Many people will remember the hot days of late May early June during their school days as typical ‘exam weather’. However, it is also the time on the school calendar that the younger students enjoy the competitiveness of the annual Sports Day event.

The recent Sports Day held at St. Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel occurred in brilliant sunshine which added to the enjoyment of the events organised by the PE Department. Mrs Rosemary Colgan and Mr Niall McAleenan and assisted by all other members of staff, witness students showed great competitiveness and excellent sportsmanship as they strived to run faster, and throw further than their colleagues. Unfortunately, due to ground maintenance the high jump and long jump events had to be side-lined this year but the student still had plenty to enjoy.

There were many excellent performances on the day but there are always some students who excel in a number of disciplines. This year’s performances of merit came from Amy-Rose Gilmour, Rauiri King and Leigh O’Reilly in Year 8, whilst Eimheír Toal and Cathal Farrelly set the pace in Year 9. Continuing to show their growing sporting talent in Year 10 were, Alice McAlea and Matthew Cunningham. However, competing for the last time the performance of Emma McVeigh (Year 11) was in line with her excellent medal haul from previous years. The competition in the Year 11 events for boys was of a high intensity and the performances of John Farrelly, Owen Carney and Shea Madden really stood out.

The highlight of each Sports Day at St. Louis has always been the relay races. In each year group, the pride of the ‘tutor group’ brings out that extra edge in the 6 x 100m sprint races. Being cheered on to victory be your classmates, your tutors and in many cases your brothers, sisters or cousins in a fitting way to bring a marvelous summer’s day of sporting competition to its conclusion.

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