The winning team from St Joseph’s NS. From left to right; Dara Donnelly, Denis Lynch, Back Row; Dara Kearney, Adam Dineen, Charlie Fitzgerald, David O’Sullivan, Oisín O’Regan, with their teacher and coach Terence Dineen and John Brassil T.D.
A TEAM from a school in Ballyheigue recently won gold in draughts in the All Ireland Community Games which took place in the National Sports Campus Dublin.
The St Joseph’s NS Under 14 team was welcomed home on Sunday, May 7 as the people of Ballyheigue lined the street.
The team was welcomed by local T.D. John Brassil and a large crowd had congregated to acknowledge this historic achievement.
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Their mentor, Terence Dineen, praised the boys’ dedication and commitment over the years. The team has been playing draughts since they were 7 years of age.
They have represented Munster at All-Ireland level three times winning two silvers and one bronze.
This year the team, Adam Dineen (Captain), David O Sullivan, Dara Kearney, Denis Lynch, Dara Donnelly, OisÍn O Regan and Charlie Fitzgerald were determined to win gold.
The boys trained several nights a week but they knew that they needed an extra edge, so several people from the parish came each week to provide a worthy challenge to the team.
In Dublin, Ballyheigue representing Munster met a the team from Monaghan representing Ulster. They won this semi- final 7-3 which ensured them a place in the final that afternoon against a team from Carlow representing Leinster.
The final against Carlow was a tense affair but they emerged from the games room with the great news that they had won Gold winning 6-4.
