On Tuesday January 22nd, we had four teams represent our school in the Dublin Olympic Handball Finals. This was a great day for the children where they had the opportunity to showcase their talents against some of the top schools in Dublin. The day started off with each of our four teams participating in a round robin group competition with the top two teams in each competition qualifying for the final.
Our U13 boys were allocated a hugely competitive group taking on Rush N.S, Kilcoskan N.S and St. Damien’s N.S. After some fantastic games our boys agonisingly lost out on making the final through scoring difference. Meanwhile, our U13 girls were pitted against Oatlands Primary School, Rush N.S and St. Olaf’s N.S in their group. The girls came up against exceptionally strong opposition and unfortunately didn’t make it past the group stages. This was very disappointing for both U13 teams who fought so valiantly on the day. Both teams should be very proud of their efforts.
Both our U11 boys and girls’ teams had a slightly easier path to the final in their respective groups. Our U11 boys finished 2nd in their group while the girls topped their group. This meant both our U11 teams successfully qualified for the Dublin finals.
Our U11 boys were first to play their final, coming up against a very strong outfit from Rush N.S. After a fiercely competitive first half, our boys were 2-1 up at half time thanks to goals from Killian Murray and Seán Byrne. The second half was again extremely close with both teams showing wonderful determination and a never say die attitude. Unfortunately, when the final whistle went, the scoreline read St. Attracta’s 2 Rush N.S 3. Well done to Rush N.S on their victory.
Our U11 girls were last to play their final and they were once again pitted against a very strong Rush side. After a tight first half, the girls were 1-0 up at the break thanks to a fantastic goal from Íde Humar. The girls pushed on in the second half and were victorious at the final whistle, winning on a scoreline of St. Attracta’s 2 Rush N.S 1. Amy Clarke got our all-important winning goal. This is a wonderful achievement for the girls and they should be so proud of their efforts. We wish the girls the very best of luck as they progress to the Leinster finals in the coming weeks. St. Attracta’s Abú!!!
A huge thanks to our coaches Ms. O’Gorman, Mr. Butler, Ms. O’Leary and Mr. Kenny for all their help and hard work with the teams.
St. Attracta’s Girls U13 Team
St. Attracta’s Boys U13 Team
St. Attracta’s Girls U11 Team with their 1st place medals
St. Attracta’s Boys U11 Team with their 2nd place medals