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The Junior girls' Gaelic team played Boyle at home in Ballaghaderreen today in the third round of their championship campaign. They had a brilliant game, winning 4-08 to 2-05.

The girls enjoyed a successful first half, with the game remaining level until half-time. Scores came from Nicole McDonnell and Anna Callaghan, while the first goals were scored by Éabha-Mae Keating and Robyn McKeon.

The defence was strong throughout, with the girls holding their own and working well as a unit. Aoibhinn Gilligan and Ella Hunt were instrumental in winning turnovers and helping to create scoring opportunities.

The second half was intense, but the girls managed to pull away thanks to two goals from Orla Molloy, along with additional scores from the forwards, to secure the win in the end.

Credit to Leah Cogan TY for the match report.

Well done to our wonderful panel of 46 girls, who have shown great effort, commitment, and teamwork over the past few weeks. A special mention to our first-year students, who proudly represented the school for the first time, and to our three TY students for their ongoing help and support in training the U14 team. Thanks to Abbey College Boyle for a great, competitive game! 💚🤍

On Monday last 19th October, our U17 girls togged out against St. Louis, Kiltimagh. It was a cold, frosty morning in Castlebar, but despite the weather, the girls were determined to win, as it was their last chance to qualify.

The girls were unlucky in the first half, with several solid attempts on goal denied by the Kiltimagh goalkeeper, who put in an outstanding performance. However, they got on the scoresheet early when an excellent cross from Leah Cogan was finished brilliantly by Eloise McDonnell. This swung the momentum in our favour, and the girls continued to press forward.

Sienna Mulleady went on to score three superb goals, while Sadbh Dillon added the final score. The defensive line and midfield worked tirelessly, making it extremely difficult for Kiltimagh to break through.

It was a well-rounded team performance, with an outstanding work rate shown by all. The girls will now turn their attention to preparing for the next round.

We would like to thank everyone who supported and sponsored the team. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

We are incredibly proud of our students for getting involved in such a worthwhile cause and representing the school so positively. Well done to all involved!

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Well done to our U19 soccer team, who secured a 1-1 draw in a game they were unlucky not to win against Coláiste Mhuire Mháthair of Galway. It was a great game to watch, and Cathal Moriarty’s goal was finished after a great passage of play started by Ben Kearney. The player of the match was Jarlath O’Gara, who marshalled an Ireland youth international throughout the game and was nothing short of brilliant in his defensive work. Thanks, as always, to Johnny Grennan for his sponsorship of the team and to Gurteen Celtic for the pitch, which is always in impeccable condition!

Good luck to all 1st years taking part in our Re-Turn box creation competition, run by our Green Schools Committee.

First years are currently designing boxes for all classrooms so there is a specific place for Re-Turn bottles and cans to be placed, collected, and recycled. The boxes are being upcycled to ensure that we are being as sustainable as possible within the school and, in turn, helping to push us towards our next Green Flag: Global Citizenship - Litter and Waste.

Don’t forget, first years, a pizza party awaits you after midterm for the class with the most creative collection of boxes, so get creative!

Yesterday Monday October 12th Tony Mulligan delivered a powerful and deeply moving talk to almost 60 Transition Year students and staff at St. Nathy’s. His honesty, warmth and determination held the room’s attention from beginning to end.

Tony shared his journey from a talented young footballer with hopes of playing for Mayo to fighting a recurring brain tumour and undergoing four brain surgeries. After his fourth surgery, he was left half-paralysed and spent eight months in rehabilitation away from his family, learning to stand and walk again. His determination to see his twin boys grow up gave him a powerful reason to keep going.

Although Tony does not know what the future holds for him, he continues to approach life with positivity and purpose. His message about mental strength, resilience and kindness encouraged students to believe in themselves, make the most of their opportunities and keep moving forward through difficult times.

He reminded students of the difference they can make by supporting each other, believing in each other and lifting each other up. His talk encouraged them to strengthen their resilience while being kind to themselves and the people around them.

Tony spoke movingly about the loss of both his parents to sickness and how their love and courage continue to shape the person he is today. He also spoke openly about missed opportunities and the mental and physical challenges of rebuilding his life.

The response spoke for itself: two rapturous rounds of applause and students describing how his story had moved them and given them hope.

One student said: “The message was really important, and I have never heard someone speak about mental and physical struggles so openly and without any fear.”

Another reflected: “There is so much negativity today, so it was refreshing to see someone stand in front of us who has been knocked down so many times, yet still has a positive outlook today and for the future.”

A third student said: “We are lucky that we got to hear Tony today. He gave me hope that no matter what life throws at us, a positive attitude and good people around you are most of the battle.”

We warmly recommend Tony to any school looking for a speaker who connects with young people and leaves them with a lasting message of resilience, kindness and hope. We would be delighted to welcome him back to St. Nathy’s.