A record of 217 teams and 1,736 students participate in the Meath SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme
The MDL Grounds in Navan, played host to the SPAR FAI Primary School 5s county finals on Monday, March 14
The 24th annual Meath 5 -a-side tournament was a resounding success once again this year with a record 217 teams participating over six full days from 86 primary schools across the county.
Meath has had one of the highest entry of teams outside of Dublin for the past 15 years and this year saw an amazing 1,736 students participating with 127 boys teams and 90 girls teams involved.
The ‘A’ Cup section open to boys and/or mixed teams in small schools saw 4 highly competitive schools contesting. Mount Hanover clinched their second successive SPAR FAI ‘A’ section title with a classy display at the MDL. Led by inspirational captain Adam Kelly, they defeated Culmullen NS, Castletown NS and St Patrick’s NS, Trim in the qualifiers. In total, Enda Ruddy’s charges notched up an impressive 36 goals and recorded six straight wins. The tie of the round was an enthralling game against gallant runners up Castletown NS. Mount Hanover started with blistering pace and scored two early goals.
The Girls ‘A’ Cup open to small sized schools again proved to be a tense affair with 5 teams involved. Rathmore NS claimed their first ever Meath title in the MDL sparking wild scenes of celebration amongst their players and supporters. After defeating all teams in the group stage they captured their historic title in fantastic style with convincing wins over Mount Hanover, Dangan NS, Moynalvey NS and Cortown NS.
In the ‘B’ Cup finals open to medium sized schools, Rathbeggan had to be at their best to beat Kentstown by two goals to nil. Another victory was achieved against Gaelscoil Na Boinne, Trim and a tight contest ensued with Scoil Eanna where Rathbeggan prevailed with a penalty converted by Stephen McCabe following a searing run by Emmanuel Osas. McCabe was on target again in the last match against Kildalkey scoring the brace that settled the issue. Subs Ronan Byrne, Peter Connolly and Tony McCann all made a positive impact when they came off the bench in this final game.
The Girls ‘B’ Cup finals for medium sized schools saw Yellow Furze NS clinching the Meath SPAR FAI Primary School 5s section ‘B’ title on the day. The Beauparc School managed by Liz Halpenny, captured the title in style with three deserved wins over Skryne NS and Donore NS, Charlie O’ Connor’s Scoil Oilibhéir Naofa, Kilcloon were also impressive as they finished as runners up after losing by only 2-1 in the crucial deciding game.
Dunboyne Senior Primary School claimed the Section ‘C’ large schools title on a glorious day at the MDL led by their brilliant captain, Roland Banya. They defeated St. Stephen’s Johnstown, St. Paul’s Ratoath and St. Seachnall’s to progress to the North Leinster Finals of the SPAR FAI Primary School 5s competition.
The Girls ‘C’ Cup section open to large schools, saw Réalt na Mara GNS (Donacarney) win their first ever title this year against runners up Dunboyne NS. The team were unbeaten the whole way through the tournament. Phoenix Quinn in goals pulled off some magnificent saves throughout the competition conceding very few goals.
The six section winners in Meath will now advance to the SPAR FAI Primary Schools 5s North Leinster Finals on April 21, with the Leinster Finals scheduled for April 28, both at the MDL grounds in Navan.
At the presentations afterwards, SPAR Regional Manager Peter Ruane congratulated all the students on making the SPAR FAI Primary Schools 5s Meath tournament such a success.
Organisers Paul Holland (FAI Schools Meath) and Barry Ferguson (FAI Meath) also thanked SPAR for their excellent sponsorship of the tournament. The teachers, FAI Hub, Transition Year students from Boyne Community School, Gerry Gorman and Gerry Moore from the MDL, LMFM radio station and the local newspapers and the Red Cross Ambulance Service also had an important role to play in making it a success.
The SPAR FAI Primary School 5s competition has been in existence since the mid 1990’s and saw nearly 20,000 participants from 1,069 schools involved last season. The competition is run across six divisions, ensuring that schools of all sizes are catered for. Depending on their size a school can enter several teams into the competition. Boys and girls are encouraged to play together but there is a separate competition for boys and girls dependent on school enrolment numbers.
Fergus McDaid, Secretary of FAI Schools stated, “This is our second year with title sponsors SPAR and the competition is expanding year on year. The support shown by SPAR ensured this grassroots initiative really supports Meath local talent. The event encourages children to become involved in soccer at an early age and emphasizes the fun aspect of the sport. FAI Schools are delighted to be hosting the Finals on Wednesday, May 11 in Aviva Stadium, something which the children will relish I’m sure.”
Anne Gallagher, SPAR Marketing Manager said, “This is a great opportunity for SPAR to support the local community in Meath and encourage children to be more active and participate in sport in a fun and competitive way. As a community based retailer, SPAR encourages a healthy and active lifestyle and is proud to be a supporter of primary schools’ soccer in association with the FAI.
No doubt the teachers will be putting in plenty of match practice before the next stage of qualifying as they keep an eye on the ultimate prize... best of luck to all involved.”
Follow the action on social media via #SPAR5s or at www.faischools.ie and www.spar.ie.
ENDS
SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Competition
Schedule of Events
REGIONAL
Dublin: April 13, Irishtown Stadium, Ringsend
Mid Leinster: April 13, Portlaoise Leisure Centre, Laois (Offaly, Laois, Kildare, Kilkenny)
North Leinster: April 21, MDL Grounds, Trim Road, Navan, Meath (Louth, Meath, Westmeath, Longford)
South Leinster: April 21, Bunclody AFC, Wexford (Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow)
PROVINCIAL
Ulster Final: April 21, Lakeside, Aileach FC, Burnfoot, Inishowen, Donegal
Munster Final: April 20, Ferrybank AFC, Waterford
Connacht Final: April 27, Milebush Park, Castlebar, Mayo
Leinster Final: April 28, MDL Grounds, Trim Road, Navan, Meath
NATIONAL
SPAR FAI Primary School 5s National Finals: May 11, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
For more information:
Jennifer Kelly, PSG Sponsorship - Jennifer.Kelly@psgsponsorship.ie / 085 107 6806
Scott Graham, PSG Sponsorship - Scott.Graham@psgsponsorship.ie / 086 368 7548
Diane Fay, FAI Schools - Diane.Fay@fai.ie / 086 0404 952