Successful sports day at Offaly School in aid of Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund
Coláiste Naomh Cormac raised over €4,000 with sports day and 5k run
CNC held its annual Sports Day last Friday, an event that combined spirited student participation, seamless organisation, and a strong sense of community.
Blessed with blue skies and sunshine, the day was made even more meaningful as our sponsored 5K run was in memory of Ashling Murphy. The idea has come from our students, who are eager to celebrate Ashling’s life in a meaningful way. The students raised over €4,000 for the Ashling Murphy memorial fund, and we hope this event served as both a tribute and a source of support to causes that were close to her heart.
Our winner of the Dermot Guinan Perpetual Trophy 5km race was 3rd year Luke Maher with a time of 19 minutes 40 seconds. Dermot, our school’s bus driver, passed away eight years ago and this perpetual race was organised to keep honour of Dermot’s memory.
The morning's programme followed a rotational format, with each year group circulating through a series of activity stations. These featured a wide range of sporting challenges, from volleyball and soccer to traditional sports day events, all designed to promote inclusion, enjoyment, and positive engagement. Sincere thanks are extended to the dedicated teaching staff who facilitated each station and ensured the safety and wellbeing of all involved. Refreshments were provided at 11am, with Glenisk kindly sponsoring yogurts for students in the canteen.
In the afternoon, attention turned to the highly anticipated 5km race. Proceedings began with a group warm-up on the basketball courts at 1.45pm, before students set off as either runners or walkers. Stewarding support was generously provided by the Parents’ Association and the Gardai Siochana whose contribution was greatly appreciated by all involved.
Upon finishing the race, participants were rewarded with an ice-cream and refreshments, a welcome treat that concluded the physical aspect of the day on a high note.
At 3pm, an award ceremony was held to recognise student achievement and participation. CNC was honoured by the presence of special guest Aoife Dalton, whose attendance was a source of great inspiration for students. Aoife who hails from Clara and represents Ireland in our women’s national rugby team and has recently crowned an excellent year by being named on the Six Nations team of the year. It was a huge honour to have Aoife present our awards.
A special congratulations was extended to the group winners across each category, recognising the exceptional achievements of students in both junior and senior divisions. In the Junior Boys category, 1st place went to Danny Rigney, 2nd place to Anthony Collins, and 3rd place to Aaron Maher. The Junior Girls category saw Cliona Mannion take 1st place, followed by Caitlin Hynes in 2nd, and Blathinn Egan in 3rd.
In the Senior Boys category, Eamonn Molloy secured 1st place, with Jamie Tallon and Anuk Chia finishing in 2nd and 3rd place respectively. Meanwhile, the Senior Girls category was led by Lucy Fitzgerald in 1st place, followed by Jiani Guinan in 2nd and Elizabeth Kilmartin in 3rd. These winners exemplified dedication and talent, earning well-deserved recognition for their outstanding performances.
CNC’s 2025 Sports Day was a model of organisation, school spirit, and charitable engagement. The school extends its sincere thanks to all staff, students, sponsors, and volunteers who contributed to a safe, enjoyable, and meaningful event.