There was a lovely relaxed atmosphere around the football pitches and basketball courts last Friday for our annual Sports Day. The sun may have struggled to break through the clouds but it was warm and dry for lots of fun and games.
We are so lucky to have access to the brilliant sports facilities in Parnell's GAA club and the recently installed outdoor basketball courts in Chanel. As a result, we have the space to run over 20 different events simultaneously enabling everyone to try something and get involved. With the help of Green Screen Technology we even imagined some new events such as sky diving and cricket.
It soon became apparent why our 1st Years did so well in their football leagues this year, as form class 1.2 in particular showed their skills on the football pitch and speed on the running track, dominating all around them.
1.2 held their very comfortable lead and at the end of the day were deservedly crowned
Chanel Sports Class of the Year 2023.
Class winners for each year were:
1st Year: 1.2 (254 points)
2nd Year: 2.1 (179 points)
3rd Year: 3.1 (162 points)
5th Year: 5.3 (216 points)
6th Year 6.2 (196 points)
As ever, the highlight of the day for many, was the much-anticipated football match between the 6th year students and the teachers and it certainly lived up to the hype this year, going to a penalty shoot out.
There was a great turnout from the teachers, with even female representation from the brave Ms Baker and Ms Leslie. The 6th years took the lead early in the 1st half with a goal from Aaron Cooling. Mr Wallace showed off fancy footwork and pace and was eventually rewarded for his efforts with the equalizer.
Considering the 6th years had a subs bench of "infinity", and frequently replaced the entire team on the pitch, the tiring teachers (with age not being on their side) did extremely well to hold the draw to the final whistle.
It couldn't have been scripted better. The crowds gathered around the goal, it seemed as if the whole school stayed back for the entertainment/grand finale and the sun finally came out. Alas, the 6th year bullets couldn't be stopped, while David Corbett threw himself in the air to block Ms Baker's strike and 6th years won the day. The whole place erupted in this special moment and fitting ending for them.
A big thank you to Mr O’Keeffe and Mr Fahy for all the organisation and huge amount of work behind the scenes, and to all those who helped out on the day to make this such a successful Sports Day 2023.