The Limerick school today contest the Croke Cup decider against reigning champions St Kieran’s College, Kilkenny, and the scheduling of the game “smack bang in the middle of the Easter Holidays”, according to Moran, highlights the blatant lack of recognition for teachers who involve themselves in extra-curricular activities.

Under the Croke Park Agreement, teachers must log 33 hours of additional non-class contact each academic year. Moran estimates that he, along with the other teachers involved, spend a minimum of 10 hours a week looking after the Ardscoil Rís hurlers. Not a single minute of this time, however, can be put against the 33-hour Croke Park requirement.

Today’s hurling final is one of eight high-profile schools games that will take place over the course of the two-week Easter break, further amplifying Moran’s argument that there is no appreciation of, or reward for, teachers serving on the sideline.