Harty Homecoming Takes Place in School.
The school community gathered to celebrate the historic Harty Cup on Friday last. The team and mentors were welcomed on stage to great applause, as all year groups cheered them on stage as they were introduced by school Deputy Principal, Mr. Dermot Brislane.
Captain Darragh McCarthy spoke first, thanking the management team for their support, commitment and guidance throughout the year. He acknowledged the team's great spirit and how they drove each other on in achieving their goal of winning the Harty Cup title.
Darragh then went on to thank Mr. Patrick Kelly for taking photos and managing the school's social media. Darragh also thanked Ms. Amanda England for organising supporters' buses to their matches. He then proceeded to acknowledge the work of previous coaches in the school; Mr. Paul Dolan, Mr. John McCormack and Ms. Laura Young with Rice Cup hurling in First year. Then Mr. David O'Neill and Mr. John Flannery who worked with them at U15 level.
Jack Peters then spoke and added thanks to the office staff; Orla and Siobhan, Jimmy the caretaker for ensuring dressing room were ready. Jack also thanked all the staff for their interest in the wellbeing of the team and their support throughout the entire campaign.
Donach O'Donnell discussed how the plans were in place from May last year. He highlighted the selflessness of each player and how this contributed to their achievement of winning the Dr. Harty Cup. He finished his speech by expressing his pride in each team member.
School Principal Ms. Karen O'Donnell congratulated the panel and their mentors on their fantastic achievement and was proud that their achievement is being acknowledged with the awarding of Tipp FM sports award for February. She also acknowledged the disappointment of missing out on the Croke Cup Final due to a single point loss. Ms. O'Donnell reminded the boys that they should take immense pride and satisfaction in their entire campaign and how they made history.
Ms. O'Donnell went on to thank the Abbey Court Hotel and Leisure Centre, and Alex Lawlor and Cian McDonnell of Gold Standard Physiotherapy for their support of the U19 A hurling team from the start of the campaign.
We were delighted that Br. Seamus Whelan, the Community Leader, on the monastery's closure, was able to join us for the great celebration. Many Christian Brothers were involved in the development of schools hurling over the years.
The school community then enjoyed watching highlights of the match which contained words of congratulations from Tipperary senior Vice Captain Jake Morris and Manager Liam Cahill.
Well done and thank you to the U19 A hurling panel and their management team for all the great days out showcasing the fine hurling talent in North Tipperary and creating a lasting legacy for St. Joseph's CBS Nenagh.