Galway students show their class in SPAR FAI Primary School 5s County Finals Day
DROM SOCCER PARK, Salthill played host to the Galway County Final of the SPAR FAI Primary School 5s programme on Wednesday, March 29
The SPAR FAI Primary School 5s programme has seen participation figures grow year on year to become the largest primary schools’ competition in the country.
The ‘A’ Cup, open to boys and/or mixed teams from small schools, had 12 passionate schools with the final between the talented Annagh Hill teamand Scoil Chairáin Naofa team. Scoil Chairáin Naofa triumphed in what was a thrilling contest.
The ‘B’ Cup, for medium sized schools, again proved to be a compelling division with 16 teams involved. The final was eventually decided on by a narrow margin. Bawnmore proved a little too strong over a talented Clarinbridge side.
The ‘C’ Cup, for large schools, was another hard fought contest between 18 very talented teams. Scoil Iognaid eventually came out on top of the large schools division, defeating Oranmore BNS enroute.
The winners will now progress to the Connacht Finalson May 4 in Solar 21 Park, Milebush, Castlebar.
Participation in the girls division of the SPAR FAI Primary Schools 5s Programme reached an all-time high this year with 11,272 4th, 5th and 6th class girls registered nationwide.
The Girls ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Cup finals were also held on the same day, in the same venue, where there was a fantastic atmosphere throughout the competition.
In the Girls ‘A’ Cup, for small schools, Woodford defeated Scoil Chairain Naofa in a really exciting and hard fought match.
In the Girls ‘B’ Cup final, for medium sized schools, Carnmoe sealed qualification to the next stage after they overcame a tough challenge from St. Annin’s, Oughterard
Scoil Roisput in a fine display with Scoil Ide to progress from the Girls ‘C’ Cup division for large schools. Scoil Rois finished off the tournament in fine form heading into the Connacht Finals.
The SPAR FAI Primary School 5s programme has been in existence since the mid 1990’s and has 28,256 participants from 1,483 schools involved this year, a 19% surge from last year.
The competition is run across six divisions, ensuring that schools of all sizes are catered for. 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 third year with title sponsors SPAR and the competition has grown yet again and now firmly holds the title of the largest primary schools’ competition in the country. SPAR’s ongoing support, both nationally and at a local level, has ensured the ongoing success of the programme and given Galway children an opportunity to get involved in a professionally-run, fun and inclusive programme. The programme encourages children to become involved in soccer at an early age and emphasizes the fun aspect of the sport. FAI Schools look forward to welcoming schools to the National Finals on Wednesday, May 31 in the Aviva Stadium, Dublin. We would also like to extend our thanks to all schools who have participated in 2017”.
Colin Donnelly, SPAR Sales Director said, “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. SPAR local retailers around the county have been getting behind the SPAR FAI Primary School 5s programme, which encourages children to get involved in soccer in a fun, safe and inclusive environment.”
Follow the action on social media via #SPAR5s or at www.faischools.ie and www.spar.ie
Winner Runner Up
‘A’ Cup | Small Schools | Scoil Chairáin Naofa Annagh Hill
‘B’ Cup | Medium Schools | Bawnmore NS Clarinbridge NS
‘C’ Cup | Large Schools | Scoil Iognaid Oranmore BNS
Girls ‘A’ Cup Woodford NS Scoil Chairáin Naofa
Girls ‘B’ Cup Carnmoe NS St. Annin’s, Oughterard
Girls ‘C’ Cup Scoil Rois Scoil Ide
ENDS
SPAR FAI Primary School 5s programme
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
REGIONAL
South Leinster: April 25, Bunclody AFC, Wexford (Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow)
Mid Leinster: April 26, Portlaoise Leisure Centre, Laois (Offaly, Laois, Kildare, Kilkenny)
North Leinster: April 27, MDL Grounds, Trim Road, Navan, Meath (Louth, Meath, Westmeath, Longford)
PROVINCIAL
Ulster Final: May 03, Monaghan United FC, Gortakeegan, Monaghan
Connacht Final: May 04, Solar 21 Park, Castlebar, Mayo
Munster Final: May 10, TBC
Leinster Final: May 11, MDL Grounds, Trim Road, Navan, Meath
NATIONAL
National Final: May 31, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
For more information:
Diane Fay, FAI Schools - Diane.Fay@fai.ie / 086 0404 952
Jennifer Kelly, PSG Sponsorship – Jennifer.Kelly@psgsponsorship.ie / 085 1076806
Scott Graham, PSG Sponsorship – Scott.Graham@psgsponsorship.ie / 086 3687548