School Activities

Overall I have greatly enjoyed and benefited from my six years here and when I leave at the end of the year, it will be with many fond memories. Finally I would like to encourage all those lower down the school to do their best to participate in and experience everything which Clongowes has to offer in order to get the most out of their time here. - Tim McNamara - School Captain, 2005/2006.

Rugby, Sports and other Activities.

Rugby: This is the principal team activity at the school. Younger boys will have the opportunity to play competitively in inter schools competitions. The Leinster Junior Cup and the Leinster Senior Cup teams, as well as provincial and international, are chosen from those who show particular aptitude or ability. For the Junior and Senior teams, squads are selected in the autumn and reduced to a panel from which the team is selected just prior to the first matches.

Junior and especially Senior Cup events will cause disruption to the school depending on factors like how far the teams progress in any given year, the perceived difficulty of the current/next opponent and the locations in which the games are to be played. On match days your boy may like you to attend the game. After each Cup game, the school brings the players for a meal out, which parents are encouraged to join. On return to the school a celebration (win, lose or draw) takes place and again it is well worthwhile taking the time to enjoy the whole experience.

Over the past number of years benefactors have provided team kit. Parents are not expected to pay for anything other than normal gear. The school encourages boys to purchase a season ticket through the school for all cup matches. Extra pocket money will be needed for refreshments.

During longer cup ‘runs’ expect to be kept informed in detail by your son and, to a lesser extent, by the school. There can be some disruption to the announced school schedule, so be aware of changes at short notice. The School web site www.clongowes.com has a calendar which is updated as this information becomes available. Otherwise, phone Reception at the school.

Contact sports like rugby can result in injury. However, considerable effort goes into avoiding same, with particular emphasis on training the boys how to fall, tackle etc. If your son is unfortunate enough to have a problem, the medical back up is excellent and you will be informed promptly.

All ‘home friendly’ fixtures are played in the grounds at the back of the school. Times and locations in the grounds can be checked with Main Reception. Cup games can be played at neutral grounds or, in certain circumstances, other schools facilities. For home matches and to reach Clongowes by Train, try Sallins rail stop and then Murts taxi (0862771747) from station to Clongowes.

Golf: This is very well catered for, with a nine hole course at the school and a number of clubs in the immediate area. (Boys should clarify with reception the golf course guidelines and procedure.)

Tennis: This has always been very popular and is well provided for, with both hard and grass courts behind the 1929 building.

Swimming: The swimming pool is a key facility, as it is available all year and is popular with all ages within the school. Swimming is also part of the Physical Education classes.

Other sports: Cricket, soccer, Gaelic football as well as athletics take place during
the appropriate seasons.


Other Activities

Most nonacademic activities are voluntary and some have a time conflict so no boy can expect to fit every possible activity into the day. If you see a problem that you consider important, talk to your Year Prefect.

Film Society: A chance to see a broad range of films.

Chess: A popular chess league is run throughout the year

Concerts: There are two concerts each year Christmas and Summer. A wonderful afternoon for all the family followed by refreshments in the boy’s refectory.

Speech and drama: The boys can enter for the LAMDA examinations in public speaking and acting. This has become hugely popular. There is a dramfest and Rhetoric play each year. These are great opportunities to bring family members along, spend time with your son and meet other parents.

Debating: Each Line has a medal debate. The school takes part in international Schools debates in French, the Gael-Linn inter-schools debating competition and the European Youth Parliament.

Visiting Speakers: A number of well known personalities have entertained the boys with their life stories.

Music: Clongowes has a strong tradition of support for all types of musical activities which include the School Choir, the School Orchestra and the Cantors who sing at Mass. If your son has any prior experience with music please ensure that the school is made aware of it. If he is already in a Choir or Orchestra the School will strongly encourage his continued membership of same. Guitar lessons are also available.

The Academy: A long tradition of academic sharing exists and is channelled through the Academy, which selects boys with special interests to make presentations to interested groups. Each year the Academy awards prizes under a number of headings and thereby recognizes excellence.

SRPA: The Society for the Relief of the Poor and Aged (SRPA) has for many years provided services to those people outside the school who are less fortunate than the pupils. Supervised by staff, boys are encouraged to visit and help those in need and do practical tasks.

The Duck Push, without mention of which this guidebook would be incomplete, is the largest charity event supported by the school. Each May, a group of Transition Year students literally push two large model ducks between two widely separated points. By sponsorship, collections on the way and donations the Duck Push has raised almost €1,000,000 over the years for the Crumlin Children’s Hospital. The motto of the Push is “Kids helping kids”

Outreach Programme (Humanities/transition Year), Ré Nua (Poetry), Special Children’s Holiday(Poetry). Boys give of their time, energy and immense talents to interact with young people with disabilities and the elderly.

Kairos Retreat(Poetry) A two day voyage of self discovery guided by the Rhetoric boys.

Taizé and Lourdes: Groups of boys make these pilgrimages annually.