Schools from Kilkenny and Tipperary travelled to Moyne on Friday last to take part in the Moyne AC organised inter-schools track and field competition and though noted more for hurling rivalry than athletic rivalry, being so close to the county boundary added a little bit of spice to the occasion. Whilst the weather did spoil things a little there was no doubting the intensity the children brought as they ran, jumped and threw for all their might. Great competition was the order of the day as Moyne, Templetuohy, Rahealty, Galmoy and Urlingford National Schools competed against each other for the right to bring home the trophies for “Best Small School” and “Best Large School”.
This competition is now in its third year and is a thoroughly enjoyable occasion for all involved. Over the course of the 48 various events many young athletes shone whether it was in sprinting, running middle distance, partaking in the long jump or ball-throw and the spread of medallists bore testimony to this. The top three pupils in each event were presented with medals with all their class-mates providing vocal accompaingment as the results were announced. Stars of the show, with triple wins, in the small schools category were Reah Sweeney, Templetuohy and Evelyn Delaney, Galmoy with Aaron Meakin and Mary Cussen both representing Urlingford double winners in their section. The small schools category saw just a point separating Rahealty and Templetuohy but it was the dominance of Galmoy, especially in the fifth and sixth competitions, which bore fruit as they were crowned “Best Small” School for the third year in a row. Well done to Galmoy on this great achievement. Urlingford and Moyne went tit-for-tat in the large schools event with first one then the other leading the competition for “Best Large” Schools. The margin was so fine in the end with just two points separating the two schools and it was Moyne who came out on top this year much to the delight of all the pupils and teachers involved. This title has been swapped around over the past three years and no doubt Urlingford will be bidding for the title again next year.
Time plays a crucial role in the running of any schools competition and to this end our thanks to everyone for their co-operation throughout the day. Many thanks also to all the officials and helpers who ran a very efficient event and contributed in no small way to the success of the competition. Our thanks also to all those who provided refreshments which were so appreciated by everyone.
