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In September 2002, the staff and students of the High School, Clonmel, rose to the arrival of the new and long-awaited Student Leadership Group. This powerful innovation is a project that has received much planning and thought from the teachers of the school, and again highlights their commitment to enhancing student life. The introduction of this group allows students to express themselves in both a productive and coherent manner and acquaints them with the fundamentals of a progressive democratic system. Plaudits must go to Ms. O’ Mahony, Ms. Hickey, Mr. Gleeson, Mr. Shanahan (Deputy Principal) and also Mr. Power (Principal) for presenting the students with this valuable opportunity. Students involved are Padraig Duffy, Ahad Ali, Michael Bourke (P.R.O.), Danny Madigan, John Martin (Chairman), David Bourke, Stephen Casey (Secretary), James Russell, Jonathan Blackmore and David Carroll. There are ten students involved in the group: four from 5th year, one transition year and five from 6th year. They are beginning work on projects which aim to make a positive contribution to the school.

Congratulations to High School teacher Micháel Forristal who was honoured by the Munster Council GAA by being chosen for this year’s Council GAA Service to Schools Award. This is a richly deserved honour for Micháel who has been involved in the Munster College since 1967 having arrived in the school in 1966. Comhghairdeas agus ta sé tuillte agat.

His involvement in school teams over his years in the school has been tremendous and many many past pupils are much appreciative of his efforts on the field and in the classroom over the years.

Front (left to right):Kevin Twohig, Darren Guiry, Karl Ryan, Luke Moore, James Meehan, Jonathan O’ Mahoney, Séan Carey, Naoise Ó Cuinneagáin, Ewan Moir, Conor Walsh.
Middle (left to right): Colm Keher (Coach), Pat Power (Principal), Daniel Harvey, Diarmuid O’ Sullivan, David Hoyne, Shane Lawlor, David McGrath, Alan Lonergan, Lorcan Ryan, Darragh Ryan.
Back (left to right): Padraig Hickey, Kieran Wall, Ciaran Lorigan, Donnacha Lonergan, Greg Carroll, Keith Landers, John Gallagher, Andrew Heffernan, Liam Rice (Coach), Gerry Shanahan (Deputy Principal).
Missing from Photo: Glen Nugent, Brendan Dempsey, Paul Denn, Ross Morrissey, James McGrath.

The High School won the Corn Uí Chatháin, County Tipperary First Year ‘A’ Hurling Championship, for the first time at Dr. Morris Park, Thurles on Monday, 11th November, 2002. It was an historic victory for the Clonmel side who were just promoted from the ‘B’ division having won the final last year. The High School went into the final with wins over Killenaule, Thurles C.B.S., The Abbey, and Cashel and were confident that they were serious contenders for the title.

The game opened brightly for Borrisokane who scored the game’s first two points. It seemed to take the High School some time to settle and they found the going tough against a stiff breeze. John Gallagher kept them in touch with an excellently taken goal. Borrisokane responded with three unanswered points helping themselves to a two-point lead. Jonathan O’Mahoney got the High School back on track with a point from a free which he followed with another from play. Sean Carey completed the High School rally with a fine goal. Borrisokane goaled on the stroke of half time to level the game at 1-5 apiece.

With the wind in their backs for the second half the High School needed to stamp their authority on proceedings at an early stage. No better man than the team’s inspirational captain, Jonathan O’Mahoney, who scored a goal that severely tested the strength of the net. Donnacha Lonergan added a brilliantly struck ground shot which gave the Borrisokane ’keeper no chance. When O’Mahoney scored his first second-half point the High School looked to be well on their way to victory. This gallant Borrisokane team were not going to go down without a fight. They scored a goal and a point to bring them within three points of the eventual winners. Amazingly they were not to score for the remainder of the game. Unsurprisingly it was Jonathan O’Mahoney who started the match winning scoring spree with a well taken point. Lorcan Ryan and Donnacha Lonergan added a goal apiece which were followed by three consecutive points from O’Mahoney. Sean Carey then scored the game’s best point despite the close attentions of the Borrisokane backs. Donnacha Lonergan got the last score of the game with an opportunistic goal.

Jonathan O’Mahoney received the cup on behalf of the High School much to the delight of their supporters. This was a fantastic team performance. Greg Carroll, who had a brilliant season, was excellent in the goal. Glen Nugent had an fine game at corner-back and made many vital interceptions. Shane Lawlor was ever-dependable and was notable for his long clearances in the second half especially. Luke Moore was a contender for man-of-the-match and broke the hearts of the opposition with his confident play. Brendan Dempsey was a vital member of a strong half-back line. He made very intelligent use of the ball and at all times seemed to take the right option. Ciaran Lorigan was outstanding at centre-back and took on the task of marking one of Borrisokane’s best players and came out the winner.

Diarmuid O’Sullivan grew in confidence as the game went on and his long clearances in the second half launched many High School attacks. At mid-field, Keith Landers and Padraig Hickey worked tirelessly for their team and gave great ball into the forwards. The High School had two hard working wing forwards in Daniel Harvey and Lorcan Ryan who seemed to create panic in the Borrisokane backs every time they got the ball. Sean Carey used his skills to great effect at centre-forward and was one of the best players on the pitch. Donnacha Lonergan strengthened his reputation as a goal scorer and can be proud of his three goals in a county final. In the other corner John Gallagher played very well and got the crucial first half goal.

Team: Greg Carroll, Glen Nugent, Shane Lawlor, Luke Moore, Brendan Dempsey, Ciaran Lorigan, Diarmuid O’Sullivan, Keith Landers, Padraig Hickey, Daniel Harvey, Sean Carey, Lorcan Ryan, Donnacha Lonergan, Jonathan O’Mahoney (C), John Gallagher
Subs: Paul Denn, Ross Morrissey, Darren Guiry, Conor Walsh, Naoise Ó Cuinneagain, Kevin Twohig, David McGrath, Ewan Moir, James McGrath, David Hoyne, Kieran Wall, Alan Lonergan, Ian Guiry, James Meehan, Andrew Heffernan, Karl Ryan, Darragh Ryan.
Man of the Match: Jonathan O’Mahoney
Scorers: Jonathan O’Mahoney 1-7; Donnacha Lonergan 3-0; Sean Carey 1-1; John Gallagher 1-0; Lorcan Ryan 1-0.

Top scorers of the season (six games): Jonathan O’Mahoney 5-17; Donnacha Lonergan 9-2; Lorcan Ryan 5-2; Sean Carey 2-10; John Gallagher 3-4.

Congratulations to Ian Barnes on his recent sporting achievements. During the mid-term break Ian participated in a training camp with the Irish under 18 schools panel. On the Tuesday he trained with the squad and on the Wednesday he was selected to play against a Finn Harps under 21 selection. Ian started on the left side of midfield and ended the game playing left back. He enjoyed the game tremendously and no doubt will benefit from the experience.

Ian finished the week by switching codes to play a very important part in Clonmel Commercials county semi-final victory over Loughmore/Castleiney. On the day he contributed eight points to his side’s winning total. In the county final in early November Ian played a major part in Clonmel Commercials victory scoring 1-3 in their 1-14 to 1-5 victory over Aherlow in a game played in Semple Stadium, Thurles. This was the Clonmel side’s first county success since 1994 and Ian contributed in no small measure along the way.

Once again well done Ian. We’re sure there will be many more successess in the years ahead.