Sport

Every winter, the staff of St. Mary's BNS begin serious training. The annual pupil-teacher soccer match doesn't take place until June but Coach Creevey demands a certain standard from his players. The staff take on the might of the sixth class boys on our all weather pitch. Fans come from far and wide to witness the spectacle. The games have been refereed very fairly in recent years by Ger Davin and John Durcan.

In 2006 a closely fought contest ended in a six-all draw. In 2007, another tight game ended in a narrow victory for the staff.

2008 was another closely fought battle. The staff took an early lead and looked to be cruising. However, after some dodgy defending and superb finishing, the pupils clawed their way back to level terms. The final minutes were nail-biting for both teams. The game finished in a draw. The staff claimed a moral victory as some of their players were well and truly past their best. After a lengthy negotiation period, Mr. Creevey has been persuaded to remain as player/coach for another year.

2009 saw the closest, hardest fought encounter yet. The staff had possibly their strongest ever squad to chose from and began comfortably. Mr. Fenton was awsome in attack and led Mr. Creevey's charges to a two nil lead. The pupils hit back through wonderful strikes from Conor Dunne and David Keogh.

With only minutes remaining, Mr. Fenton completed his hat-trick. When Mr. Davis added a fourth, the staff looked to be on course for an historic victory. Their celebrations were cut short however when Jonathan Flattery reduced the gap with a beautiful finish. It was going to be a nervy finish for both sides.

Right at the death, John Foley broke the staff's hearts with a superb strike. It was a fitting end to an enthralling encounter and both sides were good value for the draw. There were fine displays all over the park, especially from Ms. Henderson, whose silky skills will no longer be witnessed here after her high-profile transfer to Kilkenny in the Autumn.

A special thanks goes to our wonderful referee, Mr. Pat O'Conner. Pat has hung up his boots and we wish him the very best in the future. Forget about South Africa, the 2010 Staff Pupil Soccer Match will the most eagerly awaited match next year!