In Cluny, we understand how important sport is not only to students’ physical health but also their mental health and academic success. A study has shown that students who play sport get, on average, higher grades in the Leaving Certificate. It can also help their mental health by boosting their self-esteem, improving their concentration and helping them sleep better and feel better. There are plenty of opportunities for students to participate in sport throughout their school life in Cluny. For the team player: there’s hockey, basketball and now, GAA. For those more interested in individual sports there’s running, badminton, tennis, zumba and yoga. We also have something for the outdoor enthusiast. Students can take long hikes for Gaisce, go surfing and cycling during recess and go orienteering each week in TY. Unfortunately, there can be a decline in participation of sports as girls get older, especially during the secondary school years. Thus, to counteract this, we try to encourage students from day one. All first years do taster sessions in hockey, badminton and basketball up to Halloween. After this, they must choose at least one of these sports to commit to for the rest of the year. We hope with this commitment and the other sporting opportunities available in the school, that students will develop a positive attitude towards sport not just during their school years but throughout their life.
