AppSports
COACH ME and I will learn
CHALLENGE ME and I will grow
BELIEVE IN ME, and I will win
‘Physical Fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity’. – J.F.Kennedy
Physical education encourages physical activity for life, helps prevent sickness and disease, provides an outlet for creativity and self-expression and develops cooperation and teamwork. It builds self-confidence, provides opportunities for personal goal-setting, increases personal fitness and helps reduce stress and anxiety. It strengthens relationships with others and boosts academic learning.
Here at Mercy College Roscommon, we recognise Physical Education and Sport as integral to the holistic development of all our students. Our school facilities are among the most varied in the county, with a large Sports Hall, playing fields, an all-weather pitch and tennis courts on the school grounds. All students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular sporting activities, and it is a great opportunity to make new friends in their first year.
Many of our students have received recognition for their participation in sport, including provincial and international representation, and many have been recipients of local and national sports awards. Our school has a long tradition of sporting activity and achievement.
Extra-Curricular sporting activities
- Gaelic Football
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Spikeball
- Volleyball
- Camogie
- Badminton
- Swimming
- Athletics
- Cross Country
- Tag Rugby
- Contact Rugby
- Gymnastics
- Dance
- Equestrian
- Golf
Athletics
Connacht and South Connacht Track and Field
A number of our students competed in the South Connacht track and field event in TUS Athlone on Tuesday, 10th May. Transition year student Hollie Kilroe won both of her races, the 800m and the 300m intermediate event. Ciara Carr (6th year) and Hazel Kelly (3rd Year) both qualified for Connacht track and field in the 3000m and 1500m intermediate events, respectively. 1st year student Fiona Duda qualified for the Minor 75m hurdles.
Well done also to Lucy Hone (Junior), Adrianna Salvador Rodrigues (Junior), and Roisin O’Grady (Minor), who all competed in the 75m hurdles event. On Thursday, 19th May, a number of students travelled to the Connacht finals in TUS Athlone to compete in a number of events. Hollie was placed first in both the 300m and 800m, while Fiona Duda and Hazel Kelly put in great performances in the 75m hurdles and 1500m run, respectively.
Best of luck to Hollie Kilroe, who will be competing in the All-Ireland final (300m and 800m) in Tullamore on Saturday, June 4th. Well done to all those who competed in athletics over the year.
Golf
All-Ireland Golf Final
The Convent of Mercy Golf team, consisting of Olivia Costello, Anna Higgins and Niamh Lennon, were crowned Senior All-Ireland Bronze Medalists on Monday, the 25th of April. After winning the Connacht Pennant by 19 shots, the 3 girls advanced to Milltown Golf Club, Dublin, where the All-Ireland Final was held. There were 8 schools competing for the title of All-Ireland Champions. After a tough round, the girls secured the bronze medal for the school, while Olivia Costello won the best gross score on the day with +6. Well done to Olivia, Anna and Niamh on this fantastic result!
Volleyball and Spikeball
Junior Volleyball
Our junior volleyball team travelled to The Watershed in Kilkenny for the Junior A semi-final with their coach, Ms. Corcoran. The girls secured a comprehensive win over Sutton Park School on a score line of 25-13 in the first set and 25-17 in the second set, but were narrowly defeated by St. Brigids, Loughrea on a score line of 28-26 in the first set and 25-23 in the second set. The girls put in fantastic performances throughout the competition.
Senior Volleyball
Our senior volleyball team hosted Coláiste an Eachréidh in the first round of the Schools Cup on Friday, 4th February. It was a very close first set with the Convent girls defeating Coláiste an Eachréidh by 2 points, 27 – 25. The Convent girls started well in the second set and had a comfortable win, 25 – 13.
Junior Volleyball
On Monday, 7th March, the Junior Volleyball team travelled to Portlaoise to compete in the second round of the Junior championship. The girls won all three matches, beating Scoil Chríost Rí, Coláiste Muire Ennis A and B. The team now goes forward to the semi-finals at the end of March. Well done to the team and their coach, Ms. Corcoran.
Senior Volleyball
Our senior volleyball team hosted Coláiste an Eachréidh in the first round of the Schools Cup on Friday, 4th February. It was a very close first set with the Convent girls defeating Coláiste an Eachréidh by 2 points, 27 – 25. The Convent girls started well in the second set and had a comfortable win, 25 – 13.
Junior Volleyball
On Wednesday, 2nd February, our junior volleyball team travelled to Coláiste Muire Máthair in Galway for the opening round of the junior volleyball league. The girls defeated Scoil Mhuire Strokestown 3, Scoil Mhuire Strokestown 4 and Coláiste Muire Máthair in two sets. This was a fantastic start to the league, and we look forward to receiving our next fixture.
Rugby
Connacht Junior Rugby Champions!
Congratulations to the Junior Rugby panel and their mentors on this fantastic achievement. The Convent of Mercy Junior Rugby team played St. Michael’s Claremorris in the Sports Grounds, Galway, in the Connacht final. A tough first half for the Convent girls, but their defence kept busy and they went two tries up. Westport scored early in the second half, but the Convent girls came back strong and pulled through with a 26-15 win! Try scorers were Sarah Purcell (2), Síofra Hession (1), and Lily Murray (1), with 3 conversions from Síofra Hession. Many thanks to all the supporters- students, staff and parents, who made the journey to Galway for the big game. We are so proud of this panel and their mentors, Dave Purcell, Micháel Glennon, Siobhan Purcell and Ms Keenan. What an amazing month of sport for our school.
Senior Rugby
Last Friday, the 21st of January, the Convent of Mercy Senior rugby team defeated Claregalway College in the Connacht quarter final at the Corinthians pitch, Galway. The Convent were the better team in the first half, but Claregalway scored two tries on the counterattack, pushing them into a 5-point lead at half-time. A brilliant second-half performance paved the way for a 19-15 win. Anna Murray scored two tries, while Rachel McDonald scored the third. Éabha Dowd showed excellent kicking ability, scoring two conversions. Fantastic work from the whole panel and their mentors, Dave Purcell, Micheál Glennon and Siobhan Purcell.
Junior Rugby
On Tuesday, the 18th of January, the Convent of Mercy Junior rugby team played Sacred Heart Westport in Westport, in the Connacht semi-final. A tough first half for the Convent girls, but their defence kept busy and they went two tries up. Westport eventually got over the line for a last-minute try in the first half. Westport scored another try early in the second half, but the Convent came back and scored two tries and pulled through with a 36-10 win! Try scorers were Sarah Purcell (2), Shauna Walsh (2), Hannah Murray and Lilly Murray, with 3 conversions from Síofra Hession. Well done to the panel and their mentors, Dave Purcell, Micháel Glennon, Siobhan Purcell and Ms Keenan.
Basketball
Cadette Basketball team wins the Leinster Development Cup Final
The Convent of Mercy U16 Cadette Basketball team won the Leinster D Final on Friday, 28th January in the National Basketball Arena, Tallaght. It was a huge achievement for the girls to reach this final as they were the first Basketball team from the Convent of Mercy to play in the Arena in Tallaght. They overcame a strong Cavan side from Coláiste Dún an Rí to bring the Leinster Development Cup back to Roscommon. The starting five, Aisling Shanagher (C), Adriana Salvador Rodrigues, Síofra Hession, Etaine Moran and Natasha O’Rourke got off to a very strong start in the first quarter.
They worked hard as a team to break down the defence ending the quarter, 14-5, with baskets from Aisling Shanagher, Adriana Rodrigues Salvador and Siofra Hession. This gave the Roscommon girls a huge advantage heading into the second quarter. The girls worked hard in the second quarter to maintain the lead. Coláiste Dún an Rí fought at times to break down the Roscommon defence. However, the Roscommon team were prepared for rebounds and was rewarded.
The Convent of Mercy side ended the second quarter with a strong lead, 23-12. The Roscommon girls extended the lead further in the 3 rd quarter, despite the Cavan girls coming onto the court with a strong defensive strategy. Some long balls into the opposition’s half of the court allowed for easy scores for the Mercy girls. The Roscommon girls fought hard for 8 minutes as the Cavan girls tightened up the play. The Roscommon side ended the quarter 33-14, with baskets again coming from Aisling, Adriana and Síofra.
The Convent of Mercy went into the final quarter of the game with a 19-point advantage, providing an opportunity to give players a rest and use the bench. Coláiste Dún an Rí maintained their strong defensive strategy and managed to break down the Roscommon defence for the majority of the last quarter. They used the court to their advantage and managed to outscore the Roscommon side 12-0 in the last quarter.
However, it wasn’t enough to overcome the strong side from the Convent of Mercy, and they finished the game, 33-26. Congratulations to all the players involved in the team and their coaches, Ms. Niamh Brogan and Ms. Sandra Shanagher. A very well-deserved win for the team and a credit to all the work and training they put in throughout the year.
Cadette Basketball team through to the Leinster Final
The Convent of Mercy Cadette U16 basketball team had an impressive win over Edmund Rice College, Dublin, in the Leinster D semi-final on Monday, 24th January, in the Sports Campus Ireland Arena. It was a fantastic opportunity for the girls to play one of their games in the Arena in Blanchardstown, where numerous sporting athletes from around Ireland train. The Convent of Mercy brought pace to the arena from the beginning of the game, which did not suit Edmund Rice College.
The Roscommon girls got off to a brilliant start, finishing the first two quarters, 12-2. Edmund Rice College tried to break down the defence, but baskets from Aisling Shanagher, Adriana Salvador Rodrigues, Síofra Hession and Niamh Dawson kept the Convent of Mercy in front. The girls came out with a very convincing win, 23-6. They now progress to the Leinster D Final, which will take place on Friday, 28th January in the National Basketball Arena, Tallaght. Best of luck to all the players and their coaches, Ms. Niamh Brogan and Mrs. Sandra Shanagher, in their upcoming final.
U-16 Basketball
The Convent of Mercy Cadette U16 basketball team won the Midlands Regional Final on Friday, 14th January in St Mary’s Hall, Portlaoise. They came up against a strong Mullingar side from St Finian’s College. The girls got off to a good start, taking time to adjust to their new surroundings. Baskets from Aisling Shanagher, Siofra Hession and Adriana Salvador Rodrigues put the Convent of Mercy in front at the end of the first quarter, 8-6.
The girls went into the second quarter very strong and settled into the game. St Finian’s College found it difficult to slow down the pace from the Convent of Mercy. The quarter ended with the Convent of Mercy edging well in front, 24-10. With an excellent lead heading into the 3rd quarter, the Convent of Mercy played their subs bench. The third quarter was low scoring for both sides, but the Roscommon girls kept the lead at the end of the quarter, 30-13. The Convent of Mercy had a significant lead heading into the final quarter.
The girls finished strong in the final eight minutes with baskets coming from Aisling Shanagher, Adriana Salvador Rodrigues, Niamh Dawson and Carla Griffin. The Roscommon girls played a very strong game from the first quarter, and it was an excellent display of basketball from their side. Well done to all the players involved with the U16 basketball team and their coaches, Ms. Niamh Brogan and Ms. Sandra Shanagher. The Convent of Mercy now progress to the Leinster semi-final, which takes place on Monday, 24th January in the National Sports Arena, Blanchardstown. Best of luck to all players and coaches in their upcoming semi-final.
U16 Basketball
Congratulations to our U16 Basketball team, who had a brilliant win on Wednesday. January 12th against Colaiste Mhuire Co-Ed, Thurles, in the Midlands regional semi-finals. They now go on to play St. Finian’s College, Mullingar in the Midlands regional final in Portlaoise. Best of luck to the team and their coach, Ms. Niamh Brogan and Ms Sandra Shanagher. Hard luck to our U19 Basketball team, who also played their regional semi-final and were defeated by Portlaoise College, 46 points to 26. The girls have played a fantastic league to date.
Camogie
All-Ireland Camogie Champions!
Wednesday, 2nd March, was a memorable day for the Convent of Mercy Senior Camogie team. The senior team made history by lifting the All-Ireland Colleges cup for the first time! The Convent of Mercy senior team took on St. Aloysius’ College, Carrigtwohill, Cork, in Moneygall.
Our girls took a few minutes to settle in with the opening point going to the Cork side; however, the Roscommon girls were quick to fight back with a goal from Niamh Fitzgerald in the first 10 minutes. A goal resulting from a sideline puck for Cork left the score at 1-4 to 1-3 to the Convent of Mercy at the end of the first half. The Roscommon side got off to a flying start in the second half with a goal from Ava Mulry, followed by another goal for Niamh Fitzgerald from a free.
The Cork team responded with a number of points; however, the Roscommon team were relentless in defence and finished the game on a score of 3-6 to 1-8. Our joint captains, Ellen Cafferkey and Ali Campbell, were presented with the cup, while Niamh Fitzgerald was awarded Player of the Match. The girls made a triumphant return to Roscommon last night, where they were met with a warm welcome by family, friends, staff and students. Massive credit must be given to this panel and their coaches, Mrs. Teresa Hession, Ms. Edel Connolly, Mr. Martin Mc Manus and Ms. Katie Lavin. Countless training sessions and preparation over the last few weeks paid off to secure this great win for the school.
It was a particularly emotional day for our 6th-year players who missed out on a lot of opportunities over the last couple of years due to restrictions, and yesterday was the last time many of them will wear the Convent of Mercy Camogie jersey. A special thanks to the huge contingent of supporters-students, staff and parents that made the journey to Moneygall for the game. Memories to last a lifetime for all involved!
Scorers: Niamh Fitzgerald 2-3, Sally Bolger 0-1, Claire McNeill 0-1, Síofra Hession 0-1.
Panel: Ellen Cafferkey, Alanna Corcoran, Orla Connolly, Ciara Carr, Katie Lohan, Taylor Kelly, Amy Fitzmaurice, Mella Lawless, Ali Campbell, Ellen Biesty, Éabha Dowd, Jennifer Flynn, Alison Mc Namara, Roisín Mahon, Alanna Donlon, Emma Crean, Sally Bolger, Laoise Mahon, Eimear O’Farrell, Sinead Mannion, Niamh Fitzgerald, Anna Campbell, Kate O’Brien, Nicole Reaney, Éabha Killeen, Ava Mulry, Claire Mc Neill, Molly-Anne Feeley, Anna Murray, Ciara Dowd, Jennifer Morris, Zara Fallon, Erin Mc Dermott, Emma Connaughton, Hannah Murray, Michaela Lohan, Hazel Kelly, Lilly Murray, Síofra Hession, Emma Mannion.
Senior Camogie team through to the Colleges All-Ireland Final!
Last Saturday, our senior camogie team hosted Killina Presentation Secondary School from Offaly in the All-Ireland Colleges D semi-final. In very tough weather conditions, the Convent of Mercy girls went up by 4 points at halftime. In the second half, our girls’ hard work and skill shone through, and we came out convincing winners in the end.
Thanks to our committed supporters who braved the wind and rain last Saturday. We will play St. Aloysius’ College, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork, in the All-Ireland final, with the date and details still to be confirmed. Training is continuing under the direction of Mrs.Teresa Hession, Ms. Edel Connolly, Ms.Katie Lavin and Mr. Martin McManus. There is a great buzz around the school, and excitement is building in the run-up to the All-Ireland.
We are fortunate to have a great panel to choose from as follows: Ellen Cafferkey, Ali Campbell, Orla Connolly, Ciara Carr, Katie Lohan, Mella Lawless, Taylor Kelly, Erin McDermott, Eimear O’Farrell, Amy Fitzmaurice, Sally Bolger, Laoise Mahon, Niamh Fitzgerald, Anna Campbell, Katie Lohan, Claire McNeill, Ava Mulry, Nicole Reaney, Hannah Murray, Emma Crean, Kate O’Brien, Alanna Donlon, Alanna Corcoran, Éabha Killeen, Molly Anne Feeley, Ellen Biesty, Zara Fallon, Emma Mannion, Anna Murray, Alison Mc Namara, Ciara Dowd, Éabha Dowd, Roisin Mahon, Jennifer Morris, Jenny Flynn, Emma Connaughton, Michaela Lohan, Hazel Kelly, Lilly Murray and Síofra Hession.
Minor and 1st Year Camogie
Well done to the minor camogie panel on completing their four group games with a win v Clarin College Athenry before the Easter break. The panel of second and first years won three of the four games with fine performances from all involved. Our first year camogie team were also in action and defeated Clarin College, Athenry in round 2 of their competition. Well done to both teams and their coaches, Mrs. Hession (Minor) and Ms. Connolly (Junior). The future of camogie is safe with the work rate and dedication shown by these groups over the past couple of months.
1st Year panel – Sally Towey, Jessica Farrell, Caoimhe Finan, Aisling Harris, Tara O’Connor, Alanna Mc Cormack, Chloe Connaughton, Laura Mc Sharry, Ivannah Looby, Katie Devine, Karen Whyte, Sarah Reilly, Aoife Mc Guinness, Orlagh Crehan, Faye Satchwell, Clara Tully, Emily O’Gara, Rachel Campbell, Enya Connaughton, Aoife Connolly, Alisha Connaughton, Sarah Jane Keogh, Ava Lynch, Sarah Jane O’Connor, Charlie Kilmartin Healy.
Minor panel – Sienna Devaney, Elia Cormican, Ava Naughton, Grace Campbell, Síofra Hession, Mia White, Maria Foxe, Maria Tiernan, Eve Connaughton, Cara Harrington, Emma Mitchell, Emer Connaughton, Lilly Murray, Moira Delaney, Ava Connaughton, Hannah Corcoran, Ava Egan, Ciara Corrigan, Faye Satchwell, Sarah Jane O’Connor and Méabh Egan.
Soccer
U20 Soccer
The Convent of Mercy U20 soccer team were defeated by Coláiste Bhaile Chláir in the U20 Connaught A semi-final last Monday in Mervue, Galway. The first half was a cagey and tight affair with both sides having attempts on goal, but both defences stood firm. However, just before half-time, international player Kate Slevin scored a brilliant individual goal from outside of the box.
The Roscommon girls kept fighting and were unlucky not to level the game after half-time. However, the Galway side took a two-nil lead, 5 minutes into the second half, as another international player in their ranks, Shauna Brennan, found the net. This Claregalway team have won All-Ireland titles at U15 and U17 level, but the Convent of Mercy girls held their own and, on another day, the result could have been different. Well done to all players on the panel and their coach, Mr. McManus.
The Convent’s U17 team will play Taylors Hill of Galway this week, in the Connaught quarter-final. Panel: Ciara Carr, Niamh Fitzgearld, Ciara Dowd, Reece Higgins, Ali Campbell, Laoise Mahon, Anna Campbell, Anna Higgins, Orla Connolly, Aisling Hanly, Ciara Martin, Ava McFadden, Orla Cox, Eabha Dowd, Natasha O’Rourke, Anna Hussey, Deirbhile Collins, Jenny Flynn and Shauna Walsh.
Gaelic Football
U14 Football team through to the Connacht Semi-Final
On Monday 14th of March, the Convent of Mercy U14 Gaelic Football team took on St. Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen, in their 2nd game of the group stage. The game took place at Lisnamult GAA grounds with weather conditions ideal for a game of football. The Convent girls got off to a blistering start with influential points being scored from Mia White and Grace Campbell in midfield, along with good work from Sarah Jane O’Connor and Eve Connaughton. Alannah McCormack and Sarah Reilly put in strong showings in the back line to help keep St. Nathy’s at bay. Backed by their strong defence, the Convent girls pushed on with goals coming from Grace Campbell (2), Clara Tully, Maria Tiernan and Ivannah Looby. St. Nathy’s fought back early in the second half with 2 goals in quick succession, but the Convent girls held firm to see out the victory on a final scoreline of 5-08 to 3-08.
On Wednesday, 23rd March, U14 footballers travelled down to a sun-drenched Ballyhaunis to take on Ballyhaunis Community School in the 3rd round of the Lidl U14 B Schools competition. The Roscommon girls started brightly with two quick points from Maria Tiernan and Ivannah Looby. Ballyhaunis hit back with two quickfire goals before a brace of goals from lively corner forwards Clara Tully and Maria Tiernan helped the Convent to a slender 2-3 to 2-2 lead at half time. A goal from Aoife Connolly, straight from the second half throw-in, put the Convent girls four points ahead before Ballyhaunis came back strongly. With 15 minutes to go, Ballyhaunis led by 2 points; however, they would not score again thanks to some heroic defensive efforts from all the defence and a fine penalty save from Ciara Corrigan. Instead, the Convent powered to victory with a goal from the outstanding Alanna McCormack, kickstarting the comeback.
This was followed by goals from Grace Campbell and another from Maria Tiernan, who finished with a tally of 2-3 on the day. The final scoreline was Convent of Mercy 6-6 Ballyhaunis Community School 4-3. This result means the Convent girls progress to the Connacht Semi-Final. Well done to all the panel and their coaches, Mr O’Reilly and Mr McLoughlin.
Panel: Ciara Corrigan, Sarah Reilly, Méabh Egan, Aine Mullooly, Alanna McCormack, Eve Connaughton, Mia White, Grace Campbell, Sarah Jane O’Connor, Ivannah Looby, Aoife Connolly, Clara Tully, Orlagh Crehan, Maria Tiernan, Ellen Murray, Rachel Campbell, Maria Fox, Rebecca Kelly, Ava Naughten, Caoimhe Finan, Ava Lynch, Caoimhe Brogan, Ciara Heavey, Lucy Hone, Ava Egan, Abby Carthy, Sarah Kilcline, Sheona Nolan, Aisling Harris, Laura McSharry.
Junior A Gaelic Football Final
The Convent of Mercy Junior Gaelic Football team made history on Tuesday, 11th January, contesting the first-ever ladies’ football final in the NUI Galway GAA Air Dome. This was the Junior A Connacht Final against Sacred Heart, Westport. Our girls got off to a nervous start, and Westport opened the scoring with a well-taken point. After the first water break, Roscommon looked to be settling into the game. The teams were level at half-time, Roscommon 2-2 and Westport 1-5.
Roscommon started the second half by far the better team, with scores from Michelle Rogers and Niamh Walsh. The Roscommon girls demonstrated excellent passages of play, going 4 points ahead when Westport responded with a goal just before the water break. It was an incredibly close final quarter, but Westport managed to come out the eventual winner. Final Score – Roscommon 4-5, Westport 4-9. It was a fantastic display of football by both sides. Although the result did not fall in favour of the Roscommon girls, it was a historical day for coach Ms Rachel Corcoran and the Convent of Mercy Junior Gaelic Football panel.