In Reply to: re: re: re: three generations of teachers in st. gerald's posted by joe gibbs on April 11, 2008 at 03:56:39:

I stand corrected Joe. St. Gerald`s progress in the competition was then stopped and permission was refused to play the National semi final, thereby giving Summerhill the route which led them to represent Ireland in Europe. My late father and the late Bob Kilkelly met with Aloyisius to persuade him to lift the ban, but he failed to see the honour that it would be for the team, the town and the College to have the chance of winning a National title and go on represent their country. His big fear was the proximity to the Leaving Cert and that " some of de boys might be injured"
The following year (or next) the school qualified for the Connaught Colleges final ? ( it was a big game anyway) against Tuam CBS. In the run up to the big day we practiced silly support chants from poorly xeroxed handouts under the direction of Bro. Godfrey(a strange man who was prone to sudden bursts of classroom violence), busses were hired, we invaded Tuam Stadium to roar on the team but alas the day was not ours.
Quite a contrast to the Brother`s attitude to the soccer competition when one considers that this match was much closer to the Leaving Cert.