Gaelscoil Moshiológ rejoice in major sporting breakthrough
ST. PATRICK’S Park in Enniscorthy was the setting for a famous breakthrough on Thursday when Gaelscoil Moshíológ from Gorey won their first major sporting title in the Rackard League boys’ football Rising Stars final.
The north county side entered the history books with a commanding 6-9 to 2-3 victory over Piercestown, and the girls from the school were hoping to follow in the footsteps as they contested their semi-final yesterday (Monday).
The scene was set in the dressing-room as the excited players put on their allocated jerseys before running out onto the pitch.
An almost mystical pre-game ritual was performed by die-hard Gaelscoilers from the younger age group who riled up the supporters as they imbued the pitch with spiorad an Ghaelscoil.
The words of wisdom and encouragement from múinteoir Caitríona fired all the young men into action. ‘You made history before stepping foot on this pitch. Never before has Gaelscoil Moshíológ made it to a final.
‘Every game this season has shown how well you can play. The only instruction for this evening is to go out, enjoy the occasion of playing a final under the floodlights in front of all your supporters, do what you do best, and be proud of yourselves.’
There was a huge show of support from the stand and sidelines for Gaelscoil Moshíológ.
Parents and families of players, families of supportive classmates, families of younger students, staff members and past pupils were all out in force.
From the first touch the Gaelscoil Moshíológ players showed their individual skills but also how well they performed as a team. They never let up.
Determination was shown from start to finish, and they were a delight to watch.
The defence was on constant alert, with Donnacha, Ryan, Jack, Eoghan, Calum and Rossa ready to shield their goal, and Aaron between the posts doing what he does best when called upon.
The midfield players shone, with Énán and Alfie comfortably controlling their area and confidently setting up scores for Gaelscoil Moshíológ.
The forwards were ready and waiting any time the ball came their way, with fearless play by Pádraig, Piaras, Darrach, Daire, Cian and Dáithí.
We are so proud of all our players. Hungry for a win, they fought until the final whistle, and never gave up.
Substitutes who made an impact when brought on the pitch included Liam, Marc, Cian, Rían, Oisín and Tiarnan.
Real history was made, to be remembered in the school annals. The team was made up of students from Rang 3, 4, 5 and 6, some of whom have older siblings who were the first pupils of Gaelscoil Moshíológ back in 2002, some with older siblings who are more recent past pupils, and some students who are the oldest in their family.
All were delighted to be going home with an historic win under their belts, and with their own individual story to tell.
The atmosphere among Gaelscoil Moshíológ supporters was palpable. The young group of supporters from Rang 2, 1 and Naíonáin did laps of the field before the game chanting ‘Gaelscoil Moshíológ’ and ‘Gaelscoil Abú’, carrying banners, our Gaelscoil mascot ‘Moshy’, and wearing Gaelscoil sports jerseys.
During the game from the sideline, their chants continued. They looked on in awe of senior students who they look up to as wonderful role models, calling names out from the sideline when they recognised the player with the ball, keeping half an eye on the pitch and half an eye on the scoreboard as Gaelscoil Moshíológ clocked up more cúl agus cúilíní.
Parents roared and encouraged, múinteoirí roared and encouraged, young supporters roared and encouraged. It all paid off with a well-earned win for Gaelscoil Moshíológ.
What a wonderful, memorable experience for our young players.
Míle buíochas do múinteoir Caitríona for all her hard work, and to John Moran and Sallyann Quinlan for helping out at matches along the way.
Thanks also to all the supportive parents for attending matches with continued encouragement and volunteering to wash jerseys. All this behind the scenes dedication, co-operation and encouragement has come to fruition.
A standard has been set and witnessed, a new tradition has begun.
Coinnigh súil orainn. Gaelscoil Abú!