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This year has seen a rugby revival at Edmund Rice College, thanks in no small part to the arrival of a new student to the school. Mark Chungwe, originally from Zambia joined the school from Belfast High School, where he had experienced the game at a senior level, taking part in the Renault Schools Cup and appearing for the school’s 1st XV.

In an interesting aside, Mark’s family had a previous link with Edmund Rice College, due to his father being educated by a former principal of the school, Brother Ignatius while still living in Livingstone, Zambia, where Mark spent his early years. 

Prior to this year there had been little or no Rugby at Edmund Rice, but upon his joining Mark linked up with rugby enthusiasts among the staff, Mr Mcgoldrick and Mr Magill, and UUJ Sports Outreach Coach Robert Ford to drum up support for the School’s first senior team, at under-17 level.

Before long there was a core squad of around 20 boys training regularly, mainly from a Gaelic games background. Credit is due to the squad, who put to good use their previous skills in handling and kicking, and picked up the game very quickly to earn a draw in their first match against Rathmore Grammar, who boasted a more experienced side. Building on this, the school earned their first win against local rivals St. Benedict’s, and performed well in creditable defeats to St. Mary’s, Magherafelt and Carrickfergus Grammar School respectably.

Mark was selected to captain the side by his peers, and has led from the front with strong performances in each of the matches. He is also helping to develop the sport within the school by seeking to attain coaching qualifications, and joining with other senior squad members in volunteering to run training sessions within the school for junior pupils.

Such is the enthusiasm among the new converts to the game, that as many as 8 of the senior squad joined, and now regularly play club rugby for local sides, including Mark who is a member of Carrickfergus Rugby Club.

The pinnacle of the season so far came just before the Easter break, when the side, captained by Mark overcame their local rivals Glengormley High School 14-0 in the first cross-community game between the two sides. The game was a close affair, played in a good spirit, with tries from Paul Baker and Mark Mearns, both being converted by Ryan Campbell to seal the victory for the Hightown side.

The senior footballers from Edmund Rice College defeated Derry’s Lumen Christi by 3-4 to 0-10 to lift the Nolan cup for the second year running. It was goals in each half from Jason Bannon and an outstanding strike to the top corner by Antrim minor footballer CC Devlin which sealed the victory and gave the Glengoemley outfit another chance at the All-Ireland. They were unlucky to lose to an Excellent Galway team in last years All-Ireland semi-final and will most definitely have more experience and confidence to try and go one better this time around. Last friday’s final was played in front of a large crown at Bellaghy’s pitch in Derry and it was clear from the outset that only a couple of points would seperate the sides at the end. Hightown had to live on a knife edge for the last ten minutes after having lost mid-fielder Declan Hackett for two yellow card offences. Lumen Christi laid siege to the Edmund Rice defence but Mícheall Magill and Hugh Campbell and co held out resolutely in the full back line to secure their second title in two years. Good luck in the All-Ireland semi-final!!

Vice Principal Mark O’Hare and Year 11 Student Eoghan O’Neill join Bishop Walsh to mark the launch of the Trocaire Lenten Campaign.  The launch took place outside of St. Marys Church in Chapel Lane.  The theme of this year’s campaign will be on climate change.  The school has always played an active role in social justice and encourages pupils to respond positively to the challenges of our global community.

The University of Ulster Sports Outreach programme has hosted a basketball festival with partner school Edmund Rice College.  University of Ulster Sports Outreach Officer Robert Ford coordinated the day at Edmund Rice for primary 6 and 7 pupils from local primary schools.  The day was full of fun and games with more than 70 pupils taking part and a special visit from UU Basketball mascot ‘Elkman’. 

The children received excellent coaching in the morning session from qualified coaches who are part time officers for the programme.  Also lending their expertise were Bryan Nieman and Adrian Gross, 2 pro American basketball players studying at the University of Ulster.

The afternoon session consisted of a tournament, which was played at a very high standard with a lot of individual and team talent on show. The eventual winners were Our Lady of Lourdes PS.

This view was also shared by Edmund Rice Principal, Mr Kevin Gough, saying “Once again this was an excellent opportunity for the boys to gain knowledge of the rules and to develop the skills associated with the exciting game of Basketball. We are thrilled to have had the coaching expertise of Sports Outreach and their staff.  It was a fun packed day for all the boys involved.”