Both our A Team (U.11) and B Team (U.13) were delighted to win the local section of the Credit Union schools’ quiz on Monday February 1st last. On Sunday 28th February they represented Darver Credit Union in the Chapter 5 finals in the Nuremore Hotel, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan. This was against crack teams from Co Louth, Monaghan and Cavan. At stake was the opportunity to progress to the National finals in the RDS on Sunday, April 10th.
There were 25 teams in each age group and only the top two teams would progress from each section. As usual the standard was very high and the teams were given a gruelling test of general knowledge; 10 rounds of six questions for the U.11’s and 12 rounds for the U.13’s.
The two teams were in contention from an early stage and were never outside the top three. They led at various stages and indeed after the eighth round the U.13 topped their group just ahead of Urbleshanny from Co Monaghan with the U.11’s just one point behind Castletara NS. At this stage the teams’ loyal supporters were biting their nails hoping against hope that the teams could hold their positions meaning they would both qualify for the All Ireland finals.
There were no further score updates until the quiz was over and tension was building. The A team finished after 10 rounds and the older children continued for another two rounds. Round 12 was particularly difficult and our hearts sank – would we fall at the last hurdle and suffer heart break. As we all know last minute hiccups are part and parcel of quizzes!!
After what seemed like an eternity the judges finally had the results. St Patricks NS, Castletara, Ballyhaise, Co Cavan had won the U.11 quiz but in second place was St. Peter’s Dromiskin – our young novices had made it to the national finals at their first time of asking!! Next up was the U.13 results – in 1st place was the formidable Urbleshanny NS but again runners up were our never say die B team who had qualified for the national B decider for the second consecutive year.
What an achievement by Tara, Patrick, Rachel and Niamh with the U.11’s and Rory, Vanessa, Tadhg and Mark with the U.13’s. Indeed this is Mark’s third All Ireland in a row – surely a record. They have all worked very hard to get this far and this will continue we’re sure.
Many thanks to the proud supporters – Mums, Dads, Grandparents, brothers and sisters. We look forward to our day out in Dublin on April 10th where we hope we do Darver Crefit Union and Dromiskin NS proud.