SPAR 5s gear up for Munster Finals
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
WATERFORD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY SPORTS CAMPUS in Carriganore will be awash with bunting, banners and colourful supporters as 288 skilful participants converge on the state of the art facility for the SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Munster Finals today, Wednesday (April 20).
36 schools from Clare, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary and hosts Waterford will showcase their talents in the event which kicks off at 11am.
All school sizes are catered for with small (‘A’ Section, Girls ‘A’ Section) medium (‘B’ Section, Girls ‘B’ Section) and large (‘C’ Section, Girls ‘C’ Section) schools all taking centre stage in this penultimate contest. There is a section provided for mixed/boys teams as well as a girls only category which is sure to turn out some future starlets as previous years will attest to.
The Provincial stages are the culmination of three months of entertaining competition held at County level which sees schools progress to the respective Provincial decider. The participants have enjoyed a series of blitz days and excitement will now be mounting as the teams try to build on their previous successes. There are some new faces in the mix which is always lovely to see as well as some familiar friends who all have eyes on the ultimate prize, the bragging rights for the season!
It promises to be a fantastic fun filled day with winners and runners up all receiving a SPAR commemorative medal. The lucky winners will also receive a complimentary SPAR Umbro kit and the prestigious Munster trophy for their school.
Nearly 24,000 children have participated in 2016 with 1,268 schools competing for their respective areas. It’s a huge achievement for the schools to reach this stage and we’re sure to have some laughs and amusement as proceedings get underway.
The ultimate prize for today’s lucky winners will be an appearance in the Aviva Stadium, Dublin for the National Finals on Wednesday, May 11 all courtesy of our sponsors SPAR.
This too will be a family fun day focused on providing participants and spectators alike with huge excitement and entertainment in order to make it a day to remember for all involved. We wish all participating schools the very best of luck.
Fergus McDaid, Secretary of FAI Schools stated, “This is our second year with title sponsors SPAR and the competition is expanding year on year. The support shown by SPAR ensured this grassroots initiative really supports the local talent in Munster. The event encourages children to become involved in soccer at an early age and emphasizes the fun aspect of the sport. FAI Schools are delighted to be hosting the Finals on Wednesday, May 11 in Aviva Stadium, something which the children will relish I’m sure.”
Anne Gallagher, SPAR Marketing Manager said, “This is a great opportunity for SPAR to support the local community and encourage children to be more active and participate in sport in a fun and competitive way. 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.No doubt the teachers will be putting in plenty of match practice before the next stage of qualifying as they keep an eye on the top prize... best of luck to all involved.”
Follow the action on social media via #SPAR5s or at www.faischools.ie and www.spar.ie.
MUNSTER FINALISTS:
‘A’ Section:
TEAMS
Flagmount Central NS, Clare
Newtown NS, Kilmacthomas, Waterford
Aughacasla NS, Kerry
Thomastown NS, Tipperary
Croom NS, Limerick
Scoil Iosagáin NS, Aghada Cork
‘A’ Girls Section:
TEAMS
Annagh NS, Clare
Villerstown NS, Waterford
Scoil An Clodáin, Kerry
Thomastown NS, Tipperary
Ballylanders NS, Limerick
Scoil Inse Ratha, Little Island, Cork
‘B’ Section:
TEAMS
Mol An Óige Steiner, Ennistymon, Clare
Gaelscoil Philib Barín, Tráigh Mhór, Waterford
Scoil Mhuire NS, Killorglin, Kerry
Gaelscoil Durlas, Éile, Tipperary
St. Mary’s BNS, Abbeyfeale, Limerick
Scoil Réalt na Mara, Ballycotton, Cork
Girls ‘B’ Section:
TEAMS
Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire, Clare
Piltown NS, Waterford
Fossa NS, Kerry
Birdhill NS, Tipperary
Dromtrasna NS, Limerick
Maria Assumpta NS, Ballyphehane, Cork
‘C’ Section:
TEAMS
St. Finnachta’s NS, Clare
St. Declan’s NS, Waterford
Presentation Monastery NS, Killarney, Kerry
Newport BNS, Tipperary
An Modh Scoil, O’Connell Ave., Limerick
Scoil Naomh Iosaf, Riverstown, Cork
Girls ‘C’ Section:
TEAMS
St. Conaire’s NS, Clare
St. Ursula’s NS, Ballytruckle, Waterford
St. John’s NS, Kenmare, Kerry
St. Mary’s Convent PS, Nenagh, Tipperary
Monaleen, Limerick
Scoil Niocláis, Frankfield, Cork
ENDS
SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Competition
Schedule of Events
REGIONAL
Mid Leinster: April 13, Portlaoise Leisure Centre, Laois (Offaly, Laois, Kildare, Kilkenny)
North Leinster: April 21, MDL Grounds, Trim Road, Navan, Meath (Louth, Meath, Westmeath, Longford)
South Leinster: April 21, Bunclody AFC, Wexford (Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow)
PROVINCIAL
Munster Final: April 20, Waterford Institute of Technology Sports Centre, Waterford
Ulster Final: April 21, Lakeside, Aileach FC, Burnfoot, Inishowen, Donegal
Connacht Final: April 27, Milebush Park, Castlebar, Mayo
Leinster Final: April 28, MDL Grounds, Trim Road, Navan, Meath
NATIONAL
National Final: May 11, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
For more information:
Jennifer Kelly, PSG Sponsorship – Jennifer.Kelly@psgsponsorship.ie / 085 1076806
Scott Graham, PSG Sponsorship – Scott.Graham@psgsponsorship.ie / 086 3687548
Diane Fay, FAI Schools - Diane.Fay@fai.ie / 086 0404 952