Wednesday, March 6, 2024
The FAI Schools Primary 5s Louth Finals Day took place at DKIT Sports Indoor Arena, Dundalk yesterday (March 5)
An impressive 36 teams qualified from the regional event to come back to compete against each other in the various six sections up for grabs.
These teams won through the qualifying sections which took place from February 20 to 23 in the same venue.
The programme had record numbers this year with 42 teams in the Boys and Girls ‘A’ Small schools Sections for small schools, 44 Boys teams and 40 Girls Teams in the ‘B’ Sections for medium schools and the ‘C’ Section for large schools had 22 Boys and 14 Girls teams all competing.
That was in total 1,288 children (696 boys and 592 girls) engaged which was a fantastic number participating.
The standard of football in the qualifying rounds was excellent, but the Finals Day was the next level up, with some super games that were extremely close. The geographic spread of winners right across the County was wonderful to see.
SUMMARY OF THE ACTION
A Section | This one was won by a very good Dundalk Grammer side containing 2 Spanish students who were excellent. Mick Neville, FAI Development Officer for Louth is looking forward to seeing them play in the North Leinster Finals. A gallant St. Kevin’s pushed them all the way before losing the decider 2-0.
Girls A Section | This was even closer with 3 teams in the mix; Bellurgan NS, St. Kevin’s and Dulargy finishing on 6 points apiece. Bellurgan NS eventually defeated St. Kevin’s 3-1 in a penalty shoot out after extra time failed to separate both sides.
B Section |Winners Rampark NS went right to the wire with SN Padraig Harestown in the deciding game as both teams had fought through to a final decider by winning their respective groups. The top 2 met in a winner takes all. Rampark came out on top 5-2 to take the title and represent Louth in the North Leinster Finals.
Girls B Section | Winners St. Oliver’s NS, Drogheda got the better of a brave St. Fursey’s side by 2-1 to take the Girls ‘B’ title, again, both teams finished on top of 2 groups to get to the final. In a game that went end to end, either side could have taken it, but a late winner for the Drogheda gang saw them come out on top.
C Section | The title went to a very strong St. Mary’ s NS from Drogheda who have won through for the third year running which is some achievement. They were very impressive in all their games and teacher Colm Hanlon will have high hopes that they can finally get through North Leinster. St. Malachy’s pushed them to the last game, but St. Mary’s showed their class by winning the last game 5-1.
Girls C Section | This was a tighter affair with St. Malachy’s gaining some revenge by just getting though at the expense of the St. Mary’s Girls on a 3-2 scoreline.
This year’s contest was intensely competitive with only one goal separately a lot of the schools in the group stages.
The finals competitions went off very well a lot of the games were very tight with only a goal in it in a lot of games and the standard was the best I have seen in a long time.
WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?
The PRIMARY5s as its commonly known as, is a 5-a-side competition which is open to boys and girls from 4th, 5th and 6th class, and puts emphasis on fun and inclusivity. The blitz day format is co-ordinated at local level with the assistance of a network of FAI Development Officers and local primary school teachers. These personnel co-ordinate events at County level with qualifying schools progressing to Regional, Provincial and National Finals.
The programme will see 2,024 schools engaged in the competition with 42,048 students participating this season with a remarkable 45% of those participants female.
There are 6 divisions to suit all school sizes with small, medium and large schools all catered for. While the programme encourages boys and girls to play on the same team, there is also a separate competition for girls’ schools. A number of teams can represent one school depending on the size of their student body, giving more children the chance to develop their skills in a safe, child centered and exciting environment.
Schedule of Events: #Primary5s
Regional
Dublin Finals: April 29 & 30, 2024 Belvedere FC, Dublin
South Leinster Finals: May 1, 2024, Evergreen FC, Kilkenny
North Leinster Finals: May 1, 2024, MDL Grounds, Trim Road, Navan, Meath
Mid Leinster Finals: May 2, 2024, Killeshin FC, Laois
Provincial
Munster Finals: March 6 (Football for All), May 15 (Girls) & May 16 (Boys) 2024, Cahir Park AFC, Tipperary
Leinster Finals: May 15, 2024, MDL Grounds, Trim Road, Navan, Meath
Ulster Finals: May 15, 2024, Bailieboro Celtic AFC, Cavan
Connacht Finals: May 15, 2024 (Girls & FFA) & May 16 (Boys) 2024, Solar21 Park, Castlebar, Mayo
National
National Finals: May 29, 2024, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
