Kildare students show their class in SPAR FAI Primary School 5s County Finals Day
KILCULLEN COMMUNITY CENTRE played host to the Kildare County Final of the SPAR FAI Primary School 5s programme on Friday last, March 28.
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. 232 students, 29 teams from 22 schools participated in the Kildare County Final with just 6 schools progressing to the regional finals.
The ‘A’ Cup, open to boys and/or mixed teams from small schools, had 5 passionate schools with the final between the talented St. David’s NS and Scoil Naomh Lorcáin. Naas side St. David’s NS triumphed in what was a thrilling contest.
The ‘B’ Cup, for medium sized schools, again proved to be a compelling division with 5 teams involved. Maynooth Educate Together NS proved the strongest team in this section, with St. Patrick’s NS from Johnstownbridge finishing as runners up.
The ‘C’ Cup, for large schools, was another hard fought contest between 6 very talented schools. Scoil Uí Riada, Kilcock eventually came out on top of the large schools division after it took penalties to decide a winner between them and Scoil Bhride, Kill.
The winners will now progress to the Mid Leinster Finalson April 26 in Portlaoise Leisure Centre.
Participation in the girls division of the SPAR FAI Primary School 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 venuewhere there was a fantastic atmosphere throughout the competition.
In the Girls ‘A’ Cup, for small schools, Scoil San Treasa, from Kilshanroe defeated St. Colmcille’s NSfrom Moone in a really exciting and hard fought match which ended 2 goals to 0.
In the Girls ‘B’ Cup final, for medium sized schools, Scoil Bhride NS, Lackagh sealed qualification to the next stage after they overcame a tough challenge from Killashee Multi Denominational NS.
Gaelscoil Ui Fhiaich from Maynoothput in a fine display to progress from the Girls ‘C’ Cup division for large schools and look in fine form heading into the Mid Leinster Finals.Scoil Bhride NS from Kilcullen finished as close runners up in this division.
The SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme competition 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 Leitrim 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 | St. David’s NS, Naas Scoil Naomh Lorcáin
‘B’ Cup | Medium Schools | Maynooth ETNS St. Patrick’s NS, Johnstownbridge
‘C’ Cup | Large Schools | Scoil Uí Riada, Kilcock Scoil Bhride, Kill
Girls ‘A’ Cup Scoil San Treasa, Kilshanroe St. Colmcille NS, Moone
Girls ‘B’ Cup Scoil Bhride NS, Lackagh Killashee MDNS
Girls ‘C’ Cup Gaelscoil Ui Fhiaich,Maynooth Scoil Bhride NS, Kilcullen
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
