St. Joseph’s H.S., Crossmaglen Minor Boys perform well In Ulster Cross Country championships

It’s been quite a while since St. Joseph’s H.S., Crossmaglen, has had any representatives in the finals of the Ulster Athletics Cross Country championships. However, four young first year boys achieved fantastic success in qualifying for the competition after finishing 1st, 3rd. 4th, and 9th in the recent district event. This was held in Scotstown, Co. Monaghan. The team of Jack McArdle, Padraig Mackin, Cyril Beattie and Sean Garvey showed tremendous dedication and effort in their training and preparations for the competitions and were confident leaving Crossmaglen in achieving success at the Ulster’s which was held in Mallusk, Co. Antrim. In a strong field of 150 competitors from a total of 31 different schools, the St. Joseph’s team finished in a magnificent sixth place, just outside the medal positions. This remarkable achievement was down to true grit and determination and they have certainly done the school proud. Individual Success by young Jack Mc Ardle Although disappointed in their team performance, special mention must go to young Jack Mc Ardle, who after having qualified in first place in the individual race from the Scotstown meeting, finished the Ulster event in a superb fifth place and as result will represent his school, county and province in the forthcoming London Marathon in April. Well done Jack from all in St. Joseph’s. We wish you luck on your trip. Jack McArdle 5th placed overall             St Joes c.c team - backrow - l-r Padraig mackin, Jack McArdle front row - l-r Sean Garvey, Cyril             l-r - Sean Garvey, Padraig Mackin, Cyril Beattie, Jack McArdle

Posted by Admin on Wednesday 1st April 2009

THE CORMAC MC ANALLEN CUP VISITS ST. JOSEPH’S CROSSMAGLEN

The International Rules ‘Cormac Mc Anallen Cup‘ visited St. Joseph’s High School, Crossmaglen recently. The cup which Ireland won against Australia has special significance for the school as two past pupils Aaron Kernan and Ciaran Mc Keever represented Ireland in the successful series. The school was delighted to have Aaron return with the cup and congratulated him on his success. Aaron Kernan with Mr. O. Reel, Mr. JMc Mahon (P.E. dept) and Mr. O. Short (Head of Juniour School)             Year 8 pupils with the cup

Posted by Admin on Wednesday 1st April 2009

St. Joseph’s, Crossmaglen Pupil Runs to Success

Jack Mc Ardle , a Year 8 pupil at St. Joseph’s High School Crossmaglen, ran his way to first place on Wednesday last at a meeting organised by Orchard County Athletic Club, in Lurgan Park. Despite terrible weather conditions, Jack Mc Ardle ran a Trojan race and came in first place. This is the first time in a number of years that the school has had such success in Cross Country running.Jack is following in the footsteps of our current Armagh manager, Mr. Peter Mc Donnell. Mr Reel (Head Of P.E) said he was “Extremely proud and delighted with Jack’s achievement”. He also wished to thank his colleagues, Mr. Mc Mahon, Mr. Nugent and Ms. Downey for their contributions towards this achievement.

Posted by Admin on Sunday 1st March 2009

ULSTER CHAMPION AT ST.JOSEPH’S HIGH SCHOOL CROSSMAGLEN

Sean Garvey , a year 8 pupil at St. Joseph’s High School , Crossmaglen was declared Ulster Novice Champion in boxing. He defeated six opponents at the competition in Coalisland to achieve this great accolade. The school congratulates him on his achievment.

Posted by Admin on Monday 1st December 2008

SPORTS HALL

St. Joseph’s High School , Crossmaglen is delighted with recent improvements made to its sports hall. The sports hall has been painted and is now also fully equipped with showers in both changing rooms. Also the P.E. department have their own office. This refurbishment has updated the facilities and added to the enjoyment of pupils in this very successful department. Mrs. Mc Carron ( Head of Department) , Mr Ollie Reel, Mr John Mc Mahon and Mrs. M Mulligan (Vice Principal) with Kerri O Callaghan, Aidan Quinn, Ciaran Mulholland and Emer Woods

Posted by Admin on Monday 5th May 2008

U.14 Ulster ‘B’ Schools’ Ladies Football Crossmaglen Girls in Ulster Semi-Final

Gaelic success at Ulster level is continuing to flourish in St. Joseph’s H.S., Crossmaglen with the U.14 Ladies Gaelic team producing the goods and qualifying for the Ulster Schools’ ‘B’ Semi-final. The St. Joseph’s team have drawn Carndonagh Community School, Co. Donegal in their semi-final and it is hoped that the game will be played at 11.15 a.m. on this Thursday, 17th April, at a neutral venue that has yet to be confirmed, possibly Omagh or Cookstown. In reaching this stage of the competition, the St. Joseph’s girls qualified from a large group and recorded comfortable victories against teams from St. Mary’s H.S, Newry, St. Paul’s H.S., Bessbrook, Sacred Heart G.S., Newry, Largey College, Clones and Our Lady’s School, Castleblaney. In their toughest game against St. Mary’s H.S., Lurgan, they were defeated by the minimum margin under stormy conditions with a final scoreline of 2 – 11 to 3 – 7. The players and coach are wished every success in what promises to be an interesting encounter and hope that another Ulster final awaits the Crossmaglen school. The U14 Panel members are photographed below and include: Denise Rowland (Capt), Colleen McCann, Natasha McLoughlin, Jade Fitzpatrick, Natasha Hughes, Nicole McGlade, Jessica King, Grainne Garvey, Laura McShane, Tara O’Callaghan, Keri O’Callaghan, Aimee McConville, Siobhan Conlon, Danielle Mackin, Aoife McParland, Pamela Toner, Michelle Cannon, Aisling Martin,  Lauren Sheridan, Dara Quinn, Shannon Walsh, Hayley Carragher, Shannon Booth, Eimear Woods, Orlagh Flynn, Lisa McKeown and Aoife McAleavey.

Posted by Admin on Monday 5th May 2008

St Joseph’s H.S. “Breeze” into Ulster Final

U 14 Ladies Football Ulster Semi-Final St Joseph’s H.S., Crossmaglen 7-5 Carndonagh Community School 0-2 There was a goalfest in the U.14 Ulster Schools’ semi-final last Thursday as the Ladies footballers from St Joseph’s H.S., Crossmaglen beat Carndonagh Community School on a convincing 7-5 to 0-2 scoreline. The girls from St Joseph’s played some excellent football in the opening half hour as they used the strong breeze at their backs to their advantage.  A point from a Grainne Garvey free after five minutes got them off the mark, and they went on to dominate the play with Jessica King, Natasha Hughes and Grainne Garvey all finding the oppositions net.  Further points from Laura Mc Shane and Natasha Hughes saw the St Joseph’s side lead 3-3 to 0-0 at the interval. The expected Carndonagh fightback in the second half with the wind at their backs, never materialised, as the Crossmaglen girls took control with an early goal from Danielle Mackin.  This followed a clever move from the throw-in with Denise Rowland and Lauren Sheridan involved in creating the opening.  St Joseph’s H.S. took control after that in every sector of the field in what was a superb all-round team performance. Nicole Mc Glade, Denise Rowland, Colleen Mc Cann and Siobhan Conlon were outstanding in defence.  The midfield partnership of Laura Mc Shane and Lauren Sheridan held sway over their opposite number, while up front the attack caused untold problems for the Donegal schools’ defence.  The game was over as a contest when corner forward Tara O’Callaghan scored their fifth goal of the game fifteen minutes into the second half.  Although the Carndonagh side did not give up and scored two points from play, the Crossmaglen team were convincing winners as the final whistle blew. They now progress to the Ulster Final and will meet the winners of the other semi-final, between Abbey Vocational School, Donegal and St Mary’s H.S. Lurgan. It is expected that the final will be played towards the end of this week and it is greatly anticipated by all in the St Joseph’s H.S. community.  Congratulations to the U 14 team on their comprehensive victory and best wishes in their endeavours to become Ulster Champions. The St Joseph’s H.S. team were as follows:           Aishling Martin, Colleen McCann, Nicole Mc Glade, Shannon Booth, Siobhan Conlon, Denise Rowland (Captain), Natasha Mc Loughlin, Laura Mc Shane, Lauren Sheridan, Danielle Mackin, Keri O’Callaghan, Grainne Garvey, Tara O’Callaghan, Jessica King, Natasha Hughes. Subs used: Aoife McParland, Orlagh Flynn, Dara Quinn, Jade Fitzpatrick, and Aimee Mc Conville. U.14 LADIES’ FOOTBALL TEAM WHO HAVE QUALIFIED FOR THE ULSTER  FINAL Back Row (L. to R.) :     Aoife McParland, Laura McShane, Shannon Walsh, Hayley Carragher, Pamela Toner, Lauren Sheridan, Nicole McGlade, Danielle Mackin, Colleen McCann. Middle Row (L. to R.) :   Natasha McLoughlin, Shannon Booth, Jade Fitzpatrick, Keri O’Callaghan, Dara Quinn, Orlagh Flynn, Siobhan Conlon, Jessica King, Natasha Hughes,  Miss A. McCarron (P.E. Teacher).                                     Front Row (L. to R.) :     Aimee McConville, Tara O’Callaghan, Aisling Martin, Lisa McKeown, Danielle Rowland (capt), Aoife McAleavey, Grainne Garvey, Eimear Woods, Michelle Cannon.

Posted by Admin on Monday 5th May 2008

‘Reel Windows’ present new jerseys to Ulster Finalists St. Joseph’s High School

Mr . John Reel , Director of ‘Reel Windows’ presents a new set of jerseys to Mr.Scally, (Principal ) and team captain, Eddie English . Also in the picture are Jemar Hall (Vice Captain) and Liam Blessing with team mentors Mr. O. Reel , Mr. J. Mc Mahon and Mr. O. Short.   This generous gesture is greatly appreciated.

Posted by Admin on Monday 10th March 2008

U-14 Gaelic Team reach Ulster Colleges Ennis Cup Final

On Wednesday past, in splendid sunshine at Mid-Ulster playing fields, Cookstown, St. Joseph’s U-14 Gaelic team secured their place in this year’s Ulster Colleges Ennis Cup Final. Their opponents on the day were Lumen Christi, Derry who they defeated 2-15 to 0-5.  This was an emphatic victory for the South Armagh High School and their display of fast flowing football was just too much for the Derry side to cope with on the day.    In preparation for this competition, the boys have been training hard since November last year. They are totally focussed on following in the footsteps of their U-16 counterparts who were crowned Ulster Herald Cup champions in October of last year.  The boys are under the stewardship of Mr. Ollie Reel, Mr. John Mc Mahon & Mr. Oliver Short who were quick to praise the boys effort and achievement thus far and stated ‘The boys have been a credit to their school, community & families’. St. Joseph’s High School will meet Aquinas College of Belfast in the Ulster Colleges Final to be played on Friday 7th of March at 3:30 p.m.   St. Joseph’s U-14 Gaelic Panel: Gerard Mines, David Duffy, Cormac Reel, Barry Maguire, Niall Ward, Liam Blessing, Conor Walsh, Fergal O’Neill, Jamie Carlisle, Christopher Cunningham, Conor Nugent, Jemar Hall (V.Capt), Eddie English (Capt.), Alan Farrelly, Micheal Murphy, Jack Kirwan, Seannie Mc Conville, Oisin Meegan, Padraig Moley, Declan Burns, Francie Caraher, Darren Murphy, Christopher Cunningham,  Jack Mulligan, Conor Connolly, Aaron Duffy, Bernard Garvey, Eoin Meegan.

Posted by Admin on Monday 10th March 2008

Hurling Blitz in St Josephs'

Thursday last, saw St. Joseph’s Crossmaglen play host to a hurling blitz for first year students. This event followed a successful six week programme of hurling coaching of first year boys at St. Joseph’s H.S. As a result of this, Armagh development officer for Hurling, Ronan McWilliams organised a blitz, where pupils could practise their skills. Teams from St Paul’s H.S., Bessbrook led by former hurling great Jarlath Burns and teams from St. Patrick’s, Keady provided the opposition to the two St Joseph’s teams. The event turned out to be an exciting competition, with all teams showing off some tremendous skill and ability. The top three teams qualified for the all county finals to be held in the near future. Therefore, congratulations must go to Keady A and B teams and St.Paul’s A team for their success. Mr.Oliver Reel, PE teacher in St. Joseph’s was very pleased with the success of the blitz and hopes to develop the game throughout the school. He also said that a word of thanks must go to Ronan Mc Williams who has managed to develop the game in our schools, through excellent coaching and lots of encouragement.

Posted by Admin on Monday 10th March 2008

CROSSMAGLEN SCHOOL WIN NEWRY & MOURNE NETBALL BLITZ

There was great excitement in St. Joseph’s in June 2007 when the Netball players from Year 8 won the annual Newry & Mourne Netball Blitz for the first time. Eight schools took part in the competition with four teams in Sections A & B striving to finish in the top two in their group. Section A saw St. Our Lady’s G.S., Newry finish top of the group after victories against St. Joseph’s., St. Columban’s College and St. Louis’ G.S. St. Joseph’s High School, Crossmaglen were runners-up by virtue of the fact that they beat St. Columban’s College and St. Louis’ G.S. In the other Section, St. Paul’s H.S., Bessbrook were the winners of their group and St. Mary’s H.S. Newry was in runner-up position. St. Paul’s had beaten Sacred Heart G.S., St. Mark’s H.S., Warrenpoint and drawn their game against St. Mary’s H.S. At the Semi-Final stage, this meant that St. Joseph’s H.S. played St. Paul’s H.S. and St. Mary’s H.S. were up against Our Lady’s G.S. After two entertaining games, St. Joseph’s H.S. and Our Lady’s G.S emerged as the finalists and were to play each other for the second time that day. In a tight and exciting final, it was the players from St. Joseph’s High School, Crossmaglen  who held on to win on a 6 – 3 scoreline and claim the title for the first time. At the presentation Ms Paula Magill awarded the shield to the winning captain, Natasha McLoughlin, and medals to both sets of players. Photograph:- The victorious team from St. Joseph’s H.S. pictured with the Shield: Back Row (L. to R.):- Jessica King, Keri O’Callaghan, Siobhan Conlon, Pamela Toner, Aoife McParland. Front Row (L. to R.):- Tara O’Callaghan, Danielle Mackin, Natasha McLoughlin, Colleen McCann, Natasha Highes.

Posted by Admin on Sunday 31st August 2007

All Star Vocational Accolade for Crossmaglen Pupils

No less than 5 pupils from St Joseph's HS Crossmaglen were presented with specially commissioned All Star Vocational jerseys following their excellent performances all year in schools football in County Armagh. Pictured L - R: Barry McKinley U'14, Niall Rowland U'16, Colin Hoey U'16, Darren Hughes U'16 and Ronan Finnegan U'14. The jerseys were presented in a special all star award ceremony by Armagh All Star Ronan Clarke. Miss McCarron (Head of PE) was delighted with the boys' success with special thanks going to Mr Reel, Mr Short and Mr McMahon for their input.

Posted by Admin on Sunday 10th July 2007

LEADER’S AWARD IN FOOTBALL

The boys from the Year 12 GCSE P.E. group in St. Joseph’s H.S., Crossmaglen, completed their soccer option recently when they undertook the IFA “Grassroots” Leaders Award. Under the tuition of Malcolm Roberts, the IFA Development Coach with Newry Town, the boys are now qualified to assist a coach work with underage teams. They are pictured after receiving their certificates: Back Row (L. to R.): Sean Liddy, Christopher Rowland, Kevin Murphy, Tomas English, Kieran Grant, Gary McKenna. Front Row (L. to R.): Martin Watters, Niall Rowland, Brendan Hoey, Thomas McKenna, Kevin McParland, Malcolm Roberts (IFA Development Coach).

Posted by Admin on Sunday 10th June 2007

MINOR NETBALL SUCCESS

Congratulations to the Minor Netball Team from St. Joseph’s H.S., Crossmaglen, who won their section of the Newry & Mourne Post Primary schools’ Netball League recently. The successful players are pictured with their shield and medals. Back Row (L. to R.): Miss A. McCarron (P.E. Teacher), Tara O’Callaghan, Pamela Toner, Siobhan Conlon, Keri O’Callaghan, Danielle Mackin. Front Row (L. to R.): Aoife McParland, Grainne Garvey, Laura McShane, Natasha Hughes, Natasha McLoughlin.         Captain of the victorious Minor Netball team is Year 9 pupil, Laura McShane being presented with the Shield by Mrs S. Kelly (P.E. Teacher at Sacred Heart G.S.).

Posted by Admin on Monday 6th March 2007

Slane's U16 Girls

SLANE’S COACHES have very generously sponsored a set of jackets for the U16 Ladies Football team at St Joseph’s HS Crossmaglen.  The girls won the Armagh School Championship and reached the Ulster School Semi finals.  They lost to Loreto College Omagh by 3 points who were the eventually winners in the Ulster final. The first picture is of the whole team with Paul  from Slane’s, Majella who help organise the ordering of the jackets and Miss Martha O’Hagan, team manager.         The second picture is the presentation to the team captain Orla McCreesh.

Posted by Admin on Monday 6th March 2007

Local stars help school fundraiser

Mr Oliver Short, Head of Junior School at St Joseph's HS Crossmaglen recently organised a Charity Football Match between 4th and 5th year pupils. The event was given added interest as a number of former all-Ireland past pupils (Cathal Short, Aaron Kernan, Brendan & Kevin McKeown, John Murtagh and Jonny Hanratty) played with the pupils. Stephen Kernan also made a guest appearance for the match. A number of staff played their part in the organisation of the event, viz. Mr Reel (referee), Mr McMahon ('Year 11' team member), and Mr Doherty and Mr Quinn who assisted with general organisational duties. Pupils Damien Hamill and Aaron Brady were particularly helpful in the preparations and on the whole the match was a huge success. To take part or watch the match, pupils each donated £1. All the money collected will be added to other charity events  in St Joseph's. At the moment a jumble sale is being organised and the school would gladly welcome any items in good condition (books, toys, bric-a-brac etc) All the money raised will be donated to a number of cancer charities The school would like to thank its jersey sponsors 'Reel Windows' and 'Shorts Sports Cycles' for their generous assistance and support THE 4TH AND 5TH YEAR TEAMS WITH LOCAL PAST PUPIL STARS WHO HELPED RAISE FUNDS FOR CHARITY AT ST JOSEPH'S HS CROSSMAGLEN                   AARON KERNAN AND MR REEL LEAVING THE PITCH AFTER THE MATCH SURROUNDED BY A GROUP OF JUBILANT SUPPORTERS

Posted by Admin on Monday 6th March 2007

SHORTS sponsor Senior School Jerseys

St Joseph's HS Crossmaglen were delighted to receive sponsorship for their boys senior Gaelic football team from Shorts Sports Shop in Crossmaglen. School Principal Mr Kevin Scally is pictured receiving the jerseys from shop owner Mr Naoise Short. Team manager Mr Ollie Reel (right) is pictured with  team members Kevin McParland and Niall Rowland.

Posted by Admin on Monday 6th March 2007

New President for Ulster Ladies GAA

Mr Gerry Doherty from Mullaban in South Armagh, has been elected President of the Ulster Ladies GAA. Mr Doherty teaches French & Careers at St Joseph's HS Crossmaglen and is pictured being congratulated by the school Principal, Mr Kevin Scally. Everyone at St Joseph's sends their congratulations to Mr Doherty and would like to wish him well in his new post.

Posted by Admin on Monday 6th March 2007

St Joseph’s HS Crossmaglen First Year Boys - Armagh Vocational Schools League Champions

The St.Joseph’s first year team in Crossmaglen completed their league campaign recently beating Lismore High school, Craigavon, with an outstanding display of free flowing football.  Having already accounted for St.Paul’s Lurgan, St.Brigid’s Armagh and St. Paul’s Bessbrook, the team celebrated the school’s fifth ever league title. The boys, led by captain Seanie McConville, received the cup and their medals from former pupil and county star Ciaran McKeever at a presentation in the school. Congratulations to all the boys who have trained and prepared since Christmas on their fantastic achievements. Team: Jamie Carlisle. Kevin Gregory,  Cormac Reel,  David Duffy, Patrick McConville ,Conor Walsh, Liam Blessing, Alan Farrelly, Chris Cunningham Gerard Mines, Jamar Hall, Jack Kirwan, Niall Ward, Eddie English, Darren Rowland, Martin Loye, Padraig Moley, Vilius Vaiciulis, Oisin Meegan, Gareth Doyle, Darren Murphy, Barry Maguire, Fergal J Carragher, Declan Burns, Seamus Morgan, Christopher Cunningham, Brendan McCoy, Fergal O’Neill, Declan Judge, David O’Neill, Mark Garvey, Stephen McCoy, Ciaran Duffy.   The jubilant Year 8 League winners from St Joseph's HS Crossmaglen with trainer/PE Teacher Mr Ollie Reel           Team Captain Seanie McConville receives the cup from past pupil and Armagh star Ciaran McKeever

Posted by Admin on Monday 3rd July 2006

ALL STAR AWARDS FOR CROSSMAGLEN PUPILS

A number of pupils from St Joseph's HS Crossmaglen were presented with certificates and a specially commissioned jersey by Armagh star Aidan O'Rourke, at the Vocational Schools All Star Awards. PE Teacher Mr Ollie Reel was also present at the Awards. Tony Donnelly and Gary McCooey are awarded for their excellent performances for Armagh on the U18 Vocational Schools Team         Robert Tasker, Seamus Duncan and Sean McKeown were chosen as best U14 players in their county in their positions

Posted by Admin on Monday 3rd July 2006

Congratulations to St Joseph’s First Year Boys Super ‘9’s Champions

Having won its own school’s First Year Super 9’s competition ‘The Orchard’ team from St Joseph’s HS Crossmaglen  went on to represent its school in the county Super ‘9’s final. After some excellent performances the team were crowned champions and came away with the new Super ‘9’s cup. Each player received a medal from county players Ciaran McKeever and Diarmuid Marsden and in winning, the school will receive a new set of jerseys for our First year team. Congratulations to all the boys who took part especially Jamar Hall, Eddie English and Jack Kirwan who were presented with special Super ‘9’s All Star Awards. Team – Declan Burns, Darren Rowland, Jemar Hall, Daniel Evans, Packie Grant, Barry Maguire, Francis Carragher, Jack Kirwan, Mark Garvey, Gary McShane, Ricky Smith, Eddie English.

Posted by Admin on Monday 3rd July 2006

St Joseph's Golfers' Debut Success in NI Junior Competition

St Joseph’s HS Crossmaglen  played for the first time ever in the N.Ireland Junior Golf competiton held recently at Moyola Park Derry. They played exceptionally well and raised a record £570  for ths British Heart Foundation Charity. The team (L - R) of Brian Hearty(14), Rory O’Neill(14) and Thomas McKenna (15) came 5th out of 40 teams competing. Considering it was the first time the school had entered a golfing competiton it was an exceptionally notable performance.     The 3 boys alone were commended by the organisers for raising the highest ever total for a team and in fact raised more than double the amount of any other school. Thomas McKenna received special recognition for raising £360. The three boys are eligible to compete again next year so we look forward to their continued success

Posted by Admin on Monday 3rd July 2006

Netball Award for Crossmaglen Pupil

A 4th Year pupil from St Joseph's HS Crossmaglen, Miss Caroline O'Hare, has been awarded with the PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT title. Caroline received the prestigious award at the Year 11 Netball Tournament held recently in St Paul's HS Bessbrook. Caroline is pictured receiving her award from Ms Kate Harrup ( Netball Development Officer with the NI Sports Council) after helping her team reach the semi-final of the competition. Caroline's PE Teacher, Miss McCarron, commented: "Caroline's enduring spirit of determination  is an inspiration to all pupils. On behalf of the whole school, I would like to congratulate Caroline on this wonderful achievement"

Posted by Admin on Monday 27th March 2006