St Colman’s Sports Day 2022 returns with a bang
The weather did not dampen spirits last Tuesday week, 17th May as St. Colman’s College celebrated the much anticipated arrival of our annual Sports Day. The sense of excitement was palpable and the competitive spirit was rife amongst students and staff.
Different events ran simultaneously from the Colman’s pitch, Harty pitch, tennis courts, AstroTurf to the Galtee Mountains. There was an eclectic range of events from the traditional athletics heats 400 metres, 800 metres and infamous relays to the more obscure American football matches and renowned soccer tournaments. From the sublime poc fada to the ridiculous water balloon battles and ever ruthlessly unforgiving welly toss, there was indeed something for everyone.
Students and staff enjoyed the thrill of delighting in some nourishment at Kearney’s Chip van, followed by the novelty of a much welcomed visit from the ice cream van.
For the even more adventurous, twenty students braved the elements to attempt to climb the highest peak in Tipperary and Limerick, Galtymore. Unfortunately, poor conditions at the peak meant they had to abandon the ascent and instead summited Galtybeg (Galtymore’s slightly shorter brother). Nevertheless, the students returned home with lungs full of fresh mountain air and the satisfaction of a day well hiked.
KYLE RETAINS TITLE
The day’s competitive affairs ended with the boys congregating outside the school grounds on St. Colman’s terrace for the much anticipated ‘Around the Grounds’ competition. It is always a magical moment to witness, as the top ten brave finalists for this competition are afforded the opportunity to run in the final on Sports Day; no mean feat with 580 students and over fifty staff members watching intently upon every sinewy move. Bravery, strategy, resilience and speed are the necessary ingredients to tackle this beast of a race.
The crowds whoop and shout encouragement to each Colman’s Olympian during the approximate 35 second circuit. This circuit finishes with a deafening silence as we wait for the precise time. The hush descends! 34 seconds means you’re an outsider! 33 seconds suggests that you’re in contention! And shave into a 32 second time and you may be a shoe in!
The tension, silence and reverence for this forty year old competition never fails to provide goose bumps, upsets and triumphs of epic proportions. This year, Sixth Year Kyle Wallace defended his title with a blistering personal best of 32:84 seconds. His name is now written into Colman’s legend as well as the ‘Around the Grounds’ Shield of St. Colman’s College history.