Rathcoyle make it four-in-a-row in Trath na gCeist after tie-break
Wednesday March 03 2010
Trath na gCeist: The annual Cumann na mBunscol Trath na gCeist was held last Friday, February 26 at 7.30 p.m. in the Brockagh Centre in Laragh. Although the turnout wasn't as good as previous years a great night was had by all.
The schools that attended were Scoil Naomh Iosaf, Baltinglass, St. Brigid's, Greystones, two teams from St. Anthony's, Kilcoole, Rathcoyle, Ashford, Valleymount, Donard, three teams from Blessington and two teams from St. Cronan's in Bray. Rathcoyle were defending their title which they have now won for three years in succession and were going for four-in-arow!
There were ten rounds of ten questions with great variety across the board: Identify the Irish face, GAA knowledge, county sponsors, name the county manager, general GAA, identify the county player, true/false, general GAA, Wicklow club anagrams and all about Ireland. The level of answering was most impressive and all teams accounted for themselves very well.
At the end of 10 rounds Rathcoyle and Blessington Team 1 were tied on 93 each in first place. Both teams only got sevem questions wrong each in the entire quiz! These GAA quiz wiz kids went neck-and-neck in a tie breaker and unbelievably they both got all five questions right again to lead to another tie breaker! Amazingly after a second tie breaker Rathcoyle emerged winners for the fourth year in a row with Blessington an unbelievably close second. Baltinglass Team 1 were in third place on 85, followed closely by St. Anthony's Team 1 on 84 and Blessington Team 2 on 83.
Jim O'Riordan, Chairman of Cumann na mBunscol, Cill Mhantain presented the prizes to the winners. In first place was Rathcoyle: Shane O'Toole (capt.), Padraig O'Toole, Padraig Byrne, Bryan Karney and Darragh Byrne (sub). They were accompanied on the night by their teacher Triona Byrne.
In second place the Blessington team: Joe Broderick, Seán McCrohan, Jonathon Devoy and Ellen Quinn. And in third place was Baltinglass: Adam McHugh, Charlie Dempsey, Seán Gahan and Ciaran Germaine.
A most enjoyable night was had by all and refreshments were provided for all children as well as some excellent spot prizes. The venue of the Brockagh Centre was perfect and thanks to all involved in its preparation. Michael Sargent did the honours as quiz master on the night and entertained all the teams and crowd well with lots of sporting knowledge – thanks Michael!
Thanks to Seán Stakelum who prepared the quiz and was there on the night to correct. Also thanks to Jim O'Riordan, Anne Marie McKenna, Dave Barry, Aine Quinn and Pamela McDermott who all helped out. Most importantly thanks to all the children who attended and displayed such a wonderful knowledge of our national games!
