Scoil Mhairtin, Kilworth ‘did their jersey and school proud’ by reaching the SPAR FAI Primary Schools 5s Programme County Final at Turner’s Cross.
Speaking to The Avondhu this week, Scoil Mhairtin teacher and team coach Eoin Bracken, said the team performed ‘above and beyond’ all expectation.
Through a series of local qualification rounds, just 4 schools progressed in each of the 6 sections to contest a hard-fought Cork County finals event in the spiritual home of Cork soccer.
Each of the sections played a round robin format with the winning team in each section advancing to the Provincial Finals.
The ‘A’ Cup, open to boys and/or mixed teams from small schools, included Ballinacarriga NS, Dunmanway, Trafrask NS, Adrigole, Shanballymore NS and Glenahulla NS, Mitchelstown.
The winning formula was produced by Trafrask NS, Adrigole who won all three games.
The ‘B’ Cup, for medium sized schools, again proved to be a compelling division with 4 teams involved, Ballintemple NS, Scoil Mhairtin, Kilworth, Scoil Iosagain, Aghada and Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann, Midleton. The section was eventually won by Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann who proved a little too strong for their opponents.
‘Played a blinder’
“Our team played an absolute blinder and pulled out all the stops,” Mr Baracken said. “Playing at Turner’s Cross didn’t phase them in the slightest and this talented group can go on to greater things if they stick together and keep working hard.”
The rise in the number of girls putting boot to ball has been particularly pleasing for sponsors, SPAR, as 42% of participants are now female.
The Girls ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Cup finals were held on May 2 where there was a fantastic atmosphere throughout the competition.
Kilmagner NS, Fermoy took part in the Girls ‘A’ Cup for small schools, competing against Scoil Padre Pio, Churchfield; Ballyheada NS, Ballinhassig; Ballinacarriga NS, Dunmanway with the girls from Ballyheada taking the honours.
In the Girls ‘B’ Cup Final, for medium sized schools, St Patrick’s NS, Whitechurch sealed qualification to the next stage, Ovens NS put in a fine display to progress from the Girls ‘C’ Cup division for large schools and look in fine form heading into the Munster finals.
The 6 winning school teams will now advance to the Munster Finals which will be held in Limerick on May 14 and 15.
