahan McElhinney, Ryan McPeake,
Eoghan MacOscar, Fergal McGahan, Ryan McGill, Mr R O’Donnell
FR: Oran Downey, Dara Simpson, Michael McCormack, V-Capt, Tiarnan McHugh, Mrs B Mussen, Principal, Capt,
Fintan Bradley, V-Capt, John Mellon, Shea Cassidy. MISSING: Seamus McKenna

“The journey of an underdog”. Oran Downey bearers for the group in terms of hurling skills, attitude and
motivation to give the Mageean Cup another rattle.
Senior Hurling had finished the previous season with the
bitterness of a ridiculous refereeing mistake costing the Did they manage it …. did they what!!!
team an All-Ireland title, yet the coming of the new school
season saw a number of boys from that squad immediately The Saffron Gael opened their report of the Mageean semi-
put their hands up to ‘get back on the horse’ and get stuck final between St Patrick’s and St Louis, Ballymena thus,
in to the Mageean Cup competition again. Unlike last year’s
squad this group did not have the history of winning titles “The Ballymena school were hotly tipped going into
nor indeed even contesting finals but they quickly identified the game but they could not match St Pat’s power and
themselves as being prepared to adopt the same mantra of aggression ……. it was Maghera’s intensity, aggression and
their predecessors – ‘no excuses’. A huge plus for the group physical presence under the dropping ball that was the
was the return to school of Tiarnan McHugh who would main feature of this game…..”
become an excellent Mageean Cup captain and a figure in
the group which others could relate to and feel stronger as Days like those though do not just pop up off a menu of
a team, because of Tiarnan’s rampaging, driving desire to dreams, days like those are earned by working through
have a go at any challenge presented. Michael McCormick challenges, taking knock backs and having a desire to keep
and Fintan Bradley also returned from the Buggy runners-up coming back when others are telling you to forget about it
team and, with Tiarnan, these three became the standard or that you aren’t good enough. The boys had experienced
plenty of that in the early rounds as the usual issues of fitting
school fixtures around the closing of club seasons meant

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Cormac O'Doherty session with team. Oran Downey.
Barry Walsh.
those opening few games were played with less than a
full strength team. However those same games did show
a fighting spirit and pride in playing for St Patrick’s which
suggested that, given a full strength team, these boys would
be keen to answer their critics. And the quarter-final game
against old adversaries, St Mary’s Belfast, was the perfect
time to put those characteristics to the test.

Fintan Bradley had his first experience of Ulster Schools
Hurling against the same opposition a year earlier and had
found it a very intense atmosphere and difficult to thrive in
– a year on, and the same Fintan Bradley owned this game.
The Lavey man fired 13 frees, bagged a crucial second half
goal and was, in general play, one of the real ‘go to players’
for the team. (Fintan also earned an Ulster Schools’ Hurling
All-Star Award later in the season). Despite being down
by four points at half time the team produced an excellent
second half of real intensity, in the face of which the city
boys wilted and just could not handle the work-rate, intensity
and discipline, (epitomised by the performance of Oran
Downey at wing half back), which St Patrick’s were prepared
to bring to their play. That four point deficit became a five
point victory and a semi-final against the hotly fancied
St Louis Ballymena who had come through three games
unbeaten and topped their league group.

As referenced above, The Saffron Gael, and anyone else
watching, could have no doubts about who deserved to win
this game. Some restructuring of the team from the Belfast
game brought a full complement of players who would
buy in to the lead given by McHugh, Bradley, McCormick,
Downey, MacOscar, McAleese, Simpson, Mellon, McKenna

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and Walsh in terms of passion, pride, drive and desire to Tiarnan McHugh
be in a Mageean Cup final. But hang on, that list had TEN
players prepared to work harder than any Ballymena player final. Combining the dual players and managing all the
– some start on a team! - and no surprise that McPeake, commitments would again be an issue with preparations
McGill, Cassidy, McGuigan and Glass would follow such a
strong core on the team. An eight point defeat was almost
flattering for St Louis and St Patrick’s had most definitely
earned their back-to-back Mageean Cup final appearances.

Ballycastle felt it was ‘their year to win Mageean’ but the
An Dún combination fired over 24 points to douse the
Ballycastle dream with a ten point beating and set up a
repeat of the previous year’s final. A poor opening ten
minutes from St Patrick’s meant some chasing of the game
was needed in the second quarter but the Maghera boys
were not found wanting, to the extent that only a point
separated the teams at the break. An Dún adopted a
much more defensive approach to counter the threat of
Big Tiarnan for the second half and this, inadvertently, led
to the winning of the game. As they retreated so Maghera
advanced but An Dún were now able to exploit the spaces
in the Maghera defence and two goals in sixty seconds
at the midway point of the half effectively condemned St
Patrick’s to the heartbreak of defeat – three avoidable
goals having eventually broken the resistance of a seriously
committed bunch of players who had hurled themselves to
a standstill and lost no pride in defeat.

BUGGY CUP

With the ten school combination of An Dún unable
to progress beyond provincial level, St Patrick’s were
again charged with advancing to the Buggy Cup semi-

SVDP money raised at Christmas
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but wasn’t going to let the boys escape the ‘Christmas The Mageean Final Programme cover
Challenge’. No singing this time round but the group Fintan Bradley.
committed to raising money for school charity St Vincent
de Paul – a Buggy ‘run’ and penalty challenge helping the
group contribute an excellent £200 to the local branch of
the charity, congratulations to the boys on their generosity.
Post-Christmas it was back to the core group maintaining
their own stick work, although some trimming of the panel
had also weeded out those less than committed souls.
Cormac O’Doherty, one of the College’s most decorated
players, had an excellent session in the Sports Hall and
plans continued through to include an overnight training
camp which included games against Antrim U17 and St
Benildus, Dublin. These games did highlight the need to
sharpen the touch and up the intensity of our hurling but
when Waterford star, Darragh Fives, spoke to the group in
Dublin and highlighted the need for attitude to be above all
other requirements for the team he was already ‘preaching
to the converted’ as attitude was one thing this group had
already shown they could bring buckets of.

Space for collective training was still limited but the boys
could always be relied on to give 100% when they were
together. One of those sessions was a floodlit game in
Swatragh against the Antrim U17 team who had rolled
us over quite easily at the time of the overnight trip. This
showing however brought all that was good about the team
as a tremendously committed and spirited performance
had the County squad well on the back foot. It was also
an excellent forerunner to the Buggy semi-final game
where the team would face St Raphael’s Loughrea,
the Connaught champions. Played at the outstanding
Abbottstown Centre of Excellence this was a day when St
Patrick’s met the champions elect and while information on
them had been very limited beforehand the Galway men
had made good use of the live showing of the Mageean
Final on Facebook. Their plans for Big Tiarnan were well
set and their movement and stick work around the middle
gave us trouble throughout the hour. Still it again took the
concession of two soft goals to break the resolve of our
group, and even then the response in the final quarter was
excellent as the gap was closed to five points. Unfortunately
the extra scoring power of St Raphael’s would see them
close out the game as they progressed to what would be a
winning Buggy Cup final appearance.

A tremendous effort from the group throughout the season
and they can be very proud of their commitment t hurling
and commitment to the College during the past two years. A
number of the boys have earned the chance to play in two
Mageean Cup finals and represent the College in the Buggy
Cup in successive years – they have much to be proud of,
and we wish them well for their future Hurling careers.

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Forrester's Cup

BR: James Friel, Oisin Madden, Shea Cassidy, Eoghan Darragh, Cainan Rogers, Matthew Downey, Oisin McCorry.
MR: Lorcan Mac Giolla Fhiondain, Cahal Murray, Mark Mc Eldowney, James Brunton, Ryan Henry, Luke Mullan, Joseph McGurk,
Dara O'Kane
FR: Cathan McElhinney, Shea Patrick Scullion, Jody McDermott, Mrs B Mussen, Principal, Jamie Duggan, Peter McCullagh, Paudie
McLaughlin.

The Year 12 hurlers were placed in a group of four for in for a draw against the run of play. The replay though
their post-Christmas fixtures and opened with a very was again a very convincing effort from our team and we
convincing performance and win over OLSP, Knock in made no mistake in holding out for a deserved win and
what was an excellent start to the competition. The win a semi-final against St Killian’s, Garron Tower. This was a
was secured despite not being at full strength with a difficult game and St Killian’s, Garron Tower dominated
number of players unavailable for a number of reasons. in terms of possession and held St Patrick’s scoreless
However, the team did continue to work hard ahead of from open play, yet five minutes from time they still held
their next fixture against Divis Schools, but then had all only a tenuous two points lead. Maghera then had a red
plans disturbed when the Belfast combination pulled card and Garron Tower’s grabbed their first point in 22
out of the competition. It left our boys due to play pre- minutes. Pádraig McKillop provided the insurance point
tournament favourite Cross and Passion, Ballycastle from a free and right at the death sub Daire Mort finished
and again with a less than full strength team and other the game on a high with his side’s goal. The boys will
factors against the group the North Antrim boys chalked know that they need more work on their skills and
up an easy win. This put us in to a quarter final with St scoring power in particular and must also ensure they
Louis, Ballymena and with a stronger group available this get all available players committing to the group if they
was a much better game. We maybe should have won are to be competitive again in the years ahead.
the game easily but late scores allowed Ballymena get

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Leonard Cup

BR: PJ McVeigh, Jack Dunne, Aimon Duffin, Ryan McElhinney, Eoin Scullion, Adam McLaughlin, Patrick Brown, Ryan Doherty
MR: Mr P Hughes, Dara McGurk, Eamon Cassidy, Cormac Mullan, Shea McKenna, Thomas McKeagney, Patrick Reid, Eoin Hassan,
Conor Murray, Conor Murtagh.
FR: Dara Pickering, Callum O’Kane, James Friel, Raymond Dillon, Mrs B Mussen, Principal, Peter McCullagh, Charlie McCloskey,
Dara Mulholland.

The opening stages were again played in a blitz format stop start throughout the game. St Killian’s were actually
with the target of bringing the entrants down to four the sharper team in the opening half and might have had
semi-finalists. A very convincing win over OLSP Knock in more scores on the board. By contrast St Patrick’s were
the first game of the day had St Patrick’s well on course much improved in the second period but still needed the
for the knock-out stage. This was followed by a narrow 3 advantage of the breeze and the seven frees from Peter
point win over St Mary’s in second game – a very evenly McCullagh which made the difference in the end and
contested game, both in general play and on scoreboard. sent the team to their fourth consecutive Ulster Schools
The lack of economy with scoring chances created would Hurling Final.
be something which would eerily come back to haunt the
team in the later stages of the competition. On this day Those three previous finals had seen this group emerge
though the strength around the middle third swung the victorious on all three occasions but records like those
game in our favour. mean little in the cut and thrust of a final. St Mary’s Belfast
had been dispatched in the group stages and in the
With weather hampering preparations the team advanced previous year’s final but on this day they dug in and hung
to the semi-final where they would defeat St Killian’s on to the Maghera coat tails through an early blitz from St
1-10 to 1-01 but again the fluency of hurling, quality of Patrick’s. Belfast’s reward for their persistence came in the
decision making and economy of scoring were all very form of two softly conceded goals which St Patrick’s most

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St Patrick's Blitz Day Leonard Cup team. A tough way to lose a final and, worse still, a four-year
unbeaten record – but St Mary’s showed tremendous
certainly should have defended better. All of a sudden the perseverance throughout the game to steal that late
belief grew in the St Mary’s team while the frustration of victory. St Patrick’s are certainly a good enough team to
giving up easy scores and not taking chances began to come back and win Foresters but those recurring issues
show in an ever more disjointed Maghera performance. of the fluency of hurling, quality of decision making and
economy of scoring are all things that will need to be
The boys did rouse themselves to lead late in the game addressed before they can think of winning another
but were pegged back in the closing moments and forced Hurling title. St Mary’s will certainly be encouraged by
in to extra time. Again St Patrick’s showed the resolve their progress over the years and they, with the other
to lead but St Mary’s would just not go away and in the Antrim schools, will be keen to ensure St Patrick’s do not
closing moments they turned a two point deficit in to a return to the winners’ podium.
one point victory when a carelessly wasted Maghera
possession resulted in a flighted ball in to the penalty
area which somehow nestled in the Maghera net.

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Nigel Quigley Shield Final

The winning team, London. The London winning captain, Cahal McKeague with
Mr S M Lockhart.
The month of May saw the Year 8 hurlers involved in the
Nigel Quigley Shield class Hurling league at the St Mary
Building. Mr R O’Donnell organised players into six teams,
Railway Cup style, and the games were played over lunch
time breaks at the junior school site. All teams had three
games in which to show their skills and competitiveness
and the games produced some excellent contests to
entertain the many spectating classmates.

The standard of play throughout the tournament was
very impressive with a number of excellent and very
competitive games through the league stages and these
led to a Munster v London final with the teams captained
by Cahal McKaigue and Phelim Óg Diamond respectively.

Munster had been very impressive and well organised
throughout the tournament and they made good use of
those same skills in the final as they grabbed an early
lead and by half time they deservedly led by 1-2 to 1-0
with captain McKaigue, Johnny Mullan, Padraig Haran and
Felix Glover all contributing to their team effort. London
though had come back in a tremendous second half of

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their semi-final against a fancied New York team and they
brought the same effort to this period of the final. Diamond
was excellent at the back while Brandon Kelly, Colum Friel
and Ché McCloskey fought tenaciously to fire their team in
to a three point lead.
Unfortunately though for the gallant London a long range
Glover stroke found its way to the London net and the
comeback was on. McKaigue followed up with two points
from play to put his team in control again. London did battle
hard to get those crucial scores but the work of Mullan and
McKaigue alongside the tireless running of Oisin McMullan
kept the Munster goal intact.
That clinched the game for Munster and team captain Cahal
McKaigue collected the Nigel Quigley Shield for his team
from Mr Sean Martin Lockhart to see Munster crowned as
Nigel Quigley Shield champions 2019. Commiserations to a
very spirited London team on an excellent display.

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Wheel Chair Hurling

A number of Year 9 students had the opportunity in the
Spring term to experience the concept of wheelchair
GAA. Year 9 pupil, Cathal McAtamney, is already involved
with the Derry squad in the sport and, with the assistance
of Miss Bronach Quigg, a taster session in both hurling
and football was arranged for a small group of pupils.
Facilitated expertly by Ulster Council Development
Officer, Paul Callaghan, the group were able to work at
mastering the skills of moving the chair as speedily and
nimbly as possible around the College Sports Hall before
progressing to the skills of the games. For all those new
to the sport it was quite a challenge to combine the
movement of the chair while also trying to apply the skills
of the game. With the group progressing quite well, Mr
Callaghan was also able to give the pupils time to try the
football version of the sport. Certainly an eye opening
but very enjoyable experience for those new to the sport
and thanks to Brónach Quigg and to Paul Callaghan for
organising the session.

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Magnificent Maghera power to
Gallagher Cup Victory

St Patrick’s Maghera 7-5; The Ballymena boys came into the game as favourites
St Louis Ballymena 1-8 after a runaway win over CPC in the semi-final but two
early Eamon Cassidy goals, a greater strength throughout
Despite being reigning champions, few would have had St the field and a Maghera rearguard, who were simply
Patrick’s to even be in the running for the Gallagher Cup outstanding, held their opponents scoreless from play
this year but a tremendous effort from the Year 10 Hurlers throughout the game and provided the springboard for a
would eventually see them crowned Ulster Champions in fantastic victory.
their age group. Our boys defied the pre match predictions
for the final as they overran St Louis Ballymena to retain Eamon Cassidy, who had starred in his side’s semi-final
the Gallagher Cup title in impressive fashion. With only four win over St Killian’s, hit the net twice in the opening four
players returning from that previous triumph St Patrick’s minutes and with the breeze at their backs Maghera got
had rebuilt a new group who paid little attention to the off the best possible start. A free from Cassidy and two
form book which suggested that Ballymena and Garron Niall Barton points from play had the Derry men in total
Tower would continue their rivalry at this age group, and control. St Patrick’s refused to relent and Jack Dunne’s
a league stage defeat to Ballymena, admittedly when goal gave Maghera a deserved 3-3 to 0-2 interval lead.
understrength, masked the full character of the team.
St Patrick’s continued to dominate in the second period
Garron Tower, despite being reigning champions in the and ten minutes in a Dunne rocket to the top corner put St
age group, were dispatched in a titanic and very physical Patrick’s well on their way to glory. Captain Eoin Scullion
semi-final which brought the opportunity to avenge that scored a fifth goal and Cassidy completed his hat-trick
league defeat to St Louis. with a fortunate goal when Ballymena failed to clear a high

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Above: Captain Eoin Scullion, Lavey, receives the Gallagher
Cup from Sean McGourty, Ulster Schools.

Left: Mr SM Lockhart, Eoin Scullion, Mrs B Mussen (Principal).

ball from Jack Dunne before full-forward Barton grabbed Danny McDermott; Dara McGurk, Adam McLaughlin,
Maghera’s final goal of the game. Aimon Duffin; Jack McGroarty, Joseph McCullough;
Matthew Mullan, Jack Dunne (2-0), Conall Bradley; Niall
An absolute triumph of proper St Patrick’s spirit, Barton (1-3), Eamon Cassidy (3-2, 1f).
competitiveness and willingness to battle for everything in
the game. The final reflected what the boys had put in to Subs: Ryan McNicholl for C Bradley (56), Conlan O’Kane
the competition and they can certainly say they earned their for J McCullough (56)
Ulster title as this group collected their first Ulster title in their
St Patrick’s sporting careers – regardless of whether it be
Hurling or Football, they have shown they can be regarded
as an excellent St Patrick’s team.

St Patrick’s Gallagher Cup Final Team: Fintan O’Connell;
Tiernan McCormick, Eoin Scullion (1-0), Fionn McEldowney;

Danny McDermott clears against St Louis. Jack McGroarty had an excellent game in midfield.
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MacRory Cup

BR: Sean Kearney, Ethan Doherty, Paudie McLaughlin, Jamie duggan, Pat Shivers, Oisin McErlean, Cathair Glass, Tiernan
McHugh, Ronan Rafferty.
MR: Mr M McConnell, PJ McAleese, Jarlath McWiliams, Oisin McClafferty, Seamus McKenna, Shea Murray, Cathal O’Kane, Barry
Walsh, Ronan McFaul, Aaron McGuckin, Marc Dixon
FR: Thomas Shea Maynes, Fintan Bradley, Lee Brady, James McGurk, Mrs B Mussen(Principal), Conleth McShane (Captain),
Conan Milne, Eunan Mulholland, Oran Downey.

Semi-final Heartache for St Patrick’s Maghera

The Colleges MacRory team fell victim to St Michael’s, it wasn’t always easy to get everyone out at the one time
Enniskillen at the semi-final stage of this year’s competition but all games were competitive and players were given
by a single point on the score line of 0-13 to 2-6 . a chance to shine and gain a starting position. A panel of
Devastation was one word which could be used to over 30 boys was selected and the scene was set for the
describe the scenes inside the Maghera changing rooms commencement of the league against St Patrick’s, Cavan
after the final whistle had sounded and the players had in Armagh.
assembled together.
The Cavan game saw an early injury to Alex Doherty and
With so much hope and expectation inside the Maghera as the game progressed Cavan seemed to be getting an
squad as they had gathered in Loughmacrory three upper hand and we found it hard to find a rhythm to our
hours earlier. What had happened? Missed opportunities, play. As the game entered injury time we found ourselves
underperformance in some areas plus strong Enniskillen two points down but a late surge saw a equalising point
performers all combined to put Maghera out of the from Eunan Mulholland to gain a share of the spoils.
MacRory Cup. Positives were gained from the game including our attitude
to play until the final whistle but we still knew we had to
Trials started in early September and challenge games play better if we were to qualify from the group stages.
arranged against a number of teams including St Ronan’s
Lurgan, Abbey CBS, St Colman’s Newry and St Mary’s, Next up was MacRory new boys, Holy Trinity Cookstown
Magherafelt. With school hurling and club commitments who had made the step up with many of their previous

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year's All Ireland winners available for selection. A win The new MacRory set up would see the McCormack Cup
was essential if we were to have any hopes of finishing semi-finals postponed to January and we were to be
in top place. The game was set in Castledawson on a paired with St Patrick’s Armagh. The team now entered
Sunday afternoon and the large crowd present witnessed the December/January break realising a lot of work had
a much improved Maghera performance. Two goals from to be done on the back pitch and in the gym. Challenge
Alex Doherty and an outstanding display of ball winning games were arranged against St Ronan’s, Lurgan and St
by Fintan Bradley in the full forward line helped Maghera Colman’s, Newry and boys were beginning to step up.
over the line. One of the most pleasing aspects was the A rematch of the All-Ireland semi final of two years ago
level of control which Maghera exerted in the game and against Edenderry of Offaly was arranged in Dromintee
the team showed good composure and attitude in what outside Newry.
was a difficult game.
The McCormick semi final was arrange for Monday
The last game was against St Macartan’s College, 7th January and the opposition would be St Patrick’s,
Monaghan and a win would cement Maghera’s position in Armagh under lights in MUSA. In a game where Maghera
top place and qualification for the quarter final draw after never got going and committed a lot of mistakes which
Christmas. With difficulty in relation to obtaining a venue, highlighted to both the management and the players
Emyvale was eventually obtained. Two goals in the first that more had to be done as preparations for the quarter
half from Daithi McLaughlin and Eunan Mulholland helped final game against St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon
Maghera to a three point lead. Three more goals in the intensified. In the game against Armagh, we had a lot of
second half by Alex Doherty (2) and Conleth McShane possession in the first half but failed to capitalise on it and
helped Maghera to a comfortable victory on a scoreline of the concession of an early penalty didn’t help. Overall,
5-12 to 1-11. Most encouraging was the spread of scorers a disappointing night and the seven point defeat told its
with eight players contributing to the overall scoreline. own story.

MacRory Trip to Mayo

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The MacRory trip was organised and this year the team Coaches with Mayo player Andy Moran.
travelled to Mayo to play a game on the Friday and
Saturday and stay overnight in the Breaffy Hotel. Two great by the antics of the Enniskillen players in the pre-match
games against Summerhill and Claremorris and game time warm up when Maghera players were set upon by a
for the majority of the panel strengthened the bond and number of players form the opposition. The scene was set
focus. A real highlight of the trip was a visit to the hotel by for a classic. An early goal from Alex Doherty after some
Mayo footballer and former player of the year, Andy Moran. quick thinking give Maghera an early boost. The wind
His message was quite simple, hard work and ensuring aided Enniskillen in the first half and they were able to tag
opportunities don’t bypass you. It was great to see the on a number of good scores. Conleth McGuckian, Conleth
MacRory boys talk freely to Andy about his progress as a McShane and Alex Doherty all tagged on points and they
Mayo footballer and no doubt many of these young lads were denied a 22nd minute goal when Enniskillen keeper
will use his motivation to achieve success on the football saved well from Eunan Mullholland. Great defensive
pitch. After a long and intensive two days, a tired MacRory work by Paudie McLaughlin and Oran Downey aided the
panel arrived back in Maghera. There was now only one Maghera cause. As the referee sounded the half time
focus, St Patrick’s, Dungannon in the quarter final. whistle, it was Maghera ahead by a single point 1-5 to 1-6

It was decided to have a friendly on the week before the Enniskillen levelled shortly after the restart but Alex
Dungannon game against the Kildare school, Naas, who Doherty put Maghera ahead again. In the 39th minute
many had tipped for All Ireland success. In actual fact, they Maghera got their second goal with Eunan Mullholland
went on to reach the Hogan final only to lose it. The forst hitting the net. Four points now separated the two sides
half witnessed some of the best football all year with Naas and with the wind at their backs Maghera looked to be in
unable to withstand the surging runs of Eunan Mulholland a strong position but they were to score just once more.
and Conleth McShane. The forward line that day was very
impressive with Alex Doherty, Conleth McGuckin and Enda Enniskillen played some good football as they took the
Downey all to the fore. game to their opponents. Frees from Glynn and Darragh
McBrien closed the gap before substitute Garvan Quigley
The scene was set for the Quarter final game which was made an immediate impact with the equaliser going into
arranged in the Loup under lights. A large crowd gathered the final quarter.
to view the repeat of the Rannafast final of two years ago
hoping for a similar type of game. Maghera lost captain of As the tension grew it was St Michaels who held their
the team, Conleth McShane in the build up to the game nerve with scores from McGlynn and McBrien and while
due to injury but this did not deter the boys. A sharp first Conleth McGuckian had the final say for Maghera it was
half and good confident football which was helped by a Enniskillen who secured their final ticket. The final whistle
goal from Alex Doherty give Maghera a 1-5 to 0-2 lead went with Maghera defeated by a single point 0-13 to 2-6.
at half time. The power and pace of Ethan Doherty was Enniskillen went on to defeat Omagh CBS in the MacRory
hurting Dungannon and the display in defence of the two final and eventually defeated Naas CBS to claim the
Year 12 players, Ronan McFaul and Paudie McLaughlin was Hogan Cup.
a joy to see as they curtailed the dangerous Dungannon
forwards. The second half witnessed a similar pattern with The old terminology, so near but yet so far certainly
Dungannon failing to score for 22 minutes as Maghera was true for the Maghera boys. There was a sense of
kept possession and kicked some fine scores, in particular
from Fintan Bradley. The final whistle sounded with
Maghera winners by 1-10 to 0-4. Overall, a good start to
the knock out phases with players like Oran Downey and
Daithi McLaughlin really stepping up to MacRory standard.

After a busy Saturday which witnessed three MacRory
quarter final games the semi final opponents were drawn
out and it was to be old rivals, St Michael’s Enniskillen in
the semi-final. With two weeks to the game, no stone was
left unturned in the preparation. Everyone involved within
the panel knew what was in front of them and sixty minutes
would decide the fate of both teams. Loughmacrory was
chosen as the venue for the game and as Maghera arrived
that morning, nerves were clearly present. It wasn’t helped

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frustration and disappointment as MacRory Sponsorship
it was clear that Maghera hadnot
played to the potential which The Maghera MacRory football team was presented with training tops by two past
they had in such an important pupils, Kieran and Francis Glackin who represent Glackin M&E. Members of the MacRory
game. Lessons can be learned team alongside the Principal, Mrs B Mussen and team managers, Mr S M Lockhart and
but to be honest we didn’t play Mr M McConnell are included in the picture. On behalf of the College, we would sincerely
anywhere near the level which like to thank Glackin M&E for their fantastic gesture.
is required in big games. A lot of
these young lads will now leave Joe Mallon and Enda McKaigue of Mallon & McKaigue present new jerseys to Mrs B
the College with good memories Mussen and the MacRory Cup management and players.
on the sporting front but the
memories of Loughmacrory
will linger on for a long time.
It is particularly sad to see the
older lads in Upper 6th depart in
defeat when they had aspired to
win a MacRory Cup. The Lower
6th and Year 12 boys will have
another chance next year and
it’s so important that they learn
from these experiences and do
whatever it takes to take the
opportunities which present to
them in sporting and academic
terms.

On behalf of the management
we would like to thank the boys
for their tremendous commitment
and dedication which was
evident from September all the
way to February. Only those
involved directly can understand
how proud we are of them
as individuals and as a team.
Countless hours on the back
pitch and the gym and all with
the common goal of winning a
MacRory Cup. Unfortunately, this
didn’t happen, but we can be
proud of the way in which they
represented their school, families
and their clubs.

The support we received from
the school and the Principal
was essential in terms of food,
buses and cover. Also, a massive
thanks to Ollie Cummings for
overseeing their strength and
conditioning programme since
September. So much expertise
from one individual and we are
lucky to have him on board.

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Rannafast Cup

BR: Shea Scullion, Lachlan Murray, Jack Scullion, Conall Craig, Sean O’Neill, Eunan Quinn, Tiernan Higgins, Charlie Diamond,
Ronan McFaul, Dara O’Kane, Matthew Downey.
MR: Mr M Quinn, Jamie Duggan, Cormac Hasson, Fionnbharr Diamond, Cathan McElhinney, Lee Brady, Cainin Rogers,
Mark McEldowney, Micheal Farren, Liam Downey, Shane McElhinney, Mr D McNicholl.
FR: Lorcan Mac Giolla Fhiondain, Shea Cassidy, Oisin Kelly, Jody McDermott, Mrs B Mussen (Principal), Adam McGonigle,
Peter McCullagh, Calum Downey, Paudie McLaughlin.

This year’s Rannafast campaign began with a comfortable employing a blanket defence for the majority of the game
victory over Omagh CBS in the Mid Ulster Sports Arena, scores were at a premium and a low scoring first half
Cookstown. It was a very encouraging start scoring ensued. In a physical encounter where a Carrickmacross
heavily against a well organised team on a score line of player received a red card the Maghera discipline was
7.19 to 2.7. Defensively the Maghera outfit was resolute, impeccable allowing them to finish the game with a full
with strong performances from Ronan McFaul and complement of players. Maghera again pulled away in
Cormac Hasson, while up front it would be difficult to the last 15 minutes as Carrickmacross started to break
single out one individual, however Matthew Downey was forward to chase the game.
in exceptional form.
Our quarter final opponents Abbey CBS last year’s Brock
Our second outing pitted us against Rannafast favourites Cup champions, came to the game with a clear plan
and eventual winners, St Colman’s Newry, in Derrytresk. to keep the game to a low scoring encounter catching
St. Patrick’s soon found out the height of the competition Maghera on the break. This was evident as the halftime
as St Colmans got off to a flying start, leading by some 8 score was 2 points to 1 in favour of Maghera. Maghera
points at one stage in the game. Maghera responded in held a tentative 4-point lead with 6 minutes to go of
earnest during the third quarter closing the gap to put the normal time when they were caught by a high ball from
game in the balance. The game ebbed and flowed until a dubious free kick, some 40 metres out. In extra time
the end when St Colman’s caught the Maghera defence the game took on a new dimension as players tired and
with a quick counter attack in the final play of the game in the game opened up to some extent. Despite the best
which a goal was scored to seal the victory. efforts of all involved a late goal by Abbey CBS decided
the contest on a scoreline of 2.7 to 0.9. Mr Quinn and Mr
The result positioned the team that they had to beat McNicholl would like to thank the boys for their effort and
Carrickmacross in the final league game to ensure commitment throughout the competition.
qualification out of the group. With Carrickmacross

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Brock Cup 2019

BR: Conall Craig, Ryan McElhinney, Eoin Scullion, Adam McLaughlin, Raymond Dillon, Ryan Doherty, Niall Duggan,
Conlan O’Kane, Luke Diamond.
MR: Mr M Quinn, Thomas Smyth, Patrick McGurk, Shea McKenna, Cahal Chambers, Eoin Higgins, Jack McGroarty,
Ryan McNicholl, Conor Murtagh, Mr K O’Hagan.
FR: Callum O’Kane, Cormac Mullan, James Friel, Jody McDermott, Mrs B Mussen (Principal), Peter McCullagh,
Adam McGonigle, Calum Downey, Jude Moore.

First up for Maghera in their league section was St The third game in this league received a lot of attention
Michael’s Enniskillen, in a game played in blustery through social media for the low scoring outcome 2 point
conditions in Galbally. The boys should be congratulated to 1 in favour of Maghera. The blanket specialists Abbey
for playing quality football to outscore a tenacious CBS played the majority of the game with all players
Enniskillen outfit on a score line of 2.16 to 1.6. In the full inside their own 45 metre line, resulting in a game which
forward line Luke Diamond and Cahal Chambers caused prevented players being able to express their skills in the
havoc all day with intelligent runs and quality finishing nature which they had been accustomed to.
while Jody McDermott provided a serious platform with
tremendous driving runs through the middle. In defence Through winning all three of their group St. Patrick’s were
Adam McGonigle was giving little away, breaking out with straight through to a semi-final where their opponents
the ball on numerous occasions. were the Corn na n-Óg champions St Patrick’s College
Cavan. After a very tight first half, Maghera felt they were
In our second game St McCartans provided stiff well in the contest, going in at half time only 2 points in
opposition early days, playing a defensive system which arrears. Two quick goals in succession by Cavan proved
was proving difficult to break down. Indeed, the setup to be the turning point of the game taking them into a
they maintained enabled them to work the ball forward commanding 8 point lead. Maghera battled gallantly to try
for some fine scores early on. Once Maghera changed to reduce the deficit but Cavan were slick in the counter
formation and pushed up on their kickouts they were not attack punishing all Maghera’s good work. Cavan finished
as comfortable on the ball, making mistakes from which the game on a scoreline of 2.16 – 0.6, a score line which
Maghera capitalised and scored two goals in the first half. did not reflect the efforts of the Maghera team. Mr Quinn
This changed the nature of the game completely with and Mr O’Hagan would like to commend the players for
Monaghan having to chase the game leaving gaps at the way they conducted themselves both on and off the
the back which a clinical Maghera forward line punished pitch throughout the competition.
ruthlessly.

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Corn na n-Óg

BR: Fintan O'Connell, Eamon Cassidy, Eoin Higgins, Aimon Duffin, Niall Barton, Adam McLaughlin, Conor Wood, Ryan McNicholl,
Conlan O'Kane, Eoin McIlvar, Dara McPeake, Jack Dunne, Daire O'Sullivan, Tiernan McCormack
MR: Eoin Scullion, Oisin McNicholl, Conor Coyle, Michael McCorry, Ciaran McEldowney, Niall Conway, Tom Quinn, Danny
McDermot, Ciaran Chambers, Fionn McEldowney, Connlaodh McCann, Peter Bryson, Conor Downey
FR: Dara McGurk, Jude Kearney, Joseph McCullagh, Jack McGroarty, Charley McCann, Matthew Mullan, Ruadhri McAleese,
Padhraic Farren,
Absent: Patrick Walls, Jamie Convery

Semi-final Heartache for Maghera

St Patrick’s Cavan 3-14; for point throughout until, with 51 minutes gone Niall Barton
St Patrick’s Maghera 1-16 edged Maghera into a 0-15 to 1-10 lead. Cavan then burst
down field for Cormac Galligan to shoot to the net and
THERE were three goals over the course of the last seven put his side ahead. Darragh Lovett quickly tagged on two
minutes in this thrilling Danske Bank Corn na n-Óg semi- points before Conor Downey and Cian Keaney exchanged
final in Drumragh as St Patrick’s Cavan again produced a points.
four points’ winning margin in a repeat of last May’s Dalton
Cup decider with St Patrick’s Maghera. Maghera then conjured up a goal, a good team move
which was finished to the net by Tiarnan McCormick. But
This was a real humdinger and nothing separated two Cavan were not finished and as the game slipped into
teams that really went at each other until the referee’s injury-time Darragh Lovett found the Maghera net and
whistle sounded a little too soon, or a little too late, on a his cousin Kevin quickly added a point to close out any
superb Maghera challenge. chance of an equaliser.

In the opening half Favor Shehu goaled 20 minutes in, but Maghera: Tiarnan McCormick 1-0, Ruadhri McAleese 0-5,
Cavan also needed a late Shehu point to lead by 1-6 to 0-8 0-3 frees, Jack McGroarty 0-3, Niall Barton 0-3, Conor
at the break. Downey 0-2, Eoin Higgins 0-2, Dara McPeake 0-1.

On the re-start Ruadhri McAleese pointed for the first of his
four second half points to level and the teams went point

150 St. Patrick’s College - Maghera