Winning Mount Sion CBS team honoured with mayoral reception
Mayor of waterford City & County Cllr seamus Ryan, welcomed the Mount Sion CBS team to City Hall in recognition of their victory in the Niall McInerney Cup when they were crowned All Ireland Senior D Hurling champions and presented a scroll to the team captains Bradley Penkert and Tommy Kennedy on behalf of the team. Photos: Joe Evans
It was a day of pride and celebration as the Mount Sion CBS community gathered to honour a team that had etched its name into the school’s history. Standing before the players, mentors, and supporters, the Mayor of Waterford, Cllr Seamus Ryan, captured the significance of the occasion at the Mayors Parlour: “It is a pleasure to welcome you all here today to recognise the remarkable achievements of the Mount Sion CBS senior hurling team on their historic All-Ireland success,” said Cllr Ryan.
Reflecting on the journey, he noted just how special the campaign had been. “What this group of players, mentors and supporters achieved this season was truly extraordinary,” he said, recalling how it had all begun under difficult circumstances. Back in September, in Heywood Community College, an early injury to joint-captain Tommy Kennedy threatened to derail their hopes before they had even taken shape. But instead of faltering, “the team responded with resilience, determination and belief,” qualities that would define everything that followed.
Through a series of hard-fought battles across Munster, against Ballincollig CS, Coláiste Chríost Rí, Carraigtwohill Community College and Carrigaline CS, the team grew in both confidence and character. Each game sharpened their resolve, leading them into a standout Munster Final performance against St Munchin’s. From there, the momentum built steadily toward the ultimate prize.
That journey reached its peak on All-Ireland Final day, in a dramatic encounter with Scoil Aireagail, Ballyhale. Pushed to extra time, Mount Sion CBS showed their true spirit, refusing to give in and ultimately emerging victorious. It was, as Cllr Ryan said, “their resilience, determination and refusal to give up” that defined them, representing “their school and county with immense pride.” Leadership proved central to their success. Special recognition was given to joint-captains Bradley Penkert and Tommy Kennedy, whose influence guided the team throughout the campaign. Alongside them, players like Jack Teat and others stepped up at crucial moments, embodying the group's collective strength.
For the school, this victory carried profound meaning. “This victory carries even greater significance as it marks the first time an All-Ireland cup has been brought back to the school,” Cllr Ryan said, highlighting the historic nature of the achievement.
Under the guidance of Mr Mulhall, Mr Galvin and Mr Myles, the team had written a new chapter in Mount Sion CBS’s proud sporting tradition, adding a national title to sit alongside the famous Harty Cup triumph of 1953.
The Mayor also acknowledged the wider school community that stood behind the team. Outgoing Principal Edward Kennedy was recognised for his pride and encouragement, which helped make the celebrations all the more special. Thanks were also extended to Brother Peadar for “the guidance and wisdom he has shared with students over many years.”
As the Mayoral reception drew to a close, Cllr Ryan delivered a message that captured the sentiment of an entire county: “On behalf of the people of Waterford, congratulations once again on an incredible achievement. You have made your school, your families, your clubs and your county immensely proud.” It was more than just a victory—it was a story of resilience, belief, and history made.
