As another successful sporting year draws to a close, we are delighted to celebrate the achievements of our students across a wide range of sports. From provincial titles and national representation to individual honours and team success, it has been a year to remember for KH sport.
GAA
A significant milestone was reached this year when the Form 2 Girls GAA Team became the first girls’ team in KH history to play a Gaelic Football match. Although they were defeated by Wilson’s Hospital School, the team represented the school with great determination and sportsmanship, marking an important moment for girls’ sport at The King’s Hospital School.
Athletics
Congratulations to Abigail, who won gold in the 100m hurdles at the Leinster Schools Track & Field Championships in Tullamore. Abigail’s victory secured her place at the upcoming All-Ireland Championships.
Equestrian
KH riders continued to excel at the highest levels of competition. Congratulations to Maya, who placed 1st and Brooke, who secured 3rd place at the prestigious Balmoral Show. Congratulations also to Rosie, Abigail, Rowan-Alice, Sophia Rose and Chloe, who all qualified for this prestigious event.
We are also proud of Nicky and Marina, who were selected to represent Ireland at major international Mounted Games competitions, and Maura, who represented Ireland in Dressage at the Youth Home Nations Championships.
At our Sports Awards, we were honoured to welcome Lt. Col. Sharon Crean as our guest speaker and newest Hall of Fame inductee.
Cricket
Despite a short summer term, KH students played an incredible 34 cricket fixtures.
Highlights included the U15A Girls winning the Leinster Super 6s Festival and the U15A Boys reaching the league final, narrowly losing to Wesley College after an impressive campaign.
Adding to the success, our U13A Girls were crowned league champions this week.
Golf
Congratulations to Meabh (1), who enjoyed an outstanding season representing Royal Tara Golf Club in the Dublin/North Leinster Under-19 Interclub Competition. Meabh helped her team secure the title and qualify for the All-Ireland Interclub Competition, while also finishing second in the individual competition. At just 13 years of age, she was one of the youngest competitors in the event, making her achievement particularly impressive.
Hockey
Hockey continues to thrive at KH, with an impressive 175 fixtures played throughout the season.
Congratulations to our Senior A Boys, who won the Senior Trophy Final, and to the U13A Girls, who completed a remarkable double by winning both the 1B 8s and 1B 11s League titles. Our Minor Boys also enjoyed success by winning the 1B League.
A large number of KH students represented Leinster at underage level this season, while Aoife once again represented the Irish All Stars in indoor tournaments in South Africa and The Netherlands.
Throughout the year, King’s Hospital hockey players continued to excel at provincial, national and international level. Benson and Davin were selected for the Leinster U21 Men’s Squad, while Flourish earned selection to the Leinster U21 Women’s Squad. At underage level, Ellis and James were selected for the Leinster Boys U18 Summer Training Panel, while Merize joined the Leinster U16 Summer Training Panel. Morgan was selected for both the Leinster Boys U16 Summer Training Panel and the Dublin City Squad for the Boys’ National Festival. Ali, Isabelle, Jessica, and Katie were selected for the Leinster South U16 Summer Training Panel, with Ali, Isabelle, Jessica and Katie also representing the North West District at the Girls’ National Festival. Annabelle represented the South County Dublin District, while Philippa was also selected for the North West District Girls’ National Festival Squad. Combined with strong performances at Leinster blitz competitions and international indoor hockey representation, these achievements highlight the exceptional strength and depth of hockey at The King’s Hospital School.
Congratulations also to Benson, Davin and Flourish, who were selected for Leinster representative panels.
We were delighted to welcome former Irish International Charlie Henderson (Class of 1997) to the Sports Awards and Hall of Fame. Looking ahead, exciting plans are underway in partnership with Hockey Ireland to develop a new water-based pitch at KH.
At club level, Réiltín, Faye, Annabelle, Caitlin, Merize and Elyse helped Weston Hockey Club reach the Minor Division 1 Final, demonstrating the strength of KH hockey beyond the school environment.
Rugby
KH rugby enjoyed another busy season, with 95 fixtures played across the programme.
Congratulations to the Senior Girls’ Team, who won the Fingal 10s Tournament, and to Emma, who was selected once again for the Leinster U18 squad.
There was also club success for a number of KH students, with MU Barnhall U17s winning the Metro Invitational Boys Cup. Congratulations to Truan, Ethan, Harry, Henry, Lewis, Sean, James and Nick, who were members of the victorious squad and represented both their club and school with distinction throughout the campaign.
One of the highlights of the year was hosting the 2nd Annual Caleb Powell U11 Rugby Festival, welcoming clubs from across the country to KH. The event also provided an opportunity to honour former student and Vice Principal Caleb Powell, with the unveiling of a commemorative bench overlooking the rugby pitches. It was a fitting celebration of rugby, community and legacy.
KH was also delighted to host the Form 2 Junior Rugby Rising Invitational Tournament for the second consecutive year, welcoming teams from St. Gerard’s School, CUS, St. Fintan’s High School and St. Patrick’s Classical School for a highly competitive day of rugby, with St. Patrick’s Classical School emerging as worthy winners of the Rugby Rising Trophy.
Rowing
Our rowers enjoyed excellent success across a number of regattas throughout the season.
At Neptune Regatta, Liam and Anbo were victorious in the J15 Double Sculls, while Liam, Anbo, Matthew, Harry and Sophie won the J15 Quadruple Sculls.
At Trinity Regatta, Friederike won the Women’s Club Single Sculls.
Commercial Regatta brought further success, with victories for Liam and Matthew, Anbo and Harry, and Liam in the J16 Single Sculls.
Swimming
Congratulations to our relay teams who earned bronze medals at the Irish Senior Schools Relay Championships.
The Mixed Freestyle Relay Team of Meg, Alesia, Rory and Kei secured a podium finish, while the Mixed Medley Relay Team of Orla, Martha, Sam and Nicolas also claimed bronze.
Beyond competition swimming, we also celebrated the achievement of 24 students who earned their National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ), gaining valuable lifesaving, rescue, first aid and emergency response skills through the nationally recognised programme.
A total of 172 students were recognised for their sporting achievements at this year’s Sports Awards Ceremony.
Congratulations to our principal award winners:
- Best Junior Sports Person (Boy): Ellis
- Best Junior Sports Person (Girl): Nia
- Whiteside Trophy for Sportsmanship (Girls): Abigail
- Hall-Cooper Cup for Sportsmanship (Boys): Freddy
These achievements reflect the dedication, resilience and commitment shown by our students throughout the year. Congratulations to all athletes, coaches, staff and supporters who contributed to another outstanding year of sport at King’s Hospital School.
