September - October Sportsletter 🏐

Hello and welcome to our mid-term sports roundup! There have been several individual and team highlights since September here in PJP and we love to share these events with you! If your child has had some individual or team success recently in sports or anything else, please send an email to newsletter@pjp.ie and we will do our best to get as many stories as possible published!

The Malahide United Under12 girls recently played a blitz in the AUL Complex.

We played 3 matches and came out undefeated. We got 7 points in total for 2 wins and 1 draw. The girls on the team all got medals and we got a trophy.

The girls from PJP who were in the team were Sophia Huldberg, Lydia Casey, Faye Muir, Alessia Sorgente, Aoibhín Miller and Ava Halpin.

By Faye Muir

Thankfully, the weather held off for the Boys Cumann na mBunscol opening round clash with Belgrove in Broomfield, Malahide on Thursday 14th September. Having only completed trials earlier in the week, this was the first time the boys would play together this year. This was evident in the opening 5 minutes as Belgrove launched an assault on the PJP goal scoring 2 goals and a point as PJP tried getting to grips with the game. Conor Halpin would be the first to bring PJP back into the game with a well taken point from a free. Tomás Mylan then used his size and strength to his advantage as he claimed a high ball in the full forward line, rounded his marker and set up Dylan Cramer with a handpass who kicked the ball over the bar. Gavin Shanley was one of PJP’s main attacking threats and the Belgrove defence could not deal with his speed, intelligence and double-footedness. His right foot pass into the full forward line was dropped by the Belgrove keeper. From the resulting kickout which was won by Gavin, he this time used his left foot to delicately lob the goalkeeper. 2 goals in 1 minute! As if this wasn’t enough, Gavin followed up with another point to turn the momentum firmly in PJP’s favour. At the other end of the pitch, Belgrove were still challenging the PJP backs. Tadhg Dunphy was like a wall in defence holding out everything that came his way. This defensive display featured a very impressive one handed block at point blank distance as Belgrove fired a shot at the diving Josh Dignam in goal. Belgrove and PJP exchanged scores as Gavin Shanley added to his tally. Josh was unfortunate to concede a goal in a one-on-one as getting his hand on the ball wasn’t enough as the ball found the back of the net. Dylan Cramer was working hard in attack. This paid off as he skilfully beat the keeper in a one-on-one to score PJP’s third goal of the half. A Tomás Mylan point would round off a very entertaining half of football which saw Belgrove with a slender 2 point lead, 3-7 to 3-5.

The second half would be a very different story and Belgrove turned up the style and played flawless football which many a good team would find difficult to overcome. Josh Dignam did his best to keep Belgrove at bay including a fine diving penalty save to the bottom corner. Points from Aidan Harbourne and Conor Halpin would be our only scores of the half as Belgrove pulled away and confidently saw out the game. The final score was PJP 3-7 to Belgrove’s 6-15. Score difference doesn’t count in Cumann na mBunscoil meaning that the boys will have everything to play for as victories against St. Fiachra’s and Rush NS will gift the boys a semi-final clash!

After a disappointing opening round defeat to Belgrove last week, the senior footballers were keen to get their season back on track. With only 4 teams in their group, a win this week would see them right back in the mix for a semi-final. Ellenfield, Whitehall was the venue for this weeks clash against St. Fiachra’s Beaumont who were yet to play any matches in the group. PJP started quickly with dominant performances from our midfielders, Lachlann Traynor and Aidan Harbourne as they excellently linked up with handpasses to allow Aidan get the opening score and goal of the match. The two boys would exchange scores to give us a strong, early lead. Cormac O’Neill was impressive as his hard work facilitated two of these points. Fiachra’s fired back with a point from a free. This would be their only score of the half. Conor Halpin was enjoying his new wing-forward position and was on the wrong end of several fouls, from one of which he slotted the resulting free over the bar from long-range to lengthen our lead. Tadhg Dunphy was inspired at full-back as he brushed off any challenge St. Fiachra’s posed moving forward. Stephen O’Connor, Gavin Shanley and Conor Halpin all scored from play to further the lead once again. A goal mouth scramble ended with Lachlann Traynor scoring a tap in from a few yards out which he celebrated with energy. At the other end, although Josh Dignam’s game wasn’t too eventful in goal, he still was sharp and his distribution from goalkicks was excellent as PJP retained possession from every one of his kicks. Cormac O’Neill ended the half with a well deserved point, as he stylishly settled himself and curled the ball over the bar. PJP had a commanding 2-8 to 0-1 lead at half time.

The writing was on the wall for St. Fiachra’s despite their best efforts as their opening two scores of the second half was counteracted by a Dylan Cramer goal after he lobbed the goalkeeper from a free kick. Tomás Mylan had a busy second half and was unlucky not to score after his shot rattled the upright. His workrate paid dividend as his handpass to Gavin Shanley gifted us another score. Stephen O’ Connor, Conor Early, and Dylan Cramer continued the scoring. As the full-time whistle approached, Lachlann Picked up the ball at centre-back and launched an attack. Lachlann’s side-step would not have been out of place at the Rugby World Cup as he sent his opponent in the wrong direction and continued his run and releasing a huge shot from midfield which dropped below the crossbar and over the keeper at the last second to rapturous cheers and applause from his teammates. The game ended with a convincing 4-14 to 0-3 victory for PJP who now must beat Holy Family SNS to guarantee a Cumann na mBunscolquarter final and keep their Croke Park dreams alive.

Another week, another game for the senior boys team – this time against Holy Family Senior National School in Swords. PJP were in the zone long before throw in and meant business during the warm up. Aidan Harbourne opened the scoring with two points, one from play and one from a free on a dry day with mucky conditions underfoot. Perhaps, Mr. Freeman and Mr. Murphy on the sideline shouldn’t have worn their white shoes today! Lachlann Traynor continued the scoring with a well struck 45 sailing over the bar. His midfield partner Conor Halpin was fouled on the ball and scored the resulting free. PJP’s other Conor, Conor Early got in on the action scoring from distance after a strong run from centre-back. PJP’s pressure was beginning to ware down the Holy Family defence. Shay Gibney capitalised on this with a well taken and sensible slapped goal from a ball dropping into the square. Dylan Cramer kept the scores coming as did Conor Halpin and Gavin Shanley. Holy Family would score 2 points before half-time, which wouldn't be enough to trouble the PJP boys who had a 1-8 to 0-2 lead at the break.

The second half continued in similar fashion as before with Lachlann bagging a goal to open the scoring. Holy Family were threatening after half-time and scored another 2 points and seemed to be coming into the game when PJP went up a gear and turned on the style. Some slick passing play led to 2 Conor Halpin points and a Dylan Cramer goal. This was backed up by an out of position Tomás Mylan soloing down the wing toward his usual full-forward spot ad adding another point. Lachlann and Conor Halpin rounded out the scoring with points from frees either side of a Conor Halpin goal as the full time whistle approached. The game ended in another convincing 4-14 to 0-4 PJP win who finally had their season bang on track as they wanted. Next up would be their Cumann na mBunscol quarter final versus Scoil Mhuire, Marino.

There was a delayed throw-in at St. Vincents GAA Club as no referee showed up for the boys quarter final versus Scoil Mhuire. Thanks to Seámus Early stepping up, the game could go ahead a few minutes late. Scoil Mhuire were a well drilled team, and it took PJP a few minutes to come into the game. Tactics on kick-outs and frees were difficult for PJP to deal with as Scoil Mhuire opened the scoring with 3 quick fire goals. Tomás Mylan did his best to get PJP on the scoreboard but was denied by the joint of the post and crossbar. He would soon get himself a point after volleying a bouncing ball after Aidan Harbourne’s shot got blocked down. One point would not be enough to disrupt Scoil Mhuire’s flow who replied with a goal and 4 points. Conor Halpin and Aidan Harbourne added 2 more PJP points but again, Scoil Mhuire responded with another goal and point as the half-time break finally arrived.

Unfortunately, the second half wind would not blow in PJP’s favour as Scoil Mhuire extended their lead by a goal and 4 points on the trot. Aidan and Lachlann exchanged points as Scoil Mhuire put another 1-3 on the board. Aidan Harbourne was fouled outside the box toward the end of the game and with nothing left to lose decided to try knuckleball a goal for PJP. The Scoil Mhuire goalkeeper made a phenomenal save tapping the shot over the bar to add one last consolation point for PJP.

It was a tough defeat to take for the boys as it brought this half the season, and their dream of playing on Croke Park to an end. Mr. Murphy and Mr. Freeman reminded the boys that the Fingal league would be up after Christmas where we would aim to defend our title! This perked up the boys who set their sights firmly on a good run in the Fingal League after Easter!

Pope John Paul’s vs Belgrove in the senior girls Cumann na mBunscoil has thrown up some tasty matches in recent years, generally with PJP not coming out on top. The wet and slippery St. Anne’s Park pitch would make this a difficult trend to over turn as the girls found it very difficult throughout to keep their hands on the ball and their feet on the ground. These slippery conditions facilitated the opening score of the match for Belgrove who jumped on a dropped ball to score a point from close in. PJP were fouling constantly in the eyes of the referee who awarded some very soft free kicks to Belgrove to allow them to extend their lead. Olivia Morris was the first to get PJP on the scoreboard. After receiving a handpass from her sister Clara, Olivia did one of her trademarked solos nearly the full length of pitch and drilling the ball over the bar. Anna le Blanc scored next after Izzy Gilmartin and Amber Costello doubled up their defending efforts to overturn the ball and send it up the pitch. The PJP defending was of a very high standard in this game. The patience demonstrated was impressive as Belgrove were frequently finding themselves with nowhere to go. Back at the other end, Anna was now in top gear but was unlucky as her shot on goal hit the post and went wide. PJP kept the pressure on as Abby Healy-Dillon picked up a blocked Amber Costello shot but was unlucky to put her own shot wide. Olivia Morris was battling hard in midfield against a very strong Belgrove midfielder. Having won out on this occasion, she set up Kate Lawlor to notch up another PJP score. Belgrove replied with a point of their own. They looked certain to score a goal just before half time but Megan Walsh-Bookey was not going to let this happen, and held off two Belgrove attackers, winning a free and ensuring it was 3 points each at half time.

The second half had the perfect start for PJP. Leah Lamanciuc won the throw in against a much taller opponent and instantly set up an attack. She was fouled as she approached the Belgrove goal and scored the resulting free herself. Olivia Morris continued her scoring form with another point after linking up with Leah from a line ball. At this stage, the game was stopped for several minutes as the referee had to remove at least 30 Belgrove supporters from behind Zoe in the PJP goal as they tried to distract her and make her lose focus. After a lengthy stop, play resumed and Belgrove were quick to launch another attack. A shot on goal was deflected into the back of the PJP goal giving Belgrove a one-point lead. Sarah Farrell had a commanding performance in midfield throughout the game and got her reward with an excellently taken point under pressure from several Belgrove defenders. 5 minutes left on the clock and scores tied. It was going to be a nail-biting finish. Niamh Egan was superb in defence as was Izzy Gilmartin and Aoife Osborne in those dying minutes where we could not afford to concede. Zoe Clohessy made a phenomenal save underneath her crossbar to keep the game level. Abby Healy Dillon had a chance to win it at the other end, but a save by the Belgrove goalkeeper once again left the game as tie. As the clock approached the final few seconds, Belgrove broke free near our goal. Clara Morris intercepted a loose pass. If she hadn’t, Belgrove surely would have won the game. Clara broke through a tackle before passing the ball to her sister Olivia around the midfield line. Ms. James, Ms. Carr and everyone else on the sideline could barely look as Olivia set off soloing the ball up the field at lightning pace. Mystic Ms. James whispered under her breath that this will be a goal and she was right. Olivia launched a driven shot toward goal which looked like it was about to hit the crossbar when the Belgrove keeper put her hands up and dropped the ball into the goal. Heartbreak for Belgrove. Elation for PJP as the referee blew the full-time whistle on the kickout. This win meant a lot for the whole team as they overcame a very strong team by that one goal margin. The girls would now play a semi-final against St. Colmcille’s in a neutral venue next week. Just one more win and a date in Croke Park awaits.

The PJP senior Girls’ team are familiar with success having won last year’s Junior Fingal League title. They knew what it takes to get to finals and how difficult semi-finals are. The neutral venue today would give no advantage to us or St. Colmcille’s from Knocklyon. It was damp, cold and windy for this clash and a large crowd was attending with hopes of seeing their team progress to Croke Park in just a few days’ time. Anna Le Blanc was the first to impress after the throw in as her fancy footwork and soccer skills gave her time to pick the ball and handpass to Leah Lamanciuc who scored the first point of the game. St. Colmcille’s were quick to respond with a point from a free and a goal also. Olivia Morris cancelled out this goal with a goal of her own in typical fashion as she fired in a goal after a blistering run from midfield. St. Colmcille’s were a talented side and worked hard as a team adding a goal and point in response. There were goals galore at the start of this match as back at the other end, Leah Lamanciuc scored a goal for PJP following persistent attacking work from Anna le Blanc and Kate Lawlor. This game felt like Groundhog Day as every time we scored, St. Colmcille’s responded with a goal. However, this time they added two, opening up a strong lead. Olivia Morris kept PJP in the game scoring 3 points in a row to bring the game to half-time. St. Colmcille’s were leading 4-2 to 2-4 at half time, a 4 point margin.

Our captain for the day Izzy Gilmartin was doing her best to lead the girls back into contention in this game working hard in defence. Leah Lamanciuc was fouled near the goal soon after and popped her free over the bar with ease. Ellen Wallace followed suit and reduced the lead to 2 points. Anna le Blanc had been all over the pitch in this game, running as fast as she could in defence and attack. She was unfortunate to strike her shot against the post as the gap remained the same. Amber Costello has improved with every game played this year and played a central role in our attack. After taking a handpass from Olivia, she reduced the St. Colmcille’s lead to just one point. A stroke of luck would grant PJP the lead as Leah Rochford launched a long ball forward which bounced between all the defenders and over the goalkeeper and into the goal. The half time deficit had now been overturned as we led by 2 points. Anna extended this to 2 with another point immediately after. St. Colmcille’s were not down and out however, as one shot rattled the post and the next sailed straight over the bar. With 7 minutes remaining, there was a 3 point margin which everyone knows is a dangerous margin in Gaelic Football. Leah Lamanciuc looked to seal the win for PJP by winning a free and scoring it, which was followed up by Ellen Wallace with a second point. St. Colmcille’s kept fighting and hit the post once again. PJP were still feeling the pressure in the dying moments when Olivia Morris brought her total to 2-3 with another goal to secure the victory. As we awaited the final whistle, St. Colmcille’s scored a goal right at the end, but it was too little, too late. The full time whistle blew and PJP were heading to Croke Park. There were smiles all round from players and parents. Ms. James and Ms. Carr could barely hold it together with the excitement as a day in GAA Headquarters fast approached!

Croke Park needs little introduction. It is where all the greats of the game have played and where the greats from PJP were about to play. Bus loads of PJP supporters flooded in through the turnstiles as cars full of siblings, parents and grandparents made their way into the Hogan stand. 12.10 was throw-in time for the girls in blue and green. Standing in their way was St. Brigid’s from Castleknock. As the ball was thrown in, PJP was shooting into the Cusack Stand. Olivia Morris picked up the ball from the throw in and made her way for the goal straight away but was unlucky for her shot to go wide. At the other end, her sister Clara Morris was resolute in her defending keeping her opponents at bay. Her basketball skills came in handy as she twisted and turned her way out of many tackles before sending the ball up the pitch. Zoe Clohessy’s kick outs were impressive as she used her distance and accuracy to full effect finding her teammates on every occasion. As always, Megan Walsh-Bookey was not letting anyone past her in the full back line. All the defenders were working hard and ensured that St. Brigid’s opening shot went wide. Midfielders Anna le Blanc and Olivia Morris had built up a great understanding of each other’s play throughout the year. Anna’s quick thinking and inch perfect pass set up a goal chance for Olivia who was denied by the St. Brigid’s goalkeeper. Back at the other end, a fantastic save by Zoe Clohessy was caught by Leah Rochford who was fouled and won a free to relieve the pressure. The first score of the game had to come sooner rather than later. Abby Healy-Dillon took hold of the ball after a quick free kick and sent the ball over the bar to give PJP a 1-point lead. Abby is following in her sister’s footsteps who starred in last year’s camogie final in Croke Park. Kate Lawlor was on 45 duty and was unlucky to find the crossbar with her attempt. Leah Rochford’s persistence at centre-back was frustrating the St. Brigid’s attackers as she caused the referee to blow for a free against her opponent for overcarrying the ball. Kate Lawlor soon got what she deserved as she added PJP’s second point of the game. This match was end to end and you couldn’t take your eyes off of it. Clara Morris continued to dominate in defence as her block combined with Mia Steininger pressure allowed a turnover in possession. This turnover provided the highlight of the first half as Leah Lamanciuc got herself a goal following a crazy scramble on the goal line. Abby followed this up with a superb point after a fantastic solo up the pitch. St. Brigid’s were relentless in attack every time they got the ball as they had a free go wide, a free go over the bar and a point from play. Sarah Farrell was unfortunate as the attack she launched with Ellen Wallace was turned over by St. Brigid’s who launched their own attack. PJP would have conceded a goal right before half time if not for Clara Morris’ goal line save and clearance. St. Brigid’s won the ball back and set their eyes on our goal yet again but this time was held out by Aoife Osborne who ensured they remained goalless before the break. PJP were leading 1-3 to 0-2 at half-time. Everyone knew it would be a tight affair in the second half as the opening half was the lowest scoring half of football the girls had played in all year.

The second half begun with a goal for St. Brigid’s. Olivia tried to respond but her shot went narrowly wide. Amber Costello was involved in the build up play as Leah Lamanciuc won a free which again was put wide. A St. Brigid’s point levelled the game. They almost took the lead but were denied by the post. PJP won the rebound and a free out. Sarah Farrell had an opportunity which dropped wide. The wides were beginning to stack up for PJP. Olivia Morris used her pace to break through on goal after receiving a pass from Izzy Gilmartin, but the goalkeeper was alert, and the shot was saved just as it looked like a certain goal. The game was still a draw at this stage. St. Brigid’s had excellent chances to open up a lead but missed 2 very straightforward chances. Everyone was feeling the nerves at this stage. Dave Breen on the sideline was doing his best to encourage the girls and keep them battling. The girls rallied around this. Clara Morris was exceptional at full back pressuring the centre forward and winning possession. Abigail Breen, Grace Carolan, Eva Dolan, Niamh Egan, and Laura Glackin all came on as substitutes and ran themselves into the ground helping out their teammates. Anna le Blanc shot for a point which was knocked down out the air by the St. Brigid’s full back. As the ball rattled around between several defenders and PJP attackers alike, Leah Lamanciuc managed to hit a half-volley at goal which went inches wide. A score was bound to come soon, and it was St. Brigid’s that broke the deadlock moving ahead by one point. Eva Dolan held off her marker and set up Anna le Blanc who scored the score of the match with a point from an impossible angle that many adult players would be proud of. With only 3 minutes left on the clock, St. Brigid’s managed to score a monster point from distance to give them the advantage in the final moments. Olivia Morris was unlucky to be denied a goal by a fantastic save, and a point from a questionable refereeing decision as the game came to an end. All losses in sport are hard to swallow, and this match was no different. The girls never gave up from the first game all the way back in September right up until today’s final whistle. It is an understatement to say that every single one of the girls from this talented group of players can hold their heads high. The discipline, passion and effort that has been shown is a credit to the girls, their families and school. As a school, we are so proud of our team for so gallantly trying for victory. Even in the depths of defeat, the girls were quick to build each other up and realise how lucky they were to be part of such a special team and play where so many others can only dream of playing. It will be hard to stop these girls as they play in the Fingal League after Christmas. Until then, they can reflect on the fantastic journey they have been on together and relish what will come in their futures.

Pictures from the day can be veiwed here!

A word of thanks to Niall Relihan and Ms. McKenna for co-ordinating Camogie coaching for 5th and 6th class girls. In the first session, 84 girls joined in, some for the very first time! This is very promising news for both our school and St. Sylvester's GAA club. Check out some pictures below!

We have just started football training for sixth class boys. We are looking to build onto last year's league winning season. We will be training, biweekly, on Mondays for our preseason preparations. We have some potential to win the league again, but also have a lot work to do! Matches will likely begin closer to March of 2024.

Ms. Bradshaw

Mr. O'Brien

Mr. Whiting

Congratulations to Sean Egan from Ms. Reddy’s 2nd class who recently won a gold medal in the Irish National Jiu-jitsu finals. Sean won by submission in just under 15 seconds! The tournament was held in TUD Blanchardstown on September 24th. Sean trains every week with Team KF Martia Arts in Kettle Lane, Swords. This is Sean’s 2nd big win and we’re sure he has many more on the way.

Chess club is thriving with new members learning from experienced veterans this past term. Our famous Kit Kat Cups have seen some new faces in the winner’s’ picture! We look forward to term two after midterm!

That's it for this term's sports news. We hope you enjoyed reading about all our amazing students. Please remember to send any newsletter worthy items to newsletter@pjp.ie and we will endeavour to get as many stories as possible shared. Unfortunately, due to the volume of articles, we might not be able to publish everything but will do our best! Until next time, enjoy the mid-term break and Happy Halloween!