ShimnaSportsBlog

Pollock Cup Success

2009-10-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

Shimna rugby squad stormed through the qualifying heats of the Pollock Cup, beating Glastry 46:0 and Banbridge High 10:7. Shimna goes through to the finals on 16th October at Ballymena Rugby Club. I saw the state of the team afterwards. They were exhausted and had clearly played their hearts out. Well done all.

Hordes of Climbers

2009-09-25T15:01:00.000-07:00

Chris Keag has got our new climbing club off to a great start, with about forty students interested in taking part. A rota of climbers will be heading off soon to the HotRock to get started.

GCSE Residential

2009-09-06T16:26:00.000-07:00

Great reports of the year 12 GCSE PE students who returned from their residential on Friday. They have achieved well and their tutors were delighted with them.

Fast Teachers

2009-06-29T13:38:00.001-07:00

Look up the Belfast Telegraph website, search for the RunHer slideshow, and go to photo 8 to see our Janet Moffett and our Stephanie Donnelly, looking fit and gorgeous and fast. Clare Murphy was running too, but she escaped the camera. A great run for a good cause.

Overdue Netball Report

2009-06-17T14:10:00.000-07:00

Abject apologies to the netball squad for the late posting of this report. The year 8 girls' netball team got to the final of the East Down Plate Competition at St Mary's HS, Downpatrick. They were narrowly beaten by St Mary's in a thrilling final which went to extra time, and then further extra time, when a golden goal won. Congratulations to Captain Clare Malone, who was awarded Most Valued Player Award. Other team members were Primrose Dillon, Chloe Vaughan, Lauren Taylor, Katie Graham, Leanbh Butler Lyons, Nadia Rodgers and Tara Carville. Brilliant show!

Kits On, Ladies

2009-06-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

The long awaited Shimna Ladies Soccer strip arrived today, and was modeled by Orla to try it out. We hope it brings inspiration to the squad, and look forward to a great season next year. Thanks to our mystery benefactor!

The Great Big Long Gold

2009-06-01T15:38:00.001-07:00

Our wonderful Joanne Mills is now the Irish Schools 3000m Champion, having taken first place on Saturday. This is a fantastic achievement, and comes right in the middle of her GCSEs. We are very, very proud of you!

Sports Day Plus

2009-05-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

Our sports day took place in brilliant sunshine and a howling gale, and was a great success. There were excellent track and field performances, and the Students' Council and Amnesty International fundraisers made sure there were plenty of alternative activities on the go. There was a real buzz about the day, and my room stinks of drying out sack race sacks!

Mary Peters Achievement

2009-05-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

In the Under 17 high jump, Thomas Drummond, competing well above his age range, took first place. In the Under 13 high jump, Ryan McTeer also took first place. In under 15 1500m, Nathan Allen came fourth with a personal best time, in the under 17 1500m, Anthony McMullan also produced a personal best coming in seventh. Great performances, boys.

A Great Day's Soccer

2009-05-27T14:41:00.000-07:00

Our year 8/9 Ladies Soccer squad had a great day out at their tournament in Craigavon, achieving second place, but packing in lots of matches. Well done.

Ulster Girls

2009-05-19T12:50:00.000-07:00

Following on from her Down Schools' 3000m title, Joanne Mills ran away with the Ulster title, and came second too in the 1500m. Orla O'Conor, the Down Schools' shot putt champion, came in fifth in the Ulsters. Huge congratulations to both.

Irish Open

2009-05-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

Under rainy skies, our Darren Clarke golf team headed off to the Irish Open outside Dundalk - I hope they don't expect sympathy. Leah and Robbie headed down with them to spot the stars and learn from the skills on parade. Our golf team has done us proud this year, and deserved their day out.

More and More Success

2009-05-13T14:51:00.001-07:00

In the Minor boy's high jump, Ryan McTeer came 1st and qualified for the Ulster finals and Jake Barbour 4th; Lee Newell was a semi-finalist in the 100m; the team took 5th place in the 4x100m final; Tomas Cairns came 9th out of 26 in the long jump with Karolis Kurmis 12th; in the shot putt Karolis Kurmis came 9th out of 24 and Conor Wylie 13th. In Junior boys Nathan Allen came 3rd and qualified for the Ulster finals; Dean Patterson came 4th in the high jump.

In the Minor girls Clarissa Murphy came 4th in the 100m. In Junior girls, Emily Drummond came 4th in the shot putt.

Down Schools Success

2009-05-07T11:48:00.001-07:00

Terrific results at the Down Schools Track and Field Championships: Joanne Mills won the 3000m and came second in the 1500; Orla O Connor won the senior girls' shot; the intermediate boys won the 400m relay; Thomas Drummond won the high jump - I'll be checking for more results. Good luck to the juniors and minors who compete on Friday.

Right to the Final

2009-04-29T13:22:00.000-07:00

Our wonderful year 8 boys' soccer squad made it right to the final of the North Down Soccer League in their first year of competition. They were defeated in the end by a strong side from Saintfield High School. Well done all of you, and to indefatigable coach, Miguel Navarrete.

Fantastic Run Joanne

2009-04-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

Our Joanne ran in 11th in the London mini marathon out of a field of approximately 280 runners. Joanne was running in the Northern Ireland team. Glorious sunny day, and a glorious result!

Adam and Gareth are Go

2009-04-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

Gareth Rea and Justin Kirk won themselves places on the Youth Sports Trust course at the University of Ulster over Easter, and seem to have had a fantastic time. They also gained coaching qualifications and are back full of enthusiasm and aiming high.

Rachel's Sporting Success!!!

2009-04-06T00:47:00.000-07:00

Shimna Integrated College A level student Rachel Skillen proudly presents her Trophy as Junior Club Sportsperson of the year. Rachel won the award for her work with the Downpatrick School of Lifesaving. The award was presented at the Slieve Donard Hotel by the Down Clubmark Sports Association.

Team Leah Wins

2009-04-02T17:24:00.000-07:00

The sun comes out and certain persons head out onto the golf course. Our team defeated St Columban's in the latest fixture as part of the Darren Clarke schools golf championship. Very well done - and we don't resent your sunburn one bit!

Team Sarah Wins

2009-03-25T12:13:00.000-07:00

Sarah Colgan came in first in today's cross country competition. She was keen to point out to me that her win was the result of team work, and she played huge tribute to her fellow Shimna runners. Very well done, girls. The girls' results also contribute to their GCSE grade.

Down to Downshire

2009-03-20T13:26:00.000-07:00

I'm afraid we did go down to Downshire, but battled hard despite the disappointment of a disallowed Bonnargent try.

Joanne's All Ireland Silver

2009-03-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

Joanne Mills lifted the Silver medal at this year's Irish Schools Cross Country Championships. Great news and well done, Joanne.

Through to the Semis

2009-03-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

Great result against Our Lady's and St Patrick's, Knock for the Medallion rugby squad. We won 20:15 Well done all.

Youth Trust Sport

2009-03-08T15:58:00.000-07:00

We were delighted to receive notification that Justin Kirk and Gareth Rea have both been allocated places at the prestigious Young Sports Leader and Volunteering Residential Camp at the University of Ulster at Easter. The places include the possibility of selection for a UK wide schools sporting event in Wales in September. Good for them, and well done.

Senior Rugby Back on the Pitch

2009-03-04T10:49:00.000-08:00

It was good to see our senior squad in action again, this time against Abbey Grammar School, Newry. It was a closely fought match, with Abbey beating Shimna 7:5. It was a good humoured and sporting match. We definitely suffered from being one twin down, glandular fever to blame. Welcome back also to Luc, bringing some French Pzzzaz to our efforts. Well done. Thanks for respecting the demands of examination classes and organising the throw in for 3.30. Full attendance is essential at this time of year.

Well Played

2009-02-27T11:50:00.000-08:00

Well played, our rugby squad, though it won't be Ravenhill this year. Our team played their best against a strong side from Fivemiletown. It is great to see Luc back from France to strengthen our side for next year's bid. Upwards and onwards.

Our Ulster Champion

2009-02-25T12:42:00.000-08:00

Our Joanne led from the front all the way and brought home the gold medal as Ulster Champion in the 1500m. Other terrific results came in from, among others, Hannah and Rebecca Stevens, Clarissa Murphy, Shannon McKibben, Anthony McMullen and his broken arm and Nathan Allen. Well done to everyone.

Through to the Ulsters

2009-02-18T12:13:00.000-08:00

Great results at the Down Schools Cross Country Championships today. The minor and junior boys and the intermediate girls are through, and Clarissa Murphy and Shannon McKibben are through as individuals. Anthony McMullen had a great run and goes through as well. This represents a great showing in competition against so many schools. Really well done all round.

Through to the Quarter Finals

2009-02-04T14:02:00.000-08:00

Our rugby team defeated Slemish Integrated College 39:19 and won their way through to the quarter finals of the High Schools Cup. This, coming on the heels of the Plate victory over Antrim Grammar Schools bodes very well for this powerful squad.

Lost with Honour

2009-01-22T15:43:00.000-08:00

Our year 12 boys' soccer team lost to St Malachy's 3:2. Well played anyway.

Famous Find Out

2009-01-20T16:44:00.000-08:00

The score was 14:0 to Shimna against Antrim Grammar School.

Win over Antrim Grammar

2009-01-20T11:44:00.001-08:00

Our Medallion side beat Antrim Grammar School ?:0 (We scored two tries and two conversions, but I am a rugby ignoramus and don't know what that adds up to.) A famous victory when I find out!

Outstanding Achievement Award

2009-01-11T11:43:00.000-08:00

I've just been checking the blog archive, and I don't know how I managed it, but I seem not to have blogged the excellent news that on 21st November Stephen Gordon and James McCormick were presented with their Outstanding Achievement Awards for their contribution to the development of our senior rugby squad. The Award is a real tribute to the two boys and to the squad, and we are delighted for them.

Show Jumping Success

2009-01-11T10:54:00.000-08:00

I have just received a lovely email from Alex McCully from New-Bridge Integrated College to let me know about Victoria Farr's great contribution to the showjumping team. It is always hard for one school to field a team for all the showjumping events, and Alex works with Hunterhouse School as well as New-Bridge. However, she has emailed to say that the teams could not have managed without Victoria's contribution and willingness to pitch in at short notice. Well done. I was very pleased that Alex took the trouble to let me know what a good student we have.

Dalriada Medallion Match

2009-01-06T09:37:00.000-08:00

Our Medallion team put up an excellent show against a great team from Dalriada in Ballymoney, eventually losing out. Both teams played a very sporting match, and the Dalriada team enjoyed their sausage rolls and soup to warm them up on a freezing afternoon. Well played all. Joseph O'Hara, Anthony McMullan and Daniel Stanfield got a special mention in despatches.

Girls' Sport Round Up

2008-12-12T02:43:00.000-08:00

The most recent netball results have been great, with the minors beating Blackwater IC 25:0 and the juniors 16:12. In the junior section of the NI Integrated Colleges' Netball competition,Ulidia IC defeated Shimna 17:15. In Cross Country, the minor girls team were victorious in the NI Integrated Schools' Cross Country Championships, making a clean sweep of the top places: Clarissa Murphy won convincingly, Shannon McKibben was second and Fiadhnait Brady third and Lauren Sloan came in sixth. Other members of the winning team were Georgia Reid, Emman Addis, Claire Murphy, Hannah Croman, Niamh Rea and Chloe Parke. In the Intermediate section, Joanne Mills defended her title successfully for the fifth year's. Hannah and Rebecca Stevens were seventh and eighth in the race and the team won the Intermediate trophy. The junior team were fifth overall with Rebecca Horrox placed ninth a year young for this age group,and Julia Martin was placed twelfth. Other team members were Erin White, Iana Rodgers, Autumn Jennings, Darlee Booth and Sarah Dorman. It's great to see Shimna so well represented across the age groups.

Boys' Soccer RoundUp

2008-12-09T12:08:00.000-08:00

In the Under 15 South Down League, Shimna has recorded two wins out of two, beating dromore 3-1 and league favourites Banbridge High 2-0. In the Under 13 league we have not fared so well, losing our first two games, despite putting up a courageous show. The Under 12 team in the very capable hands of former Athletico Madrid player Don Miguel has won one game and lost one in their first two games in the North Down League.

Year 8s Launch their Rugby Career

2008-12-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

Year 8s will be practising on Thursdays from now on, taking advantage of the opportunity to benefit from Charlie Knox as coach, a great opportunity.

Joanne Goes to Liverpool

2008-12-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

Joanne Mills has been selected to represent Northern Ireland at the UK Cross challenge event in Liverpool, a well deserved honour.

Soria - the full story

2008-12-09T11:51:00.000-08:00

As part of the college's continuing links with the Antonio Machado School in Soria, Spain and the IAAF Pursuit Cross Country race, our Head of PE, Rory Friel, made the journey over to Soria at the end of November. Whilst there he met up with the students, staff and principal of the college, further strengthening our links. He also taught two classes of Physical Education to the senior students, which they thoroughly enjoyed.

At the cross country race, Rory was presented with a specially inscribed plaque in recognition of Shimna's links to and participation in the cross country race in Soria. He was then interviewed live on Spanish TV on the main channel which was broadcasting the senior men's race across Spain. So, millions of Spanish people got to know about Shimna Integrated College and its international link with Spain.

Netball Round Up

2008-11-29T17:45:00.000-08:00

Shimna girls' senior netball team travelled to Lough Moss LC in Carryduff to play Lagan Integrated College in the first round of the Integrated Schools' Cup. It was a very close match with a draw at full time, 9 goals each. We went to extra time and the teams were still level but Lagan squeezed in a goal just before the final whistle, leaving the final score 15:14 to Lagan.

The minor team then travelled to play Newtonbreda in the first round of the East Down Netball League, where they had a very successful win, 22:6.

Learning Experience

2008-11-26T11:02:00.000-08:00

Our ladies soccer squad had a bit of a learning experience at their match this week, and would rather not quote the score! that's how you learn. (Well it was 5-2 against us, not the end of the world)

More and More Rugby Success

2008-11-26T10:58:00.000-08:00

Our sixth form squad took part in a rugby blitz in Ballymena, walloping Belfast Met and putting up and excellent show against Ballymena schools, including some disappointing refereeing decisions. This squad organises all their own training, matches and travel arrangements. Our year 9 team won 60-10 against Saintfield, which will inspire them to follow in the footsteps. Jonathan Bradford scored an amazing seven tries. Well done both teams.

Our Rory in Soria

2008-11-26T10:55:00.001-08:00

Rory Friel kept up our relationship with our partner school in Soria at the weekend. As well as the running, he coached a couple of basketball classes and made an appearance on Spanish TV - all in perfect Spanish of course.

Triumph Against Banbridge Academy

2008-11-20T14:33:00.000-08:00

Our rugby squad scored a memorable triumph against the much larger, and rugby specialist, Banbridge Academy, winning with a decisive 19-5. We are so proud of this team.

Valiant Netballing against Lagan

2008-11-19T13:28:00.000-08:00

Our year 9 netball team held Lagan Integrated College to a draw, only to lose out 15-13 in extra time. Disappointing, but full of useful lessons for our squad.

Struggles at Dromore

2008-11-19T13:26:00.000-08:00

Our year 9 soccer team came up against stiff opposition away to Dromore High School, and, unfortunately, came off worse with a score of 4-1. Regroup, and upwards and onwards!

Joanne Does the Double

2008-11-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

Joanne Mills has taken her second gold medal of the year at the Northern Ireland and Ulster Cross |Country Championships at the Finn Valley Centre in Ballybofey. Fantastic result!

GCSE Orienteering

2008-11-11T16:30:00.000-08:00

Spare a thought today for our intrepid GCSE girls out completing their training and assessment in orienteering.

A Real Day in the Life ...

2008-10-21T14:07:00.000-07:00

This is turning into a real 'Day in the Life of ...' , because as soon as the pitch cleared after the rugby match, it filled back up again with boys and girls soccer squads, both getting ready for the next encounter.

Triple Event

2008-10-21T14:04:00.000-07:00

While all this was going on, the cheerleading squad got underway in the gym. I don't understand cheerleading any more than rugby or soccer, but it's great to see people sharing what they are good at. Cheerleading is perhaps my greatest personal integration challenge, but I'll get there!

A Fabulous Draw

2008-10-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

Our rugby team had a great match against Grosvenor Grammar School, with two tries and two conversions each. I couldn't watch of course, but they got great support from the touchline. Well done all!

Valiant Effort

2008-10-21T13:58:00.000-07:00

Our year 9 team went down 3-1 to Banbridge High School. All played well in glorious, freezing sunshine, but victory was not to be.

Did you Think We'd Ever Have CheerLeading?

2008-10-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

Did you think we'd ever have cheer leading at Shimna? Maura Bradley, visiting student for the year from Missouri, is settiing up a cheerleading group open to years 11-14. Maura will train the team, and has some great fundraising ideas for the kit which Maura and friends have already designed. They might help cheer on our rugby team, but I'm glad to know that cheer leading is a competitive and highly athletic sport in it's own right.

Inspirational year 8 Result

2008-10-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

The year 8 soccer squad set their season off to a great start in their new league with a 6-0 win over Blackwater Integrated College. The team looked particularly swish in their new Sky Blue, courtesy of coach Miguel Navarrete. Best of good luck for your next fixtures.

Great Play, Disappointing Result

2008-10-10T14:02:00.000-07:00

Our rugby squad put up a great show at this year's Pollock Cup, but were just run out of qualification. Disappointing result, but terrific play. Well done all.

New Season Success

2008-10-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

Our year 11 boys' soccer team kicked off to a fantastic start to their season with a 3-0 win over Dromore High School. Well done all.

Non Competitive Sports Correspondent

2008-09-30T16:25:00.000-07:00

It was Germany that won! I never remember to ask the final score of anything.

European Soccer

2008-09-26T16:19:00.001-07:00

After last year's salsa, we celebrated European Day of Languages with a huge European Soccer Tournament. Everyone in Key Stage 3 was entitled to sign up and be allocated a place on a national team representing a European country. Soccer players certainly had to test their knowledge of European flags to get themselves kitted out. A fantastic afternoon of soccer culminated in the prize giving in the hall. ??won.

Babies as Sport

2008-09-19T15:24:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Ronan, sports studies tutor, on the birth of his wee son last week. Tell us the name! Bring him in to see us!

Crazy Nephew

2008-08-06T12:43:00.000-07:00

I am Aidan the sport nephew of Ellen. She has cycled to Lake Nokomis and played soccer! She is good at cycling but not at soccer and great at badminton. Today we are going swimming. This year she is also swimming lengths of pools and widths. She is playing board games too. Next American football!

End the Term with a Splash

2008-06-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

Fifteen students and three intrepid staff members spent a few days of the last week of term out on the banana boat, sailing and canoeing at Killyleagh. This has become a traditional end of term treat for the exam weary, wanting to get it all out of their systems! A certain staff member managed to fall off the banana boat three times. Practice needed we fear!

Swept the Pentathlon Boards

2008-06-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

In a fantastic conclusion to the athletics season, our year 9 girls and year 9 boys both brought home the trophy in their respective Pentathlon events at Hazelwood Integrated College. This is a fantastic result, showing outstanding talent in all the track and field events. Very well done to both teams.

Forgot to Say

2008-06-01T11:53:00.000-07:00

Typically for me and sport, I forgot to give the winner - Lagan Integrated College!

Shimna Cup

2008-05-30T13:13:00.000-07:00

At least we got a good day for hosting the Shimna Cup. The Shimna Cup was the very first tournament in any sport for all of the Integrated Colleges, and other Integrated Colleges have organised similar tournaments in other sports, creating a real competition network. Our squad put up a very creditable performance this year and we are very proud of them. They worked really hard, and clearly have a great future ahead of them. The final came down to a Belfast derby between Lagan and Malone Integrated Colleges. Well done to all!

Never a Wash Out

2008-05-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

We weren't so lucky with the weather for sports day this year. BUT, a the events went ahead, with the highjump moved indoors. I'll collect up the results later, but congratulations to everyone who kept up their spirits through the drips, and ran, jumped and played hard. The competitive bun selling went down well too! Year 8 students set up a stall and raised money for the Royal Victoria Hospital with their delicious Victoria sponge and other wee buns.

Expedition Starters

2008-05-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

Our Duke of Edinburgh's Award Bronze groups got their expedition training off to a hard working start last week with four days navigation and campcraft with Paul Swail. The plan is to hold their practice expedition next week and the real thing before the end of term. Our Silver and Gold groups will head out for their final practice in June as well, leaving them ready for the final expedition early next term.

Down Soccer Tournament

2008-05-22T14:28:00.000-07:00

Our Ladies' soccer squad was out in action at the Billy Neill Soccer Centre at the annual Down Soccer Tournament. Well played!

Year 9 Athletics Winners

2008-05-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

In the year 9 Athletics competition at Down High School, Dean Patterson came 1st in the high jump; Emily Drummond came 1st in the shot; the year 9 girls qualifed for the district semi-finals. Yet more congratulations and good luck.

Qualifiers for Ulster Schools

2008-05-16T08:26:00.000-07:00

We have a great crop of qualifiers for the Ulster Schools Athletics Championships: 1500 and 3000, Joanne Mills; shot, Orla O'Connor; 100m and 4 X 100 relay; high jump and 4 X 400 relay, Thomas Drummond; 4 X 100 relay, Daniel O'Sullivan; 4 X 100 relay, Eamonn McAnulty; high jump, Calum Halsey; 1500m, Michael Buchanan; 400m, Chris Hanna. Congratulations and good luck to all.

Another Boring Day on the Golf Course

2008-05-14T10:11:00.001-07:00

Three of our top golfers headed off to Armagh golf club on Monday, Callum Morgan, Gavin Moore and Ciaran Rooney. All had and excellent day and Callum's team won the overall event.

Athletics Meeting

2008-05-04T17:46:00.000-07:00

Great results to report: Tim Knight came first in the hight jump on a personal best; Joanne Mills came second in the 1500m; chris Hanna came third in the 400m on a personal best; Nathan Allen came 6th in the 1500m of a personal best. A great result too in the Ballynahinch 5k road race with Philip Treacy coming in first.

Ulster Rugby Cup Success

2008-04-30T03:47:00.000-07:00

Seven Shimna students were on the Ballynahinch Rugby Club team which WON the Under 14s Ulster Cup at Ravenhill at the weekend in a very exciting game: Luc Bonnargent (cpt); Johnny Bradford; Thomas Drummond; Eamon McAnulty; Scott McCleary; Daniel O'Sullivan; Sam McCurry (selected, but unable to play through injury). This is a fantastic Shimna turnout, and we are delighted with their success.

Champion Archer

2008-04-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

It's great to have news of a star Shimna student finding success in a completely different sport.

Kyran O'Neill of year 9 shoots with the Northern Ireland Field Team and so far this season has attended the following competitions: Irish Field Championships in Wicklow, 15th & 16th March, 1st Place.
NIAS Field Championships at Castlewellan, 19th & 20th April, 1st Place
Irish Open Championships in Co. Meath, 26th & 27th April, 1st Place

As you can see he has done very well, shooting in the U15 category.

This weekend he is attending a FITA Tournament in Kendal, Cumbria and then the British Championships are being held at the Ballywalter Estate on the 24th and 25th May.

This is a terrific record of achievement and we wish him all the best in future competitions. Keep us posted!

Final Rugby Fixture

2008-04-23T16:43:00.000-07:00

Our sixth form rugby squad played their last fixture this week at Newry Rugby Club. I'm afraid I forgot to ask the result, because Stephen was injured and all my phonecalls were to make sure he was OK. I'm afraid I am a better fusspot than fan. Whatever the result of this one match, the squad has an amazing record and every one of them deserves huge credit, and James and Stephen in particular.

GCSE Success

2008-04-11T11:32:00.000-07:00

Shimna GCSE PE students were joined today by GCSE PE students from Kilkeel High School for the visit of the moderator. All groups were rigorously assessed across all the sports involved, and groups from both schools rose to the occasion and verified their grades. Well done all.

The Relief Chips Worked

2008-04-11T11:30:00.000-07:00

Well the relief chips must have worked, because our mountaineers got a terrific report, and apparently completed their final day's expedition with flying colours.

Relief Chips

2008-04-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

I happen to know that our heroes up in the Mournes for the week got a bit of chip relief tonight! The alternative was to live off their own cooking, which might not have been pleasant. Good weather, if chilly, so far, and we hope the chips will fortify them for the more changeable weather to come. Home to your own wee beds tomorrow!

A Good Netball Placing

2008-04-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

Our year 8 netballers missed our visit from the President, but they put up a good show and the Integrated Colleges tournament. They came in fourth, and only narrowly missed third place. Well done, girls.

Ya Boo, We Won

2008-03-12T09:54:00.000-07:00

Year 11 Commedagh students organised a great fundraiser as part of their citizenship drive, and it all went the staff's way. Staff beat students at netball, 20:17 and staff beat students at soccer,7:4. Proceeds from the fundraising will be presented to Shimna Valley Cancer Care on Friday of this week. I have to say that when I say 'we' won, I mean of course the collective staff body. Winning and losing and kicking are not what I'm good at.

Gorgeous Day for Golf

2008-03-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous day for golf, but a pity we were wallopped. We beat St Louis last year, so naturally this year they were out for revenge.

Netball Victory

2008-03-11T09:48:00.001-07:00

Our year 9 netball team came away from the netball finals with Silver medals, placed second out of fifteen teams, a fantastic result.

It's the Taking Part...

2008-03-11T09:42:00.000-07:00

Shimna Ladies soccer squad went down to the old rivals, Kilkeel High School. Both teams can notch up a victory against the dreadful weather however. Well played. hello, Orla!

Through to Rugby Finals

2008-03-07T13:02:00.000-08:00

Our year 8 rugby team is through to the Ulster Schools Finals at Ballymena Rugby Club. On the way they defeated Aquinas Grammar School 20:5; Laurel Hill 10:0; St Colmcille's 20:5. It's great to see the next generation coming up. Best of luck in the final.

Great Rugby Event

2008-03-05T10:11:00.000-08:00

Two draws and a defeat, but a great day's rugby for the 6th year squad at Ballyclare Rugby Club. Well done to the organisers, and catch up with every bit of work!

GAA Legend Heads off to Spain

2008-03-04T10:47:00.000-08:00

Our very own GAA Legend, head of technology, Eamonn Burns is heading off to Spain to take part in a major fundraising event with other outstanding gaelic players. Everybody seems to be getting in on our International Dimension! Where can I go?

Elite Athlete Status

2008-02-29T12:23:00.001-08:00

Fantastic news that all three of our A level students have been successful in their application to join the University of Ulster Elite Athlete Programme. Gaelic football star Natasha Ferris, athletics stars Daniel Quinn and Calum Halsey. It was great to see Natasha and Daniel out teaching our GCSE PE students their gaelic ball skills.

Through to the Colleges Gaelic SemiFinal

2008-02-27T12:08:00.002-08:00

Natasha Ferris and team won through to the semi-final of the Colleges Gaelic footbal final. The weather was horrendous and it was a miracle they didn't drown or blow away. Natasha's contribution, as always, was fantastic. Well done.

2008-02-27T12:08:00.001-08:00

Unbeaten Record for Year 9 Netball

2008-02-26T13:49:00.000-08:00

Our year 9 netball team kept up their unbeaten record with a victory over Saintfield High School. Well done!

Quarter Finals of the Ulster Championships

2008-02-20T13:50:00.001-08:00

Natasha Ferris and team head for the quarter finals next Monday of the Ulster colleges ladies gaelic football championships - the very best of luck, Natasha.

A frantic day for sport

2008-02-20T13:46:00.000-08:00

Skiers are skiing, cross country runners are running away at the Down Schools CC Championships and two teams of girls are playing soccer at their blitz. I'm exhausted!

U14s reach the Ulster rugby finals

2008-02-14T11:10:00.000-08:00

Our under 14 squad put up a fantastic performance at the finals blitz today, losing only in the final match to a strong Dromore side. Very well done. Tournament report when Rory comes back from skiing.

Get swotting, Skiers

2008-02-13T14:38:00.000-08:00

Before you set off skiing, have a look at the front page of our website and pick up the German for skiers link for your mp3, or print out the page. You'll find other links to more German if you're ready for it. Mach's gut!

U14 rugby boys sail through qualifying blitz

2008-02-06T08:23:00.000-08:00

Our U14 squad carried all before them in the qualifying blitz in the Ulster Schools rugby competition. They defeated: Monaghan Collegiate; Kilkeel High School; Dungannon Integrated College; Ballynahinch High School. A terrific set of results, and very well done.

Gaelic Good Luck, Natasha

2008-02-01T15:21:00.000-08:00

Nobody every tells me anything! I've just discovered that Natasha Ferris has been representing out Sports Studies A level class as star performer in the SERC ladies football team. Good luck today, and I'll catch up with the details of your fixtures.

More Rugby Success

2008-01-24T09:09:00.000-08:00

A fantastic performance today against Regent House Grammar School in Newtownards! we won 37:22. Just brilliant!

Netball Success

2008-01-22T14:43:00.000-08:00

Nail-biting finish for our netball squad, winning 13.12 against st Colmcille's. well done all!

Dublin Runners

2008-01-18T16:09:00.000-08:00

Fifty of our runners headed off for Dublin on Wednesday to take part in a huge cross country meeting with schools from all over Ireland. A great turn out.

We Must Have Brought Them Luck

2008-01-14T12:06:00.000-08:00

A batch of our French speaking rugby fans set off for Ravenhill to watch Ulster play Bourgoin. this was a very courageous trip, given the 16-match losing streak Ulster has been suffering in the European Cup. Yet Andrew Trimble's last minute try rewarded the faith of the fans. The fact that Shimna won the competition to host French rugby visitors at the college was the icing on the cake.