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Monday lunchtimes in Mr MacDougall Jr’s room
Speak to Miss Blyth or Mr MacDougall.
The launch of the 2019 men’s tour of Britain started in George square, Glasgow on the 7th September 2019 and will finish on the 14 September 2019 in Manchester’s city centre. For the first time in modern history, Scotland is proud to host the first two opening stages of the tour, with stage one being held in Glasgow and stage two in Kelso. The gruelling 8 stage race will consist of 20 teams and 120 riders from all over the world, who will battle it out over the course of a week covering a staggering distance of 1,250km.
The tour started off around nine o’clock on Saturday morning. Each team would get called up to the podium for pictures before the race started. The atmosphere in George square was electric with cycling fans eager to get a glimpse of their favourite riders who had flown in from all over the world. However there was one rider in particular that the majority of Glasgow wanted to meet, this was of course Mark Cavendish: Mark Cavendish is a British cyclist who has won a number of big titles in his career including 30 Tour De France stages, 48 Grand Tour Stages and 10 Tour of Britain stages – he is the Ronaldo/Messi of the cycling world.
When asked about racing in the tour of Britain, Cavendish said “September always has me looking forward to the OVO energy tour of Britain and racing in front of a home crowd holds a special importance to me on a very personal level”.
The time was half past ten and the tour of Britain had officially begun, as a flock of colourful riders made their way through Glasgow’s city centre heading towards the town of Kirkcudbright in south west Dumfries and Galloway.
This was one of the longest stages of the tour with riders force to tackle a number of hills throughout the 201.5km race.
As three of Notre Dame’s high-flying football teams take to turf for Finals Day, here’s a round-up of the action from Sports Writer, Ryan Campbell – reporting live from Parklea Playing Fields, Port Glasgow – Friday 31st May, 2019.
Notre Dame’s outstanding under-14s boys’ football team stormed to yet another victory and successfully defended their Paisley & District League title on Friday.
The boys treated the gathered crowds to some fantastic football at Parklea Playing Fields and emerged victorious after defeating Williamwood High School, from Clarkston, 1-0 in the dying minutes of the tantalising final.
All credit to Williamwood’s goalkeeper whose poised performance kept Notre Dame off the score sheet for much of the hard-fought fixture.
There were chances galore for Notre Dame, who seemed to be itching to score the entire game, but left it just 3 minutes before the final whistle to settle to game – and league – for good.
A Cian Hughes free kick found the head of striker Aiden Gilmartin, who played impressive, eye-catching football throughout and thoroughly deserved his goal when it finally arrived.
A buzzing Aiden spoke to Notre Dame Now after the game and the St Mirren pro-youth player described his winning header as his “favourite goal of the season”.
The victory was particularly sweet as it comes just a fortnight after the boys crushing 4-2 defeat to St Ninian’s, from Giffnock, in the St Mirin Cup Final.
Building on their S1 triumphs, the boys started and ended the season champions in what has been another incredibly successfully season for the close-knit squad, coached by Mr Armour and Mr Galloway.
They kicked off Friday’s final without their captain Zak Crombie, who suffered an injury in the semi-finals, but whose voice was with them throughout as he passionately encouraged his team from the sidelines.
Standing in to lead the boys on this important occasion was teammate Andy Hunter who took the captain’s armband and helped to maintain a composed performance from the skilful young team that allowed their talent and teamwork to sparkle.
Speaking just after the game, an elated Mr Armour commented: “I’m absolutely delighted. They thoroughly deserve the win today and the league victory after what’s been another great season.”
Senior Sorrow
Notre Dame’s Senior Boys’ football team were also defending a title at Parklea as they lined up against a formidable side from St Andrew’s Academy, Paisley, in the St Mirin Cup Final.
Sadly, the sheer strength of the St Andrew’s side stood in the Notre Dame boys’ way of cup glory on this occasion and the experienced team, who’ve enjoyed a successful season under the leadership of coach Mr O’Donnell, tasted defeat.
The first chance fell for St Andrew’s very early in the first half and they immediately capitalised, firing it home to open the scoring at 0-1.
The St Andrew’s goal-scorer soon picked up his second goal to make 0-2, before a through ball split the Notre Dame defence open and St Andrew’s made it 0-3.
A quick flurry of attacks meant Notre Dame had a mountain to climb to try and get back in the game. From a corner, the ball bounced to Josh Cooper who hit a stunning half volley off the bar.
Soon after, the referee awarded a penalty, only for Notre Dame keeper Kieran Dougan to save it, before the whistle sounded for half time.
Perhaps buoyed on by their keeper’s heroics, Notre Dame looked much more positive in the second half but the ball just wouldn’t fall to the attackers.
Following a serious spell of Notre Dame pressure, St Andrew’s hit the post before pouching on the rebound to make it 0-4.
The visitors from Paisley even had time to add a fifth and sixth goal, proving simply clinical on the day and resulting in what was a harsh 0-6 scoreline in the end.
Under-13s Final ends in 10-goal Thriller
Triumphant from their 3-2 win over Gleniffer in the semi-final, Notre Dame’s under 13 boys booked their place in the final at Parklea against Williamwood High School, from Clarkston.
Notre Dame started the game well but minor errors meant that they found themselves 0-3 down. The S1 boys battled admirably in an Istanbul-inspired comeback to make it 3-3, but Williamwood proved clinical and the game finished 6-4 to the East Renfrewshire side.
Although Notre Dame started the game well the first goal-scoring opportunity fell the way of Williamwood who cleared Notre Dame’s defence and hit it near post to make it 0-1. Again Williamwood enjoyed the break of the ball before they made a driving run into the box and nutmegged the goalkeeper to make it 0-2.
After their opponents bagged a third goal, Notre Dame appeared to spark a comeback after winning a crucial free kick. Jamie Bradley’s ball, delivered high and dangerous, found the head of a Williamwood player who brought the score to 1-3 with an own goal.
Just before half-time Notre Dame piled on the pressure as Shay Rodgers placed a low cross into Jamie Bradley, who scored a beautiful bicycle kick to make it 2-3 and sway the momentum in Notre Dame’s favour.
Notre Dame started the second half as they ended the first: piling on the pressure. When a free kick was saved by the visiting goalkeeper, it fell to Reece Morris who tapped it home to level the scoring at 3-3.
However, Williamwood attackers certainly brought their shooting boots along to Parklea where their fourth and the game’s seventh goal made it 3-4.
Roan McDermid was unlucky as he got a hand to a ball that had been deflected over, to make 3-5. Soon the visitors added another to make it 3-6 and, in the final minutes of the final, Jamie Bradley fired a bullet high into the net to make it 4-6. Williamwood held out to win 4-6 in the end.
After the match, under-13s coaches, Mr Tyley, Mr Currie and Mr Skelton applauded their team’s effort to come from 3 goals down to put serious pressure on Williamwood.
“They couldn’t have worked any harder,” said Mr Tyley. Mr Currie added, “They’ve done themselves proud. Well done boys.”
Reporting live from Ravenscraig Stadium – Mhairi Moore, Tammi O’Connor, Rhiana Rankin and Jill McGowan
Notre Dame’s pupils were jumping for joy but wrapped up warm today for unseasonably chilly but typically Scottish weather for our annual School Sports Day.
Around 150 pupils from S1 to S3 travelled the short distance to Ravenscraig Sports centre, Greenock, to take part in a series of track and field events.
Nerves and adrenaline were running high as the young sprinters in each year group lined up against each other in a series of hard but fairly fought contests in front of assembled staff and pupils.
With S1’s heats completed, the S2 boys seemed particularly eager to get off the starting line and joined their S1 boys peers in the false start club.
Among those emerging victorious from the morning’s 100 metre sprinting heats, and set to race again in the afternoon’s final, were S1 boys Liam Flynn, James Kinsella and Romell Marks; S2 boys Kayden Shearer and Bob Anderson; S2’s Sophie McAllister; and S3’s Lauryn Bell and Karys Hughes. Meanwhile the field events saw potential new school records broken in long jump for S3 girls, Sophie McGarrigle and Lorna McKloud, and for Sophie McGarrigle and Stephanie Turner in the high jump. Another potential record was broken in the high by Bob Anderson in S2.
S1’s Katie Johnson, who also runs with local club Greenock Glenpark Harriers, sprinted to victory in the girls 200m, while in S2 and S3 girls 200m races, Sophie McAllister and Lauryn Bell (respectively) triumphed. S3’s Gavin Houten, meanwhile, blasted through yet another school record to win the 200 metres for the boys, and he was joined by fellow 200m winners Kayden Shearer (S2) and James Kinsella (S1).
Other results saw Marc Griffin, S2, win the 800 metre final, while in the girls 800m, good sportsmanship was shown between Maddison Allan and Stephanie Turner. In S1, Matthew Millar won the 1500 metre race and Kian O’Brian leapt to victory in the Long Jump.
Well done to everyone who took part, got involved and helped out.
By Ryan Campbell
NOTRE Dame’s high-flying under-14 boys’ football team will make the short journey to Parklea Playing Fields in Port Glasgow this afternoon hoping to lift the St Mirin Cup and taste victory for their school.
When they heard the final whistle at the end of their semi-final clash against what proved to be a formidable team from Gryffe High School, the Notre Dame boys breathed a sigh of relief after booking a well-earned place in today’s Cup Final with a 5-3 win over the Renfrewshire side.
The crucial victory came at a cost, however, when Notre Dame’s team captain, Zak Crombie, was rushed off the park after suffering a heartbreaking injury in the second half that keeps him out of today’s final. Having only recently recovered from earlier injuries, squad talisman Zak suffered a broken wrist and will cheer his team on from the touchline at today’s final against St Ninian’s High School, Giffnock.
The Notre Dame boys made a fast-paced, clinical start to the semi-final, securing an early goal when the ball was cleared up the line and landed at the feet of on-form striker, Aiden Gilmartin. The frontman confidently took his shot from 35 yards, looping the ball beautifully over the goalkeeper.
After several missed chances from the home side and a top quality save from Notre Dame’s goalkeeper, Rory Sweeney, Notre Dame eventually won a valuable corner. The result was an own goal after visiting Gryffe made a fatal error, allowing Notre Dame to go 2-0 up just before half-time.
The first chance of the second half fell to the visitors who lobbed the ball over Notre Dame’s defence before calmly placing it into the net to make it 2-1. The visitors carved out another chance, with nifty passing play on the edge of the box ending in an equaliser when the ball was placed into the bottom corner, to level the game at 2-2.
Notre Dame then stepped up the tempo of the game and soon found themselves back in control, bringing the score to 3-2. Another Notre Dame corner resulted in Chris Lepick heading the ball home from close range, bringing it to 4-2.
The final minutes of the nervy semi-final saw Notre Dame hit Gryffe on the counter attack and secure their fifth goal of the game. However, there was drama still to be had in the closing quarter when, shortly after Captain Zak Crombie’s injury, Gryffe clawed back a goal to make it 5-3 and keep Notre Dame on their toes. The goal didn’t affect the outcome of the match as Notre Dame fought well to earn their place in today’s final.
Everyone at Notre Dame wishes the boys the best of luck in today’s final!
By Ryan Campbell
NOTRE Dame’s on-form under-13 boys’ football team will make the short journey to Parklea Playing Fields in Port Glasgow this afternoon hoping to lift the St Mirin Cup and taste victory for their school.
The Notre Dame boys won 3-2 in a well-matched and well-contested game against Gleniffer High School from Paisley. Both teams enjoyed goal scoring but Notre Dame’s attackers were quite simply clinical on the day, resulting in this very impressive win over tough opposition.
The home team got off to a quick start when James Kinsella made a driving run down the line and hit a low cross into Kian O’Brian, who took a touch and drilled it into the bottom left hand corner to open the scoring at 1-0.
Gleniffer’s first chance came soon after but the Paisley team hit the post, before a simple piece of passing play resulted in an equaliser just before half time, bringing it to 1-1.
A quick start to the second half saw Notre Dame, once again, put pressure on Gleniffer. Rhys Morris won the ball back for Notre Dame and played it nicely into Kian McGrath, who confidently strode past the Gleniffer keeper and slotted it into an empty net to make it 2-1 to Notre Dame.
Rhys Morris then picked up the ball up once again and skinned three Gleniffer defenders before taking a shot and forcing a great save from the keeper before Notre Dame capitalised and scored on the rebound.
Gleniffer responded, however, bringing the score to 3-2 and giving the Gleniffer team momentum going into the final minutes.
In the last minute, Gleniffer were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box and hit the post, but Notre Dame’s back line did really well to clear the ball.
The final whistle finally went and Notre Dame breathed a huge sigh of relief ahead of a tasty encounter against Williamwood High School, from Clarkston, today at Parklea Playing Fields, in Port Glasgow.
After the game, under-13 team coaches, Mr Currie and Mr Skelton, both agreed that the Man of the Match was Notre Dame’s No 7, James Kinsella, who assisted the first goal and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself. Mr Currie added: “It was a well fought win.”
Everyone at Notre Dame wishes the boys the best of luck in today’s final!
By Mhairi Moore – reporting from Ravenscraig Sports Centre, Motherwell
It has been many years in the making and is the result of much dedication, grit and determination. On Friday, the dreams of one small but very well knit group of Notre Dame pupils came true.
In front of a travelling troupe of family, peers and teachers, Notre Dame’s senior girls’ netball team were crowned Scottish national champions after winning the Scottish School’s Cup – and the girls were on Cloud Nine!
Having been beaten last year in the final, the girls returned to the prestigious competition this year and emerged victorious, after defeating Peebles High School 59–55.
The impressive result makes the Notre Dame team the best Scottish team out of 117 who were competing, and is the first time Notre Dame has tasted success at the finals for over 3 years.
The match itself began with an explosive team effort from Notre Dame and, within just 4 minutes, the girls had already scored 3 goals. However, the physical strength and power of the Peebles team soon became clear as the opposing side managed to catch up, resulting in a very well matched, close-run first quarter.
Throughout the second quarter, Peebles continued to narrow Notre Dame’s lead, generating mixed reactions from the crowd.
However the Notre Dame girls seemed determined that the trophy was theirs so they continued to battle on, opening the point gap back up and piling the pressure on their opponents.
The third quarter had spectators on the edges of their seats as the two sides battled nose-to-nose, in terms of points. Towards the end of the quarter, Notre Dame’s girls managed to turn it around, holding their nerve to gain a crucial 10-point advantage. An unexpected substitution from Peebles, meanwhile, meant they had to swap their Goal Defence due to injury.
By the time the final quarter arrived, players and spectators felt the adrenaline and sheer energy fill the massive hall as both teams pulled out all they had left to win. It appeared to be anyone’s game, but the Notre Dame girls seemed to have that little bit extra something which guaranteed them this historic win.
After the trophy presentation, Principal teacher of PE, Mr Armour, commended their performance. He said: “It’s an outstanding achievement for the girls. It was a tense match, however they held their nerve, showing grit and determination and that’s what saw them through.”
Head Teacher, Mrs Couttie, added: “I am really pleased as I know the girls were disappointed last year. However I am delighted that they held their nerve and got a win that they deserve.”
By Mhairi Moore
Notre Dame’s senior girls’ netball team gave an impressive performance in the Scottish School’s Cup semi-final last week and stormed straight into tomorrow’s (Friday) final.
At home last Thursday, Notre Dame defeated St Andrew’s High School, from Paisley, by 60 – 44. The game started off with nerves from the visitors as Notre Dame were able to take an early lead. Throughout the first quarter, the crowds who gathered to watch the tasty cup tie, were treated to an impressive display of teamwork and determination as the Notre Dame girls took control.
During the second quarter, Notre Dame’s slick, well-organised senior team clearly had their tactics locked in and it was clear to see that everyone knew exactly what they were doing. Lori Dow and Beth McCowan took charge of a formidable attacking force, both girls managing to maintain possession of the ball and pass it to teammates, Alanna Buchan and Eve Mitchell, who couldn’t stop scoring for Notre Dame. A solid defence greeted the Paisley side in the form of Notre Dame’s Sophie Craig, Samantha Williams and Lucy McFarlane whose job it was to re-gain possession of lost balls and to keep the opposing team from scoring.
In the final two quarters, Notre Dame’s high-flying girls turned it up a notch when St Andrew’s appeared to show signs of fatigue. By the start of the final quarter, Notre Dame were in lead by 10 goals and, by final whistle, the girls finished the game off with an impressive 16 goal advantage.
The senior girls, who have now been together for several years under the leadership of coach Claire Munn, face Peebles High School in the Scottish Cup finals tomorrow (Friday afternoon) in Motherwell.
At the end of the game, co-captains Alanna Buchan and Samantha Williams spoke exclusively to Notre Dame Now.
Team captain Samantha, S6, said: “We were beaten in the final last year so it’s great to be getting another chance. It was nice because this is our last year in the team, and it will also be nice to redeem ourselves this year – hopefully.”
Fellow captain, Alana Buchan added: “It was a really good result, before the game everyone was a bit anxious. We were a bit sceptical about winning as they have a few very good players, so I’m happy we came out with a win.”
Delighted coach Claire Munn said: “I am really pleased with the results, the girls played well and it was an important game and season as it is the sixth year we’ve been working with this team.”
Principal teacher of PE, Mr Armour, was also courtside and added: “The success of this team is phenomenal. Their consistency at a high level is a testament to their hard work. Well done to them all!”
By Ryan Campbell, Sports Reporter
NOTRE Dame’s under-14 boys netted four goals and battled their way to the top of league on Wednesday after a thrilling performance at home against tough opponents.
Notre Dame came out 4-1 on top against St Ninian’s, from Giffnock, with on-form striker Aiden Gilmartin, bagging himself a hat-trick.
The S2 pupil said his third goal, a beauty from a free kick in the second half, was his favourite of the evening.
Speaking to Notre Dame Now on the touchline after the game, Aiden, 13, said: “I really enjoyed the game. Luck seemed to be on our side and St Ninian’s just didn’t manage to take their chances.”
St Ninian’s scored first in the game before Notre Dame equalised from a corner kick, using the strong wind to their advantage. The gust took the St Ninian’s goalkeeper off-guard and he palmed the ball into his own net.
A fast-paced second half saw some excellent play from both sides, with Notre Dame’s Euan Robertson putting the ball just over the bar after a mistake from the back by the visitors.
Goalkeeper Lewis Fox was left relieved after St Ninian’s failed to capitalise on an open goal at the Notre Dame end, amid frantic chants of “Foxy!” from the Notre Dame touchline.
Luck was on the home team’s side, however, as the Giffnock side failed to capitalize on the open goal, sending the ball wide.
The win takes the S2 boys to the top of the Paisley and District League and they face tough games ahead, with away fixtures at St Benedicts before they travel to Giffnock to take on St Ninian’s again.
Speaking after the game, coach Mr Armour explained that the “team performance” won the high-flying Notre Dame boys their latest win. He said: “It was certainly a great team performance. Of note, Chris Lepick was played out of position and did very well.”
Fellow coach, Mr Galloway added: “It was an all-round hard-working, team performance against a, well-organised opponent.”
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