Recent Sports Events

18 April 2024: GAA - Cumann na mBunscol Girls’ Football Wicklow Times Shield

Congratulations to the 5th and 6th class girls who participated in Day 2 of the Girls’ Football Wicklow Times Shield held in Bray Emmets on Thursday, 18 April 2024. 

15 May 2023: Delgany Schools' Golf Cup 2023

10 May 2023: SPAR FAI Primary 5s - Leinster Finals

An unforgettable journey

The St. Laurence’s girls soccer team travelled to Navan, Co. Meath to compete with the best teams that Leinster had to offer in the SPAR 5 a side primary schools competition. The girls were drawn in a group with Scoil Uí Riada, St. Colmcille’s and St. Marnock’s. At this stage of the tournament we knew that the other teams in our group would be very strong and we had to start well. The girls began the day against St. Colmcille’s. Rain had been falling and a strong wind meant that playing conditions were less than ideal. The referee blew his whistle to signal the start of the game. Unfortunately, the school from Meath got off to a flier scoring three goals in quick succession. Credit to the Laurence’s girls who did not throw in the towel and got themselves right back into the game after half-time. With this St. Colmcille’s burst back into life scoring another two goals before the final whistle to ensure they took all three points. 

Laurence’s had to dust themselves off and go again straight away as they faced into playing St. Marnock’s from Co. Dublin.Both teams headed into the game knowing that they had to win to give their school a fighting chance of progression to the all Ireland finals. It was a tie that was finely balanced and it saw the Greystones outfit playing more of the football that we had seen from them in South Leinster and in Wicklow. Again, the rub of the green was not on our side in this encounter which saw the girls hit the post and crossbar and the Marnock’s keeper made an exceptional save in the last minute to deny us the victory with the score ending up 3-3. I am sure that the game must have been enthralling for the neutral but I can assure you it was not for Mr. Dunne and I (heart rates of smart watches will vouch for this).

In our final game we played the team from Kildare, Scoil Uí Riada. The girls went out and started brilliantly getting stuck into the challenges and not letting the other team play by pressing high up the pitch. The Kildare keeper was called into action on numerous occasions making some fine saves to keep our girls at bay. They played some great football themselves and got their reward late in the first half while adding another two in the second. On another day the game could have ended with a different scoreline but the Kildare outfit showed their class to progress as group winners with a victory. 

This in turn meant that the St. Laurence’s girl's adventure had come to an end. They have written their names into the history books in the school as they are the first ever team to have achieved reaching this stage of the competition not to mention holding the titles of County and South Leinster champions. An incredible journey that I am hopeful all the players have enjoyed being part of. This team has made not only their management proud but also their whole school. Well done girls!    

4 May 2023: SPAR FAI Primary 5s - South Leinster Finals

On Thursday the 4th of May the St. Laurence’s girls team made the journey to the sunny South-East, Bunclody, Co. Wexford. To compete in the South Leinster finals of the SPAR primary schools 5 a side tournament. The girls were under no illusion that this would be their toughest test to date and they approached the day with level heads and great composure. The girls were placed in a group with Gaelscoil (Carlow) and Bunscoil Loreto (Wexford). They would face their opponents twice and with the winner progressing to the Leinster finals in Navan. The girls got off to a flier in their first game and were well on top early on. Some beautiful movement of the ball and fine strikes from outside the area sealed a 5-1 victory over the Carlow outfit. In the game that followed the girls were tasked with playing the Wexford outfit. They had to be patient in this one as the Gorey girls did not offer too many chances early on. Some beautiful counter attacking moves and brilliant defensive work saw the girls run out 3-0 winners. 

The Laurence’s ladies had put in a great effort up to this point and with results going their way in the other match it meant that beating the Gaelscoil would mean they would be crowned South Leinster champions. Knowing what was on the line the girls again began at lightning speed and rushed into a two nil lead. They continued to put the pressure on but the Carlow outfit struck back with a goal. This sparked more life into the Greystones girls who almost made sure of the result with another fine finish. Carlow did grab another goal to make it 3-2 and a very nervous last minute or two for the girls but they held out resolutely to take all three points. In their final game knowing that there was no pressure for a result the girls played some of the finest football of the tournament. One and two touch passing, switching of the play and creative runs meant the girls ran out 4-1 victors over Bunscoil Loreto to remain unbeaten in the tournament thus far. A fantastic day for the girls and they now hold the crown’s of being county and south leinster champions. Well done to all that were involved. Many thanks to all the parents and family members who made the trip to Bunclody to support the team.  

27 April 2023: St. Laurence's v Kilcoole Primary School

St. Laurence’s Dig Deep In A Great Battle

On Thursday the 27th of April the St. Laurence’s boys team had the short journey out to face local rivals Kilcoole. The poor weather meant that conditions were less than ideal for either side. The game started at a frantic pace and saw some big challenges come in from the Kilcoole side. Once Laurence’s settled into the game they started to play some lovely football and dominated possession early on. The midfield battle was one to be admired as the lads got stuck in and tried to play some nice balls down the either channel that were well defended by the Kilcoole outfit. The St. Laurence’s defense coped with everything that was thrown their way and played some very nice football out from the back, especially in the first half. 

Neither team had really created a clear cut chance until one of the St. Laurence’s players was fouled in the box after a delightful chip over the Kilcoole backline. A penalty was awarded but unfortunately Laurence’s could not convert from the spot. This gave the home side a massive boost and within minutes they found themselves one nil up just before half-time.

The second half started with similar intensity to the first and both teams were straight at it again. Laurence’s found themselves with the bulk of possession and played some nice intricate football which saw them get into some very good positions however the ball in the final third let them down on more than one occasion. This did not deter the away side and in the final ten minutes they were well on top. The Kilcoole keeper made a fine save to keep his side in the lead.

Laurence’s had a few half chances from corner kicks which resulted in goalmouth scrambles but Kilcoole were able to deal with the threat. The home side looked very dangerous on the counter-attack and almost found themselves clean through on two occasions only for some last gasp resolute defending to deny them. 

In the last five minutes St. Laurence’s got no more than they deserved. A long range strike was blocked and a follow up effort down low to the keepers right was well saved but he could only parry it into the waiting path of the away side striker who made no mistake slotting it into the back of the Kilcoole net. A tight few minutes ensued which saw the ball frantically pumped up and down the pitch until the full time whistle sounded. A determined performance from Laurence’s men and on the balance of play a very fair result in what was a brilliant battle. 

18 April 2023: SPAR FAI Primary 5s 2023

Super St. Laurence’s Ladies Progress To South Leinster Finals

The St. Laurence’s girls team continued their impressive vein of form on Tuesday in Arklow to book a date in Bunclody Co. Wexford for the South Leinster Finals. The girls made a brilliant start on their adventure in the Spar five-a-side competition at Greystones United prior to the Easter break which saw them beat teams from Kilcoole and St. Brigids respectfully. Under the careful guidance of Mr. Dunne the Girls played some beautiful free flowing football which saw them top their group winning all of their games while scoring an abundance of goals. This in turn meant that they would progress to Arklow to face the best teams in the county. 

On Tuesday the 18th of April, the girls took that opportunity and once again proved they are a magnificent footballing team. Knowing that they had to finish top of their group to qualify they put in a huge effort to ensure that this would happen. The girls started off against St. Johns where they went in front early on and never looked back, winning out 4-0 winners in the end. Next up was St Mary’s first team. Similar to the first game the girls started the game with great intensity and took their chances in clinical fashion hitting Mary’s for 7. In their final game the girls came up against St Mary’s second team where they ended the group in style with another emphatic 6-0 victory. Quality football that can only be described as majestic at times played by the St. Laurence’s squad. 

This has seen the girls crowned Wicklow champions which is a fantastic achievement in itself. They now have the chance to compete with the best schools in South Leinster and hopefully progress even further in the competition. Both Mr. Meaney and Mr. Dunne would like to say how proud they are of the girls both on and off the pitch their behaviour and attitude has been impeccable. We would also like to thank their parents for their hard work and support. 

St. Laurence’s Abú!     

30 March 2023: GAA - Cumann na mBunscol Girls’ Football Wicklow Times Shield

Congratulations to the 5th and 6th class girls who participated in Day 2 of the Girls’ Football Wicklow Times Shield held in Bray Emmets on Thursday 30th March. St. Laurence's claimed the Wicklow Times Shield, winning Division 1 and were runners up in Division 4. There were 24 teams participating from schools all over Wicklow. Well done to all involved!

2 March 2023: GAA - Coughlan Cup

Well done to the 5th and 6th class boys who took part in Day 1 of the Allianz sponsored Cumann na mBunscol Coughlan Cup last Thursday, 2nd March, in Bray Emmets GAA Grounds. 

It was a very successful outing for the two teams taking part. Congratulations to all involved!

22 February 2023: Hockey - Leinster League

Congratulations to our hockey teams who played against Holly Park School in Bray on Wednesday, 22 February, winning one match and suffering a defeat in the second. The winning team have earned themselves a spot in the semi-final of the Leinster League. Well done to all involved!

September 2022: Hockey Blitz

June 2022: Soccer Friendlies

St. Laurences v St. Kevin's N.S.

The month of June provided a very welcome return to soccer action for the fifth and sixth class students of St. Laurence’s. On Thursday the 2nd we travelled to face local opposition in the form of St. Kevin’s. The girls team kicked off the action and played some lovely intricate football moving the ball nicely between the lines. They took the lead with a well worked goal before adding to it just before the half time whistle. Kevin’s grew into the game and got their reward with a goal early in the second half. The Kevin’s goalkeeper made a string of good saves before two flowing moves from St. Laurence’s saw them add to their tally and finish the game with a 4-1 victory. 

The boys team kicked off their game shortly after, in what was a very intense affair. Both teams started a bit anxiously, but grew into the game and produced some great football. The battle in midfield was one to be admired as the challenges were strong but very fair. Kevin’s had a chance to take the lead from the penalty spot but their effort was saved brilliantly by the St. Laurence’s keeper. As the game became stretched with both teams looking for a winner St. Kevin’s capitalised. A wonder cross into the box that was swept home at the back post to make it 1-0 to the hosts. St. Laurence’s rallied valiantly to try and find an equaliser but unfortunately neither time or luck was on their side on the day and St. Kevin’s took the victory. 

St. Laurence's v Kilcoole N.S.

Kilcoole N.S. were the next opposition to be faced and this was done over two separate days. On the 9th of June the boys team took on the challenge. The game started at a rapid pace with an abundance of the action on the wings. St. Laurence’s settled into the game and tried to work the ball out from the back. Midway through the first half Kilcoole got their break through and doubled their lead soon after. It could have been worse for the Greystones men only for a great double save from the St. Laurence’s goalkeeper to keep the score at 2-0. The lads came out battling for everything in the second half. A long-range effort from Kilcoole saw them increase their lead but the heads never dropped on the Laurence’s side and they got their reward with a goal from a brilliant header. As time ticked on they created chance after chance but were just unable to find that finishing touch. A fantastic game which ended with a score line of 3-1 to the hosts. 

It was then over to the girls and they made the short journey out to face Kilcoole on the 15th of June and this game did not disappoint. It saw the Greystone’s girls come firing out of the blocks and they quickly took a 2-0 lead. Kilcoole grew into the game and their confidence was further boosted after they found a way to break down the Laurence’s defence and put themselves on the scoresheet. From that moment on any attack from either side could have resulted in a goal. An end to end game that was played at a heart pumping velocity. The Kilcoole goalkeeper found herself in inspired form on the day making a huge number of stops. This was to prove to be the difference on the day as Kilcoole came out victorious on a 7-5 score line. 

Over the course of the four friendlies 84 students represented their school. They all played brilliantly and wore the jersey with pride. Hopefully, it has given our departing sixth class students some memories to cherish and the fifth class a taste of what is to come next year. Well done to all involved.    

30 May 2022: Tag Rugby

19 May 2022: Wicklow Athletics

16 May 2022: Delgany Schools' Cup

April & May 2022: Cumann na mBunscol Participation Days

On 28th April and 12th May a number of the 5th and 6th class children represented the school in the Cumann na mBunscol Participation Days held in Bray Emmets GAA Club. Well done to all involved!

March 2022: GAA Blitz