CTI Clonmel win Tipperary football blitz to complete historic double for school

The Clonmel CTI team who won the secondary schools county football blitz on Wednesday, December 30 at Dr Morris Park, Thurles. In the final they overcame Scoil Ruáin, Killenaule. The success completed the football/hurling double for the school - the first time it has ever managed to do so.
Back row left to right - Mr Dominic Walsh (teacher), Luke Ó Muireasáin, Conor Walsh, Rocco Cuddy, Gavin O’Sullivan, Ben Gormáin, Thomas Molloy, Freddie Ó Báicéir, Jayden Inglis, Mr Liam Lonergan (teacher)

Front row - Nathan Eubadoloyi, Tristan Maun, Leo Hanton, Leon Hewitt, Cillian Ó Muirgheasa, Darragh Prendergast, Oisín Walsh.

On Wednesday, November 30, the first-year footballers of CTI (Clonmel) competed in the county football blitz at Dr Tom Morris Park, Thurles. This skilful group of students from Gaelcholáiste Chéitinn Chluain Meala and Raheen College combined had already won the county hurling blitz and were hoping to complete the double, something never before achieved by the Clonmel school.

Their competition commenced against Comeragh College from Carrick-on-Suir. In a game that began at a frenetic  pace with great scores by both sides in the first half, the Clonmel school eventually got more of a foothold in the second period  and came out on top.

Less than 10 minutes after the end of their opening encounter, CTI were facing off against Scoil Ruáin of Killenaule. Killenaule started at a blistering pace and gained the upper hand early on. Perhaps still feeling the effects of their tough opener, the Clonmel side slowly managed to put some scores on the board, making a battle of it. Scoil Ruáin led by a point with five minutes to go and managed to repel the CTI onslaught to book their place in the final.

Clonmel CTI capture Regional basketball competition with victory in local derby final

With one win and one defeat, CTI’s place in the decider was going to depend on the final group game against St. Ailbe’s of Tipperary Town. Before this challenge the students got a well-needed rest and a chance to refuel with Mr Lonergan producing fruit, Jaffa cakes and wine gums and the lads getting a chance to relax and re-focus on the challenge ahead.

The game with St Ailbe’s, like the previous two, began at a fierce pace. CTI managed to get some early goals and stayed ahead from there to the final whistle.

The stage was set for the final, Scoil Ruáin versus CTI once again, weather conditions having slightly changed. CTI began with the aid of the strong wind and had overcome their point scoring difficulties of the earlier tussle against the same opposition. CTI led at half-time having scored five hard-earned points. Credit due to the Scoil Ruáin defence, clearly well drilled, who were able to keep the CTI attack at bay.

Against the elements for the second period, CTI rose magnificently to the  occasion and pushed on to emerge  winners.

Captain Leo Hanton accepted the trophy on behalf of CTI and great credit is due to all involved.