Sports
GAA
Our school participates in the Cuman na mBunscol competitions and over the years we have had many fantastic days in Croke Park. Hurling and Gaelic Football are also strands of the Physical Education Curriculum. We are very fortunate to have a very close working relationship with St Marks GAA club. We have four teams: Boys Gaelic football and hurling, ladies football and camóige. During the months of September and October both our senior and junior football teams (girls and boys) participate in their leagues. In 2016 our senior team won the Corn an Chéid in Croke park for the first time in 26 years. Our junior boys have won the Go Games South league 5 for the past 3 years. After Easter the boys hurling and camogie leagues take place. Daily lunchtime training sessions take place throughout the school year. Large numbers attended these training sessions. The boys learn new skills and practise existing ones in a positive and enjoyable environment. Following these sessions, lunchtime leagues and championships are organised for the children to show off their new skills.
Basketball
Training for 5th and 6th class boys and girls on a Wednesday from 2.30-3.10pm.
The children will be participating in a non-competitive mini basketball tournament every March in the National Basketball Arena. The children will participate in an exciting day with a variety of activities. Each child will have the opportunity to play basketball, referee, keep score and keep time. This will be an excellent learning experience for the children involved.
The children will then participate in competitive tournaments against other schools.
Soccer
Soccer has been an integral part of St Aidan`s since it was founded. One of Ireland’s greatest soccer players- Robbie Keane- played on the field and donned the St Aidan`s soccer jersey. pupils will get the opportunity to play for the school in the highly competitive Tallaght League- which we have been runner up in four out of the past five years-. Shamrock Rovers are also involved in training the pupils from when they enter in 3rd class to when they leave in 6th. We also run the Shamrock Rovers scholarship project with St Aidans Community School which has proven extremely successful since it began. Internal leagues are also run throughout the year. Effort, teamwork and positive attitude are the traits that are installed in all our soccer players.
Athletics
St. Aidan’s has a very active athletics club. From January onwards our cross country team trains four mornings a week at 8:30am – hail, rain or shine! From February to May approximately 50 pupils compete in the South Dublin County Council Cross Country Series. In the summer term pupils start preparing to compete in the Cumann na mBunscol sports at Santry Stadium. They compete in sprints, relays, hurdles, high jump, long jump, shot putt and the 600m race. In the past two years they have won 11 medals!
Hurling & Camogie Sessions
There’s always been a very good tradition of hurling and camogie in St Aidans. These games are really fantastic and fun and the children get great enjoyment out of them. Going to a field with a friend, 2 hurleys and a ball is a great way to pass the time.
Hurling in the morning: 8.25-8.45
Tuesday/ Thursday : 3rds + 4ths
Wednesday/ Friday: 5ths + 6ths
Hurling for 3rds/ 4ths + Camogie on Tuesday afternoon, 2.30 pm – 3.15 pm
Hurling
Last year we started doing hurling in the morning before school and we found that this really helped to bring the skills on. The senior hurling team managed to get to the semi-final last year. Hopefully we will have more successful days like this in future. Of course, the best way to become better at hurling and camogie is to join a hurling team and we always advise out young players to join St Mark’s GAA club.
Camogie
Camogie is played in all classes in St Aidans. Our senior team have reached quarter final and semi final cup stages in recent years and we hope with continued efforts on the pitch to continue this.
Swimming
Pupils have the opportunity to attend swimming lessons at Tallaght Leisure Centre. The lessons are run by our own certified instructors with the addition of Ms Byrne who is a PAWS (Primary Aquatics Water Safety) provider and Irish Water Safety Examiner. Pupils receive a grade and certificate on completion of the course.