Na Magha Parish League

Na Magha have recently started a new initiative to attract more kids to the club. The parish league invites ten pupils from each parish in the town i.e 10 from Bunscoil Cholmcille (Steelstown), 10 from St Annes (Rosemount).
These kids come together every two weeks to represent their parish and it is hoped that the kids will then filter into the club. After a few weeks more parishes will be invited along to compete. Sunday saw the first day and it was a huge success.

Na Magha Cup 2010

On Friday 18th June 5 schools within Derry City took part in the first ever Na Magha schools competition. Each school entered a boys and girls team who competed respectively for the Na Magha Shields.100 or so pupils from St Brigids PS, Gaelscoil Eadain Mhor, St Anns P.S, Bunscoil Colmcille and Hollybush PS took part in a league format of games in the morning session before the top two in each section took part in their groups finals.
For the girls final St Brigids P.S, Carnhill came out winners against a very strong Bunscoil Colmcille team, the match actually went into extra time and then into first score was the winner as neither team would give up too easily on the chance to be lift the Roisin McFadden shield.

The boys final, competing for the Peggy Mellon shield, was a very competitve match with boys teams having players from the Na Magha club. It was a hard fought game with some great skill on display and Hollybush P.S came out eventual winners against Bunscoil Colmcille who was represented in both finals.
Presenations were made by Sean Mellon of the Na Magha club who highlighted the importance of children being given the chance to represent their schools and play such a skillful game. Many thanks go to the Na Magha club for all their help on the day with refereeing and presentations. It is hoped that this will now be an annual event.

Na Magha Schools Go Games Hurling

Over 150 school children recently took part in the first Na Magha Schools Go Games of the year. There were 6 boys teams and five girls teams competing on the day with each team getting approx four or five games each. The day was held to give the children a practice run for the up and coming Na Magha cup being held at the end of June. Many thanks to the Na Magha coaches for helping out on the day. There was a great show of skill by all pupils involved.

Bunscoil Colmcille Hurling Challenge

Recently the primary 6's challenged the primary 7's of Bunscoil Colmcille to a challenge match. Both classes were fairly confident that they would win the challnge until the p7's seen how good the p6's actually were.


In the end up, the 50 pupils that took part, came to the conclusion that it was a draw and that both teams were fairly even, although everybody watching knew the p6's were the best. Both classes provided great entertainment on the day and showed of their high class skill on the pitch, not giving the other class and inch of space.

There are a number of players who play for local Na Magha hurling & Camogie team and this is very evident on the manner in which they played. Well done Bunscoil!

Na Magha Feeder Primary Schools Hurling Fun Day

Shauna McCallion, Derry GPO held a hurling blitz on Thursday 3rd December for some of the schools who particpiated in the hurling coaching throughout the term.
The schools were: St Brigids, Carnhill, St Therese's, Lenamore and Bunscoil Colmcille

In total there was just under 100 kids. They played 5-a-side games with the main emphasis put on fun and particpation but a few teachers got carried away in competition :-) Pointing no elbows at the St Brigids teachers!! A good day was had by all, the hurling skills that the children had learned over the term were on show for all to see and everybody went away smiling!! Hopefully these children will all be taking part with Na Magha throughout the Go Games Programme in 2010.

St. Therese's Primary School Hurling Final

Approx. 50 pupils from St Therese's Primary school turned out for their primary 5 Hurling final day. Each class was represented by 5 pupils from their class who had won the league games played up until the final day. The games started with a semi final between Mr Mc Cafferty's Class and Miss Elliotts Class.

Mr Mc Cafferty's class went on to the final to play Miss Harrigan's Class who won the match for their class. Well done to Team Harrigan. It was a great day for the pupils who all came out with banners and posters to cheer on their respective class. There were some great displays of skill from all the pupils, all the hard work has paid off.

Winning teams were presented with tshirts and wrist bands. Congratulations to all pupils to took part.

Speaking the Lingo

Shauna McCallion organised a recent hurling tournament for Na Magha's Feeder Schools in The Shantallow Community Centre.

The schools taking part were Bunscoil Colmcille and Gaeliscoil Eadain Mhor. Over 40 pupils, girls and boys took part. The hall was split into four so that children were playing the whole time they were there.

Children and officials were encouraged to speak only in Irish the whole time to each other and those hepling. Both children and teachers thought the day was a great success and are looking forward to the next one.