ST Patrick’s Comprehensive were represented at PE Expo 2015 at Trinity Comprehensive, Ballymun and took the prize for best overall project.
The school was represented by fourth-year students, Lauryn Dooley, Elora McFall, Cliodhna McNeilis, Clara Moore and Jenny Power with their project entitled Skill Components of Fitness in Rugby and Gaelic Football, Specifically Co-ordination and Punting.
The study initially involved an analysis of video-recorded matches to identify the use of the six skill-related components of fitness in both rugby and Gaelic football.
Its second phase required the students to use their knowledge of PE theory and applied maths, as they used mathematical formulae to calculate the range and velocity of punts taken using the knowledge that the ideal angle of projection for such a skill is 45o.
The findings illustrated that both sports require the use of all skill components of fitness and that the ideal 45o angle of projection elicits the punt with the greatest distance.
The girls received medals, a plaque and a prize fund for the school in recognition of their achievement.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.