Ashton Digest July/August 2016

Sports Assembly.

In a dramatic and culturally entertaining introduction to Sports Assembly 2016, opened by Mr. Landen, facilitated by Mr. Eddie Kirwan, and the entire Physical Education Department, music and song received warm applause.  6^th Year prefect, student Sally Hughes, accompanied by Mr. Drew Ruttle,  kept the school cohort enthralled with her sonorous voice.  She was one of fifteen Irish singers invited to sing in The Lincoln Centre in New York on St. Patrick’s Day, and as part of the 1916 Commemorative events. We wish her luck in her future plans.

Mr. Kirwan welcomed the captains of the winning teams to assembly, displaying the winning trophies and shields in hockey, and soccer, a marvellous display of silverware.

The hard work, diligence and dedication of all those involved in the various teams and sporting codes throughout the school were acknowledged with presentations made, and generous applause greeting all recipients.

A special presentation was made to a most unassuming member of the teaching staff in Ashton. Using the various ages of students present in the P.E. Hall, Mr. KIrwan outlined the success of Ms. Maggie Gleghorne at international hockey. At the age of 15, she played Senior Provincial hockey, and played full international hockey at 16 years of age.  An indictment of her skills level.  She has recently had a hockey facility in her hometown in Belfast re-dedicated to her, as well as many other accolades, such is the lasting impression she has left on the sport, nationally and internationally.  What a treasure we are so lucky to have in our school, genial, kind hearted and master sportswoman.  We congratulate you!

The various sporting codes busily pursued by students in Ashton were acknowledged, these included hockey, soccer, athletics, badminton, wheelchair basketball, tennis, sailing, rowing, swimming, climbing.

At International level, sports people included:

Amy Kate Mason on the U18 Irish Rowing team who will participate in either the Home Internationals or the Europeans in Poland.

Ross Welch was part of the Irish U18 training panel for Soccer.

Thomas Wilcock represented Ireland in the British Championships in Manchester in June in Climbing.

Emily Whitaker represented Ireland in Sailing, in France.

Peter Coulter, represented Ireland on the U18 team in Hockey.

David Lynch also represented Ireland on the U18 team in Belfast.

Citations were read for each of the Junior and Senior Sports award recipients, outlining their commitment, dedication, hard work, and the attributes which make them both academically and sportingly excellent role models for students throughout the school. Mr. Kirwan emphasised how the balancing of sport and academic work is possible at all levels.

Senior Sports Girl of the Year was awarded to Laura Hahnel, and Senior Sports Boy presented to Brian Stockil.  Junior Sports Girl was presented to Zoe Wilson, and Junior Sports Boy awared to Andrew Salter.   Worthy recipients in every sense of the word.  Sports Assembly concluded with Mr. Kirwan reminding  students and staff of the importance of sport in our lives, and that ” sport is cool”.  A wise message.