Douglas Community School athletes represented Ireland recently at the 18^th edition of the World Schools Cross-Country championships. The event was held in the Czech Republic and no less than 30 countries took part. The Douglas CS team of Peter Hanrahan (Captain), Patrick Coleman, David O’ Keeffe, Adam Kelleher, Brian Murray and Alan O’ Brien did both their school and country proud during their week long stay.

The championships were run in a very professional manner with both an opening and closing ceremony. The DCS team lined up against 28 of the best countries in the world and finished a superb 11^th (6^th European country). David O’ Keeffe led the team home in a superb 38^th place out of 170 competitors. Adam Kelleher was not far behind with a great run in 43^rd. The team scoring was completed by Patrick Coleman 72^nd, Peter Hanrahan 77^th, Brian Murray 79^th and Alan O’ Brien 97^th. This was a fantastic team performance as the team was only a mere 26 points off 7^th position.

The group enjoyed a week that not only involved racing but cultural events such as the nations festival, friendship relay, disco and a tour of the region. The school also had the honor of being nominated for the ‘Fairplay’ award, which was rewarded in the end to Australia. All in all a super week was had by all and one that will live long in the memory of each athlete. A special thanks also to head of delegation Mark Dineen who made a big contribution to the success of the week.

by Steven Macklin

Douglas Community School drama students visited London recently.  They attended a great performance of "Les Miserables" in the west end.  They also fitted in a trip to the Globe Theatre and the Wax Museum.

Karl Horgan and Andrew O’ Sullivan, winners of the  Book Review Competition, held in DCS recently.

The Douglas CS u17 Cross-Country team makes school history next week when they become the first ever school team to compete at a World Championships. The six man team of Peter Hanrahan (Captain), Patrick Coleman, Marc Tobin, David O’ Keeffe, Adam Kelleher and Brian Murray head for the Czech Republic to represent Ireland at the World Schools Cross-Country championships. This is a fantastic achievement for the school and all at the school would like to wish them the very best of luck. A special thanks to Sportsgeardirect and John Buckley Sports who have kindly sponsored gear for the team.

Also this week the 1st & 2nd year student took part in the latest leg of the DCS mile challenge. This was held at the Mardyke track in windy conditions. Conor O’ Brien had a great win in a time of 5.13 and he was followed closely by an outstanding run from 1st year student Emmett Bracken with 5.22. Conor Foley, Ian Tobin, Mark O’ Sullivan, James Kelleher, Mark Seacy and Andrew O’ Keeffe all had great runs also. The performance of the day came from Jamie Sullivan who recorded a new personal best of 5.47. Jamie has displayed true determination over the last 18 months having ran his first ever mile in 8.09 and now he has a best of 5.47. Well done Jamie on a superb performance.

Garda Paul O’ Riordain visited DCS recently to talk to Fifth year students about Car Safety.