Volleyball Association of Ireland

Primary & Post-Primary Schools

National

Championships 2008/09

Primary Schools Finals

Tuesday March 10th, Mary Immaculate College, Limerick

Results:

Girls Competition: Winners: Ardfert Kangaroos, Ardfert NS, Ardfert, Co. Kerry. Runners Up: Callan Wallabies, Bunscoil McAuley Rice, Callan, Co. Kilkenny.

Mixed Competition: Winners: Glenbeigh Warriors, Glenbeigh NS, Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry. Runners Up: St. Augustine's Wallabies, St. Augistine's NS, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway.

Boys Competition: Winners: Creagh Superstars, Creagh NS, Ballinsloe, Co. Galway. Runners Up: Creagh Dynamos, Creagh NS, Ballinsloe, Co. Galway.

Post Primary Schools Finals

Thursday April 30th UCD, Dublin

Results Post Primary SpikeBall National Finals 2009

The concluding day of action in this years’ VAI Post Primary SpikeBall Competition took place in UCD on April 30th. Over 200 teams nationally began the competition in February hoping to book one of the coveted places at the National Finals. Successful teams progressed through the early rounds to compete in Mini Regions then Regional and National Finals. The format of the competition was changed this year to run separate competitions for 1st years and 2nd years. 32 teams in total qualified for the National Finals comprising of 1st year and 2nd year teams in three categories, Girls, Boys and Mixed.

With six National titles up for grabs the action was fast and furious from the 1st whistle.
Due to the high number of entries in the Girls competition 8 teams each in 1st and 2nd year were involved in the final day of action. Teams were divided into pools of 4 and after 1st round pool games teams were seeded for play off in the knockout stage. In the 1st year competition St Mary’s New Ross, Colaiste Bride Clondalkin, Ardscoil Mhuire Ballinsloe and Mercy College Coolock took their exits after the quarter final stages. They were later joined by Presentation Kilkenny and St Raphael’s Loughrea after the semi finals with St Mary’s Naas and St Louis Kiltimagh remaining to battle it out for the 1st year National Title. After a very exciting game Naas were victorious and bring home the 1st year Cup, to add to the many awards they have picked up in this year’s 6 a side competition. In the second year girl’s competition, St Mary’s Naas, Portmarnock Community School, Mount St Michael Claremorris 2 and Presentation Kilkenny were defeated at the quarter final stages joined after the semi finals by Colaiste Bride Clondalkin and Holy Family Newbridge. An enthralling final ensured between Claremorris 1 and Balla with Claremorris 1 just having the edge over their fellow players from the West.

Four teams qualified for the Mixed and Boys Cup from 1st and 2nd year competitions. In the 1st year Boys competition, St Louis Kiltimagh and Davis College Mallow played it out in the final for National honours having earlier dispatched CBS Kilkenny and Cabinteely Community School in the semi final stages. Davis College, playing in their first SpikeBall Competition, won their first National title, a remarkable achievement for their first competitive season. St Louis Kiltimagh were also denied in the 2nd year Boys Finals with Dundalk Grammar School also winning their first title. Fingal Community College and Colaiste Chathail Naofa Dungarvan were defeated at the semi final stages of the 2nd  year competition.  In the Mixed Competition, Colaiste Chathail Naofa Dungarvan had cause to celebrate as they claimed the 1st year Mixed Title, overcoming St Raphael’s Loughrea in a 3 setter match. Portmarnock Community School and Breifne College Cavan had earlier succumbed to the two finalists at the semi final stages.  St Raphael’s Loughrea were guaranteed a title in the 2nd year final with two teams from the school reaching the final, Loughrea A coming out the better side of the result. Both Loughrea A and Loughrea B had earlier defeated Portmarnock Community School and Breifne College Cavan to complete the 2nd year mixed final line up.

Overall it was an extremely successful and memorable day for all involved. FUN and participation are the key elements behind the game of SpikeBall and this was clearly evident on the day. All the young SpikeBallers displayed excellent Volleyball skills and team play and we look forward to seeing them all involved in future SpikeBall and indeed 6 a side competitions. We would like to acknowledge the great work done by the Transition Year Leaders from schools all around the country that refereed all the matches at the finals. The event would not be possible without their involvement and invaluable input. Congratulations also to all the teachers and teams involved in this years event and we look forward to see you all back in action again next year.