Today the boys of Tiermohan reached the finals of the basketball blitz, organised by Cumann na mBunscoil. This one day event was held in the Secondary school in Newbridge. In the first game, we were beaten 3-8 by St Patrick's. We beat Suncroft in the second game, 8-2. In the third game we were beaten 2-6 by Lackagh. This forced us into a three way playoff. We beat Suncroft 6-0 and Lackagh 4-0. This brought us to the semi-finals where we beat Allen 4-0. We met St Patrick's again in the final but they proved too difficult to beat and we were beaten 7-1. All the boys on the panel deserve praise as it was a very tough blitz and we did very well to reach the final. Many thanks to Joe O Connor and Cumann na mBunscoil for organising the blitz. Thanks also to our drivers and supporters.

The school community is still talking about the fantastic Gala Concert held on 31st January last in Newtown Church. For the previous number of months, Shaun and Emma Purcell, together with helpers, worked every Wednesday with the children involved, and put together a show that would be the envy of any Broadway production company. The show itself was wonderful, with Irish dancers, solo singers, hip hop dancers, a wonderful choir singing classics from Cats and even two leprechauns. Ms Vanessa Brady presented Emma and Shaun with a gift on behalf of everyone involved in the production. Well done to all involved in the production, thank you to Shaun and Emma and congratulations to the real stars of the show, the children!

The children in 5th and 6th classes spent a very enjoyable day on Thursday 10th January in the Young Scientist Exhibition. Their display stand was called "Do you love the earth?" and included a demonstration of solar power, wind power and a natural battery which powered a clock with lemon juice!
The children also conducted a survey of the public's attitute to the environment. They interviewed 156 people during the day and found that the group who seemed to care most for the environment were female college students. The overall average score out of a possibe 10 for males was 6.2. The overall average score for females was 6.3.
Una Glennon and Kelly Maher won a RTE competition during the day and were filmed interviewing two students from a secondary school about their project. In addition, they won a digital video camera each!
Ms Curley and MrSweeney were most grateful to Thomasina Barron who helped with supervision during the long day.

The pupils in Tiermohan had a very interesting visit to Maynooth Library recently where they were treated to printing workshop. Staff from the Print Museum talked about the history of printing and showed the pupils how a compositor worked. Finally each child had an opportunity to create a "Wanted" poster with their own name in the centre. When each group had finished printing, they made hats from paper. modelled on hats printers would have worn in days gone by.

Yesterday the Cappagh girls won the semi-final against Milltown and advance into the final. The final score was 2-8 to 1-1. The final will be held in Moorefield next Wednesday. We wish all the girls the very best in the final!

The Tiermohan boys won their U11 game today playing against Robertstown. Playing as Cappagh, and despite some absences, they scored 5-9 to Robertstown 2-10. In their previous game they lost to Allen by two goals in a cracking game at home. Their next game is against Straffan NS.

Today we had a wonderful international experience. Fr Clem from Malawi enthralled the senior classes with stories of life in his home country. He explained some of the traditions of his people, and emphasised the respect for the elders inherent in all they do. David Gildea, who worked in a volunteer capacity during the summer in Malawi, brought some craft items made in Malawi and Fr Clem explained the origin of each. When Fr Clem modelled the wooden mask, we were reminded of hallowe'en in Ireland! It was a wonderful experience and one the children will remember for a long time.