Sports

Sporting activity plays a vital role in the day-to-day life of Blackrock College and each pupil is encouraged to partake in some form of sporting or athletic activity. This offers enormous benefits to any young person’s development, promoting a healthy lifestyle, building a sense of working as part of a team, improving social skills and so on.

Athletics
The College Athletics Programme is run by Mr James Fitzsimons and Ms Sarah Shevlin and runs through the winter in the form of The Blackrock College Athletics Academy expanding into a Minor, Junior, Intermediate and Senior Athletics Squad who train and compete in the final term.

Badminton
College Badminton takes place in the new Des Places Hall on Wednesdays and Thursdays and is run by Ms Carleen McGee.

Basketball
Basketball  is undergoing a renewal in the College since the arrival of The Des Places Hall. Organised by Mr Patrick O’Neill, the Junior and Senior Basketball Squad train on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Cricket
Mr Justin Vanstone continues to coach the College Senior and Junior Cricket Team with the help of Mr Gareth Pickering this year.  Winter Nets commence in the Des Places Sports Hall after Christmas while the squads compete in the Leinster Schools’ Cup in the summer term.

Cross Country Running
Ms Sarah Shevlin manages the College’s long distance runners on a Tuesday and Wednesday each week.  The Minor, Junior, Intermediate and Senior teams compete in the Leinster and All-Ireland competitions.

Gaelic Football/Hurling
Coached by Mr Evan O’Brien the College competes at both U14 and U16 age groups.

Golf
The Blackrock College Golf Team continue to build on past success under the watchful eye of Mr Toirleac O’Brien.  The two senior competitions include The Leinster Stroke Play Qualifier and Fourball Match Play.

Swimming
Coached by Ms Carol Walsh the Blackrock College Junior and Senior Swim Team train in the College pool Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Rowing
Rowing has become a well established sport within the College sports programme.  Coached by Ms Laura Gannon the Junior and Senior Squads train 4 times a week and compete in competitions nationwide.

Rugby
Blackrock College continues to pride itself upon its strong rugby traditions.  Winners of the Leinster Senior Cup on 68 occasions, Blackrock is one of the world’s great rugby nurseries. All boys are encouraged, particularly in First and Second Year, to play rugby at whatever level of ability.

Soccer
The Senior Soccer Squad is coached by Mr Evan O’Brien and trains on every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.  6th and 5th Years are eligible for the Senior Squad in the first term.  They compete in the Leinster Cup and Metropolitan League.  After Christmas the Squad is opened up to 4th years and two teams are entered in the Millennium League.

Table Tennis
Table Tennis in Blackrock College continues to thrive led by Mr Richard Butler.  The College train across all age groups and compete regularly in both Leinster and All-Ireland Competitions.

Tennis
College Tennis runs in the final school term and is managed by Ms Lynn Dillon.  Six Teams compete in Leinster Schools competitions including Senior 1sts and 2nds, Junior 1sts and 2nds as well as Minor 1sts and 2nds.

Water Polo
Coached by Mr Kevin Healy, College Water Polo continues to be a popular activity with success at regional and national level.