Well done to our girls soccer team who participated in the Mid Leinster Finals. They played teams from Laois, Kildare and Kilkenny.

The girls won their first match 1-0 with a great goal from Munachi following a excellent pass from Maeve Green.

In their second match the girls failed to score despite commanding most of the possession.  That draw meant that Durrow needed a win in their third game if they wanted to qualify.

In the last match the girls worked extremely hard to try break down the defense but were unable to take control of the game. Even when they went 2-0 down Durrow kept working to try win the match. A wonder goal from Meadhbh Mealiff lifted the team but with time against the girls it was just too much for them.

All girls played excellently and represented the school well. Hopefully they can go one step further next year!!

Durrow Girls Team

On Thursday pupils from Durrow took apart in a 5 aside soccer blitz in Leah Victoria Park in Tullamore. Schools from all over Offaly took part in the competition which meant it was going to be difficult to qualify for the next round of the competition. In the boys competition Durrow were placed in a tough group with Birr boys schools and Clara boys school. Although they only lost one match Durrow were knocked out on goal difference. There was a bit more luck for the girls in their competition and at the end of the day the Durrow girls were undefeated. They now will represent Offaly in the Mid Regional finals in May. Best of luck girls!!

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Last Thursday boys and girls from 3rd and 4th class took part in the FAI futsal blitz in Portarlington. There were teams there from Portarlington BNS, Edenderry BNS, Scoil Eoin Phoil and Birr BNS. Unfortunately, no other schools turned up to compete in the girls division but the Durrow girls had an opportunity to play against each other and show off their skills. The boys were unlucky in their division and just couldn’t compete with the all boys schools. All the children had a great time and hopefully we will have more luck next year.

The Mid Leinster Finals were held in Portlaoise on Wednesday the 11th of May. The school represented Offaly in both the boys and girls competition. On the day they faced the winners of Kilkenny, Laois and Kildare.

Boys team: Jack, Anthony, Dan, Shane, Ciaran, Mike, Joe, Billy.
Girls team: Meadhbh, Munachi, Katelynn, Gianne, Jessica, Sarah, Grainne, Rachel McL.

The boys first game was against Laois where they got off to the perfect start scoring early in the game. Unfortunately the boys couldn’t hold their lead and the game finished 1-1, Laois scoring with 2 minutes remaining. The boys second game was against Kildare where they fought hard against a strong team. Kildare scored two early goals and despite a fight back, Durrow lost 5-2. The boys last game was against Kilkenny where a win would place them in the final. Despite scoring a very early goal Durrow couldn’t see out the game and it finished 2-2, which placed us in a play off against Laois for third place. This match turned out to be a goal fest with Durrow winning 7-5.

The girls first match was against Kilkenny where both teams worked hard to try break the deadlock. Durrow eventually scored but unfortunately couldn’t hold onto the lead and it finished 1-1. Durrow’s next match was against Laois and they were eager to get a win under their belts. Despite getting an early goal and leading for most of the game Durrow had to settle for a another draw. 2 draws meant that the girls needed a win in the last match to reach the final. The last group game was against Kildare and things weren’t looking good when Durrow went 1-0 down early in the first half. Mr Kelly made changes in the second half which changed the game around. Durrow quickly were in control of the game and by scoring two goals they were in the driving seat. The game finished 2-1 and Durrow were in the final against Kilkenny.

The final was another tight match with both teams struggling to get on the score sheet. The game went to extra time and with the absence of a goal the game went to penalties. Gianne was sent to take the first penalty and she scored it with ease. Kilkenny had to take the second penalty but failed to score thanks to a fantastic save from Meadhbh. Katelynn was then sent to take the second penalty and again Durrow hit the back of the net. Kilkenny took their second penalty scored. Jessica had the opportunity to win the match with the last penalty but unfortunately didn’t score. Kilkenny needed to score the last penalty to stay in the competition and fortunately for Durrow, Meadhbh pulled off an amazing save.

Durrow will be competing in the Leinster finals next Thursday in Navan where they will play the winners of North Leinster, South Leinster and Dublin.

Mr. Larkin

The girls celebrating their victory

This year Durrow had great success in the Fai 5-a-side soccer blitz, which was held last Thursday in Leah Victoria Park. This year the school entered two boys teams and two girls teams.

The boys were in the same group as Birr boys school, Clara boys school and the Gaelscoil. Both boys teams played well and worked very hard on the pitch. The team captained by Anthony managed to reach the final without losing a match and without conceding a single goal. In the final the boys comfortably beat Birr 5-0. This was the first time the boys soccer team won this competition.

The girls were placed in the group as the Gaelscoil and Geashill. Both girls teams played very well and ended up having to play each other in the final. It was the team captained by Gianne that came out on top in the end. This is the third time in four years the Durrow girls team are champions of Offaly.

Both the boys and girls teams will now represent Offaly in the Mid Leinster finals this Wednesday in Portlaoise.

Mr Larkin