Academy kicks off a new tradition

FRIDAY, March 1 saw the beginning of what may become a tradition at the Patrician Academy in Mallow when a 24-hour soccer marathon was organized by a group of teachers at the school to raise funds to be used to benefit the boys.

The marathon kicked off at 8:30am on Friday. The day was an exciting, fun- filled, lively day and a number of students took part.

Novelty games were also played. The teaching staff at the convent played their peers in the Academy at 1:10pm. The atmosphere was electric and a steward’s enquiry has begun to decide on the result.

The day also saw the return of many past pupils, most notably the ‘Potato Posse’, a group of 2015 students. They even produced a promotional video in advance of their challenge which provided much mirth and hilarity. They had the pleasure of playing the teachers, most especially their ex-manager, Stuart Borthwick.

The last four hours were played by the T.Y. Students. The graveyard shift for staff and students alike was exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. The TYs gave a sterling performance, embracing the spirit of the whole event and playing soccer with ease until 8:30 am on Saturday, March 2.

Special thanks must go to Monica White for her tireless efforts in organising such a great event, and to Stuart Borthwick, Eoin O’Carroll, Derek O’Brien, Labhrás White and Kevin Sheehan, who essentially played and refereed the overwhelming majority of matches. Thanks also to Siobhán O’Donovan for her hard work all day and night overseeing the whole event; Ann O’Callaghan for her scrumptious fry-up, a real winner with the lads; Mairead Lynch for her great work on the administrative side of the venture and to Elaine O’Regan, principal, who must be one of the very few principals to stay up for 24 hours for the benefit of the school.

Lastly, to all the staff who helped supervise the event all day and a huge debt of gratitude to all the team who did the ‘night shift’. It was a truly memorable and successful event.