Clifford makes it a double celebration as Castlemaine pupils receive medals
THE young footballers at St Joseph’s National School, Castlemaine, were served up a double treat in recent days – not only did they receive their medals for the Cumann na mBunscol title they won in November, they also got to meet footballing sensation David Clifford.
The Fossa sharpshooter, who famously hit Derry for 4-4 in this year’s All-Ireland Minor final, was a surprise addition on a day to honour a team with plenty young talent of their own; staff at the school kept his appearance a well-guarded secret right up to the day of the presentation.
The school’s boys won out in the four-to-five teacher category last month, and the players – ranging between third class and sixth class – were honoured at a ceremony at the school that was packed out by parents, well-wishers, and staff past and present, including the recently retired principal Brendan Dennehy and his successor, Máiread Curran.
“I was on the coaching team with Paud Hogan and Brendan Connolly,” Ann Maria Tyther told The Kerryman, “and there was a great reaction to having David Clifford there of course.
“I was there in 2012 when the girls won Cumann na mBunscol, and it’s great that both teams have won it now.
“On the day we had plenty refreshments, and the children were able to watch the premiere of the DVD of their win, so they felt like superstars!
“On behalf of the school, I want to thank the Milltown/ Castlemaine GAA club, who kindly donated socks and shorts before the final, and of course everybody that was involved with the winning effort.”