Another Great Sports and Family Day for Blackrock

Sports & Family Day

Saturday 14th May

Mixed weather did not deter a large crowd of parents, students, past-students and friends of Blackrock from joining us at our Sports and Family Day on Sunday, 14th May.

The day started with Soloist Chris Wong (6th Year) singing the National Anthem. From thereon it was non-stop activity across the lawn, as well as the Open Day Displays in St. Patrick’s Hall and the Lecture Hall. The best of Blackrock – Science, Development Education, Green Schools, Art and Construction Projects – was on display.

Competition of the Day

A highlight of the day is the draw for half a year’s dayboy fee.

The Winners were:

Jonathan Lowey – father of Michael (3rd Year)
Imelda Finn – mother of Roy (6th Year)
Marcie Dowdall – mother of Tom (6th Year)

Awards

Brian presented the Sports Personality of The Year Award to Charlie Fitzgerald (6th Year) who has represented Blackrock with distinction in Table Tennis as well as representing Ireland at both Junior and Senior level. Charlie, in an excellent speech, thanked his parents, the College, his coach, Mr Richard Butler and modestly said that this was an award for the table-tennis as much as an award for him.

This year’s winner of the Past Pupils Sports Personality Award was USA Rugby International and Sale Sharks player AJ MacGinty (Class of 2008). Unfortunately he was unable to attend and the President of the Union, Brian O’Neill (Class of 1981) presented the award to his father.

Prize Draw

There was a further draw, courtesy of Spirit Motor Group in association with Land Rover, with a prize of 2 tickets for the Lions Training Session at Carton House on May 24th. This was won by Maurice Joy (father of Eoin, 6th Year) and raised €900 for Machakos.

Thank You

It was a brilliant day – the College looked superb. I thank our Grounds, Maintenance and Household teams for their dedication and pride in Blackrock. I thank Mary, Albert and our Sodexo Catering Team for their organisation and sponsorship of the afternoon teas, the proceeds of which also go to Machakos.

I thank the President of the Union and especially his wife Eibhlin for presenting the medals throughout the afternoon.

Finally, I thank my colleagues – the Organising Committee of Mr Rowsome, Ms Farrell, Mr Evan O’Brien, Mr Aylward, Mr Albert Beattie, Mr Phil Ryan, Mr Herlihy, Mr Fintan O’Connor, Mr Smyth and my colleagues in attendance on the day, as well as our past students who helped with the running of the events.

This is a very important Blackrock occasion and it would not be possible without the effort and goodwill of so many – parents, staff, past and current, students, extended families and Spiritan Community.

Well done and thank you.