Scoil Chorp Chriost, Knockanure win the recent Super Seven Slam

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The Super Seven Slam is a Senior Competition organised by David Ahern, Basketball Kerry, which is open to all National Schools in County Kerry. This was the first time that Knockanure School had entered any competition, and their victory was something to celebrate. Girls from 4th, 5th and 6th class in Scoil Chorp Chriost took part. Their ages ranged from 10-12 years old. Great credit is due to their teacher/coach Ms. O’Connor for her hard work and dedication. The team started playing basketball just 2 ½ years ago when Ms. O’Connor joined the staff of Scoil Chorp Chriost.

This is Ms. O’Connor’s third year teaching in Knockanure and in that time she has coached basketball on Tuesday evenings after school (weather permitting). Coming up the ranks, there are up to 20 juniors training (3rd and 4th class boys and girls) along with the seniors who train on Tuesdays. Speaking to Ms. O’Connor, following their success, she sees great potential in Scoil Chorp Chriost’s players.

The team won by 3 points on the day beating Knockaderry, Farranfore. Matches were played in Killarney and Ms. O’Connor said that the players gave a great performance, worked well as a team and were very determined. She added that they gave it their all. There was great support for all the children from parents, family and teachers alike. Ms. O’Connor herself plays with St. Mary’s Castleisland and is an All-Ireland Basketball Medal Holder.

In all, 5 games were played: 2 on the first night, 2 on the second night and then the final on the 24th of May. As well as winning the Plate, Scoil Chorp Chriost player, Kelly Enright, was awarded MVP – Most Valuable Player. Kelly, who is just 12 years old, is a key player on the school team and this award was well deserved. The games were played indoors in Killarney Secondary School. This was new terrain for some of the Knockanure players, as they compete and practice outdoors, in the school grounds.

Their first match was against Rathmore
Match two against Gneeveguilla
Match three against Firies
Match four against Meentogues
The Final against Knockaderry, Farranfore, with the final score 8 points to 5 points, beating

them by 3 points.
Well done to all seven who played on the day, Kelly Enright, Grace McMahon, Aoife Walsh, Clodagh Donegan-Ward, Rachel O’ Connor, Brona O’ Connor and Chloe Walsh and to Ms. O’Connor their teacher/coach.