Cross and Passion pupils lift Ulster All-Star awards

Eoghan Campbell and Patrick Blaney have won Hurling All-stars, with Orlagh O’Hara picking up a Camogie award.

Remarkably all three pupils come from the Ruairi Og club in Cushendall, testament to the great work being done not only in Cross & Passion but also at club level. All three, have made a huge contribution to the sporting life of the college.

Orlagh rose to prominence in 2008 as a Year 9 pupil, where she played a starring role in the all conquering Junior Camogie team, scoring a match winning goal as Cross & Passion College won the All-Ireland “A” college’s junior title beating the mighty St Brigids Loughrea in the final.

She has used her college’s camogie as a stepping stone to making the County team, and last year she played in both the Antrim minor and senior teams who made it to all-Ireland finals, the senior game being played in Croke Park.

She is a tremendous prospect and one of Orlagh’s ambitions is to help Cross and Passion win next season’s Ulster senior “A” Camogie title.

Patrick and Eoghan have both won numerous Ulster colleges “A” hurling titles with Cross and Passion College. Patrick is the proud holder of two All-Ireland Senior O’Keefe cup medals with the school, having played right corner back on the 2010 All-Ireland team.

He captained this year’s Mageean cup team who were narrowly defeated in the final back in October. He was a member of the Antrim minor county team in 2011 and Patrick picked up his all star in the right corner back position.

Eoghan, who is a Year 13 pupil, had the honour of captaining the college to the BT Forrester’s Cup title last April, where they comprehensively defeated St Mary’s Belfast in the final.

He picks up his award at centre half forward and is currently training with the Antrim minor county team in preparation for this year’s Ulster and All-Ireland campaigns.

He will be back in September time trying to emulate his club colleague Patrick in trying to win the BT Mageean Cup.

Gaelic games plays a huge part in the life of Cross and Passion College, and the three pupils are an example of the rewards that can come through dedication and commitment to training and hard work.