Welcome to St. Rynagh's N.S. Banagher, Co. Offaly

Schools Hurling Final 2011

We got to the Schools Hurling Final this year and we were all very happy and excited. On the day we met up at 4.30 p.m. having only eaten a light meal beforehand. A bus outside the school picked up a panel of 28 players. The game was played in St. Brendan's Park in Birr and our opponents were Kilcormac/Killoughey. Throw-in was at 5.15 p.m. It was an eleven a side game.
Darrel Gaughan was the first to score. It was a tough game with everyone fighting hard to win possession. It was a very cold evening. Banagher played with the breeze for the first half.
Enda Regan got the ball, struck it hard and hit the back of the net. The whistle blew for half time and we were up a few points.
The team came out after half time all ready for a tough second half. We were playing against the wind. Banagher had to keep cool and not let Kilcormac/Killoughey score. K.K. scored a few points from frees and then scored two fast goals. They were closing in on us and we were all getting a little nervous and anxious. Everyone was playing very well, some changes were made and subs brought on. We got some vital scores, which clinched the title for Banagher.
None of the 28 on the panel ever remembered Banagher winning this schools final before and we will never forget this win. Daniel Curtis was our captain and lifted the cup with great pride. He was a deserving captain. All the families and supporters came to congratulate us. We plan on keeping this cup for another year at least and defending the title in 2012. We celebrated back in Banagher, drove around the town and everyone came out and cheered us on. It was a great win and one we'll never forget.
I would like to thank our teachers - Mr. Flaherty and Mr. McMahon.

By Oisin Hickey & Robbie Hernon