Students show their class in SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Offaly Finals Day
LEAH VICTORIA PARK, TULLAMORE played host to the Offaly County Finals Day of the SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme on Thursday last (April 12).
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.
200 students from 18 schools participated in the Offaly event with just 6 schools progressing to the Regional qualifiers.
The ‘A’ Cup, open to boys and/or mixed teams from small schools, had 4 passionate schools contesting with Clonlisk National School winning and Ballyboy National School finishing runners up.
The ‘B’ Cup, for medium sized schools, again proved to be a compelling division with 4 teams involved. Mucklagh National School winning all their games and only conceding 4 goals, proved a little too strong for the other teams in the group with the talented St. Brendan’s Primary School side finishing runners up.
The ‘C’ Cup, for large schools, was another hard-fought contest with some very talented schools involved. St. Patrick’s BNS, Portarlington eventually came out on top of the large school’s division thanks to a 4 nil win over runners up, Edenderry BNS.
The winners will now progress to the Mid Leinster Finals on April 25 inPortlaoise Leisure Centre, Laois.
Participation in the girl’s division of the SPAR FAI Primary Schools 5s Programme reached an all-time high this year with 12,832 4th, 5th and 6th class girls registered.
The Girls ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Cup finals were held on the same day in the Tullamore venue where there was a fantastic atmosphere throughout the competition.
In the Girls ‘A’ Cup, for small schools, Carrig National School defeated Clonlisk National School in a really exciting and hard-fought match which ended 3 goals to 2.
In the Girls ‘B’ Cup Final, for medium sized schools, Mucklagh National School sealed qualification to the next stage after they overcame a tough challenge from Shinrone National School.
St. Philomena’s National School put in a fine display against Scoil Mhuire, Tullamore who finished runners up to progress from the Girls ‘C’ Cup division for large schools. St. Philomena’s finished off the tournament undefeated, and look in fine form heading into the Mid Leinster Finals.
The SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme competition has been in existence since the mid 1990’s and has 31,728 participants from 1,528 schools involved this 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.
Seán Carr, Chairman of FAI Schools stated, “This is our fourth 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 31,728 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 30 in Aviva Stadium. We would also like to extend our thanks to all schools who have participated in 2018.
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 theSPAR 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.
SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
REGIONAL
South Leinster: April 24 Bunclody AFC, Wexford (Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow)
Mid Leinster: April 25 Portlaoise Leisure Centre, Laois (Offaly, Laois, Kildare, Kilkenny)
North Leinster: April 26 MDL Grounds, Navan, Meath (Louth, Meath, Westmeath, Longford)
PROVINCIAL
Ulster Final: May 2 John Sherlock Park, Cootehill Harps FC, Co. Cavan
Connacht Final: May 3 Solar21 Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Munster Final: May 9 Mounthawk Park, Tralee, Co. Kerry
Leinster Final: May 10 MDL Grounds, Trim Road, Navan, Co. Meath
NATIONAL
National Final: May 30 Aviva Stadium, Dublin
For more information:
Gary Seery, Offaly Football Development Officer – gary.seery@fai.ie / 083 1712755
Diane Fay, FAI Schools - Diane.Fay@fai.ie / 086 0404 952
Kio Lopez, Teneo PSG – Kio.lopez@teneopsg.com / 086 014 4914
