St. Patrick’s College pupils and staff attended the awards ceremony held in the Glenavon Hotel in Cookstown.  The Ulster Bank sponsored event, honoured each school who contested the Ulster finals in the 2008/09 academic year. Special guests were M. Fennelly, captain of the victorious Kilkenny hurling team and D. O Sullivan, captain of the Kerry football team.

St. Patrick’s, following many outstanding performances on the hurling field, collected three awards. Adrian Armstrong captain, Niall Ferris and Barry Leake collected the award on behalf of the victorious U16 team. Joel Bradley, Conor O'Reilly and Declan Mc Closkey accepted the award on behalf the U14 team who lost narrowly in the final. Corey O Reilly captain and Shea Mc Keever represented the Year 8 team who achieved Ulster success for St. Patrick’s for the first time in this event. All pupils present were presented with a polo shirt and an inscribed plaque for their school.

 

 

The Vocational schools committee also acknowledged the role of teachers and coaches in the development of future GAA stars. In recognition of many years service to the promotion of gaelic games in the Vocational schools sector, Mr Fintan Mc Closkey merited special praise. All teams under the care of the Banagher man were remembered for outstanding skill and sportsmanship. Mrs Mc Nicholl accepted the beautifully inscribed trophy on his behalf.

On a visit to St. Patrick's College in late January 2010 Fintan Mc Closkey was formally presented with his award in recognition of many years service to the promotion of gaelic games in the Vocational schools sector. Pictured with Mrs. Sands - Principal and Mrs. Mc Nicholl - Head of P.E.