One of the highlights of the sporting calendar at St. Mary's Secondary School is the Helen Tighe Memorial Basketball Tournament, an annual event held in memory of our esteemed colleague, Ms. Helen Tighe, who passed away suddenly in November 2009.
Helen devoted many years to coaching basketball in St. Mary's and inspired generations of young players through her passion, dedication and commitment to the sport. Under her guidance, St. Mary's achieved All-Ireland success, establishing a proud basketball tradition that continues to flourish today.
Each year, our First Year and Second Year students compete in an exciting inter-class basketball tournament for the Helen Tighe Memorial Cup. The competition is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the school year, encouraging participation, teamwork, sportsmanship and school spirit.
A particularly special part of the occasion is the presentation of the Memorial Cup by Noel Tighe, Helen's husband, who joins us each year to celebrate the achievements of the students and to honour Helen's enduring legacy within the school.
Now in its 16th year, the Helen Tighe Memorial Tournament stands as a lasting tribute to a remarkable teacher, coach and colleague whose passion for basketball continues to inspire new generations of St. Mary's students.