Gorey Community School are cricket champions

This year’s tournament was no different. On a sunny May morning, Coláiste an Átha, the holders, fielded two teams with their opening match versus Educate Together.

Coláiste amassed 64 runs, having batted first, but Educate Together didn’t read the script. Some excellent fielding by Educate Together, one overhead catch in particular, unsettled the Kilmuckridge school, who looked destined to win until the last wicket was bowled out by Tommie O’Brien in a frantic finale.

Unbridled joy and a sense of amazement followed as the holders sportingly acknowledged their narrow defeat.

Coláiste’s Red team didn’t fare any better when they played Gorey CS, who were disciplined in their approach and remained focused until they secured victory with the uncatchable score.

Despite their competitive spirit, both Coláiste an Átha teams showcased a strong camaraderie as they competed against each other for the third and fourth spot.

Their match was entertaining and a testament to the sportsmanship that is a hallmark of the Esmonde Perpetual Cup.

Gorey CS won the toss in the final match and elected to bowl. Despite early nervousness, Educate Together’s opening pair formed a strong partnership, scoring 36 runs before succumbing to some excellent bowling by Angel and Zoey Carroll.

The Gorey CS opening batters found it difficult to gather momentum as runs took a lot of work to come by.

Slowly, they managed to edge closer, but again, some excellent fielding by Educate Together knocked Gorey CS out of kilter.

Never panicking and gaining momentum, batter Liam O’Brien’s strong performance, hitting some sixes and fours, inevitably brought success against a courageous Educate Together, who performed astonishingly well.

A notable mention must go to Herbie Honohan, who prepared the teams thoroughly, AL FitzGerald of Gorey Cricket Club for successfully coaching the Gorey CS team over a short span of time, and Peter Hudson and Ciarán for umpiring and encouraging the students when heads dropped.

Gratitude also to the teachers involved: Colin Breen, Ollie Gahan, Anne O’Leary and Ben Horan.

A forthcoming event is the primary schools regional competition, the Trent Johnston Cup, which will involve Kilanerin, Gorey Central, Craanford and Loreto Bunscoil (Gorey) on June 12.

The Town Park in Gorey is a magnificent arena for the local colleges and schools, and a testament to how proactive the local Council and politicians are. Credit is due when credit is deserved.