Waterford school enjoys latest hockey success
Members of the hockey team with the cup
The students in St Declan's Community College, in Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford, are well known for their academic prowess.
However, the school also enjoys a healthy reputation for excellence when it comes to sport and that reputation was enhanced recently when the school's hockey team emerged victorious from the Hockey South East Inter Cup Final.
The school faced tough opposition from fellow-Déíse school, Ursuline Waterford.
However, following a very competitive game the St Declan's team won on a 1-0 scoreline, much to the delight of everyone involved.
A spokesperson for the school commented to Waterford News & Star: "We are bursting with pride after our Inter team won back to back cup titles."
"This is an amazing feat and was truly deserved," he said.
St Declan’s had a rocky start and the Ursuline dominated the first quarter, however, the spokesperson said: "We eventually got into our stride and won two short corners in a row. Hannah Mc Grath had a super shot from the top of the D which was saved but her sister Niamh was on hand to slot the rebound into the back of the goal."
St. Declan’s dominated the second half but couldn’t convert any scores.
"Overall, our work rate, determination and pure grit really paid off," said the spokesperson.
He also said the school will be sorry to say goodbye to six, 6th Year students, who are "the backbone of the team". They include:Moya Bowdren, Ava McElduff, Hannah McGrath, Beth Doonan, Laura Doheny and Aoife Lenihan.
"They have been the backbone of the team," he said.
"Wishing them all the best and hopefully they will be on the hockey pitch again soon," he added.
