Team Spirit

Sports

ENCOURAGING OUR STUDENTS
THROUGH OPPORTUNITIES TO
ENGAGE, EVOLVE AND EXCEL

OUR SPORTING ETHOS

It’s important that Blackrock boys have a sense of duty to the tradition of sport in the College. This does not necessarily mean winning cups. The reason teams with a certain level of talent win any sport is because they prepare better and work harder. Winning is a result of the educational process. How well we conduct ourselves will help the process improve.

The five fundamental values of the school apply on the playing fields:

BeThere_BeCaring_BeTruthful_BeGrateful_BeRespectful

SPORTS ON OFFER…

ATHLETICS

The College Athletics Programme is run by Mr Killian Barry and Mr Tommie Fagan 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 Des Places Hall on Wednesdays and Thursdays. It is coached by Ms Mairéad Ní Shíocháin.

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BASKETBALL

Our senior Basketballers are coached by Mr. Patrick O’Neill. Since the arrival of The Des Places Hall, our basketballers have reached many regional, provincial, and All-Ireland finals. Ms Julie Fitzsimons takes care of our Junior Basketballers.

CRICKET

Mr Justin Vanstone continues to coach the College Senior and Junior Cricket Team with the help of Mr Joe Halpin this year. Winter Nets comment in the Des Places Sports Hall from October while the squads compete in the Leinster Schools’ Cup in the summer term.

CROSS COUNTRY RUNNING

Mr Tommie Fagan 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

Coached by Mr Brian Grant the College competes at both U14 and U16 and, for the first time in many years, Senior football.

GOLF

Coached by Mr Shane McGlynn, the College competes in the GUI Senior and Junior competitions.

SWIMMING

Coached by Ms Cindy Hurley, the Blackrock College Junior and Senior Swim Team train in the College pool Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

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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.

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SQUASH

The College squash team train every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. They are coached by Mr Matthew Lorusso in the College squash courts located behind the swimming pool.

RUGBY

Blackrock College continues to pride itself upon its strong rugby traditions. Winners of the Leinster Senior Cup on 70 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.

SAILING

The College sailing regatta takes place every year.

SOCCER

The Senior Soccer Squad is coached by Mr Evan O’Brien and trains on every Monday, Wednesday 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.

TABLE TENNIS

Table Tennis in Blackrock College continues to thrive led by Mr Richard Butler. The College trains 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 Mr Johnny O’Shea. 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 Irish international, Max Connolly, College Water Polo continues to be a popular activity with success at regional and national level. Training takes place every Tuesday and Thursday in the College pool.

SPORTING ACHIEVEMENTS

“The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.”
Vince Lombardi