Gaelic Games in Our Lady’s Secondary School Castleblayney received a tremendous boost with the announcement that Jamie Mooney, Max Mc Ginnity, and Bobby McCaul were selected for the prestigious Ulster Schools All-Star team of 2024, marking a historic moment for the school with three of its players securing this esteemed recognition for the first time.
Jamie Mooney, a member of the Cremartin Shamrocks club, boasts an impressive record of All Star awards in recent years. He has been a regular member of Co. Monaghan Development Squads and is the current goalkeeper for the County U20 team. Jamie was selected as goalkeeper on the Ulster Schools All Star Team 2023 and the Electric Ireland Minor Team of the Year.
Bobby McCaul, hailing from the Aughnamullen Sarsfields club, has also made significant contributions to GAA in the school in recent years. Like Jamie, Bobby has been an integral part of Co. Monaghan Development Squads and now features prominently in the Monaghan U20 team. Bobby’s performances have been pivotal to the school's Mac Rory Cup campaigns over the past two seasons.
Adding to this remarkable trio is Max Mc Ginnity, representing the Castleblayney Faughs club, where he has garnered multiple underage titles. Max's journey mirrors that of his peers, with participation in Co. Monaghan Development Squads and a pivotal role in the Monaghan Minor team's journey to the All Ireland final last year. Notably, Max's father Stephen was selected for the inaugural Ulster Colleges All-Star team in 1988.
Speaking at the school this week, Principal Mr. Kelly extended his congratulations to the three boys on their remarkable achievement. "To secure one Ulster Colleges All-Star in any given year is a wonderful achievement, but to have three in a single year is an immense honour, one that fills us at Our Lady’s with great pride. Each of these boys has exemplified excellence as ambassadors for Gaelic games within our school, serving as outstanding role models for our younger players. I am thrilled to see their skill and dedication recognised at such a prestigious level, and I have full confidence that their hard work and commitment will pave the way for promising futures in Gaelic Games.
The significant successes we've enjoyed in GAA in recent years stand as a testament to the dedication and generosity of spirit of all our teachers involved in coaching and promoting GAA."