Irish internationals David Forde and Stephanie Roche were on hand today to announce the 20 schools who qualified as finalists for the Aviva Health FAI Primary School 5's: The finalists will compete at the Aviva Stadium on the 28th May, with the winners being named All/Ireland Champions:
There are 15 counties represented from all four provinces after the 20 schools came through county, regional and provincial finals before securing their place at the Aviva Stadium: Over 17,000 children from 1,000 schools across Ireland began the Road to the Aviva in March: The competition caters for primary schools of all sizes and now 160 lucky 5's players will get the chance to show their skills in the home of Irish football:
David Forde, Irish International goalkeeper and Aviva Health FAI Primary School 5's Ambassador said; "The Aviva Health FAI Primary School 5's is a fantastic competition for children: Not only does it get them active and playing football, but it also gives them the chance to play at the Aviva Stadium, something that many professional footballers will never get a chance to do: So for every team that has made the finals this is a great achievement and let's hope they have an amazing day on Wednesday:"
Alison Burns, MD of Aviva Health said; "This has been a fantastic year for the Aviva Health Primary School 5's because we've seen even more kids and teachers getting involved: The earlier we can encourage children to get & stay active, the fewer health problems these children should face in later life and hopefully they'll also develop a lifelong love of sport and physical activity: Aviva Health is delighted to welcome all the finalists to Aviva Stadium on 28th May, giving them a chance to play on the same pitch as their heroes!"
The Finals at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday 28th May will be a fun family day out with DJ Dara Quilty spinning the hits, there will be face painting, samba band and spot prizes given out across the day: Entry to the finals at the Stadium on the day is free for children and €5 for adults:
There will also be an Aviva Health FAI Primary School 5's exhibition match between Scoil Brid from Monasterevin (Co Kildare) and Glassan National School from Letterkenny (Co Donegal) at half time in the Ireland against Turkey senior international friendly on Sunday at the Stadium: For more information on Aviva's involvement with Irish football log on to www:AVIVA:ie/LocalSports
CONNACHT - FINALISTS:
Section "A" Schools: Lisaniskey NS, Roscommon
Section "A" Girls Schools: Holy Family NS, Newport, Mayo
Section "B" Schools: Maree NS, Galway
Section "B" Girls Schools: Summerhill NS, Athlone, Roscommon
Section "C" Schools: St: Patrick's NS, Galway
MUNSTER - FINALISTS:
Section "A" Schools: Granagh NS, Limerick
Section "A" Girls Schools: Rathkeevin NS, Tipperary
Section "B" Schools: Scoil Mochaomhog Naofa, Two Mile Borris, Thurles, Tipperary
Section "B" Girls Schools: Scoil An Spioraid Naoimh, Roxborough, Ballysheedy, Limerick
Section "C" Schools: St: Anthony's NS, Ballinlough, Cork
LEINSTER - FINALISTS:
Section "A" Schools: St: Finian's NS, Killyon, Meath
Section "A" Girls Schools: Scoil Phadraig, Milltown, Westmeath
Section "B" Schools: Monastery NS, Ardee, Louth
Section "B" Girls Schools: Scoil Cholmcille Senior, Ballybrack, Dublin
Section "C" Schools: Bishop Foley NS, Carlow
ULSTER - FINALISTS:
Section "A" Schools: Butlersbridge NS, Cavan
Section "A" Girls Schools: Scoil Cholmcille, Greencastle, Inishowen, Donegal
Section "B" Schools: Scoil Mhuire na mBuachaillí, Castleblaney, Monaghan
Section "B" Girls Schools: Woodlands NS, Letterkenny, Donegal
Section "C" Schools: St: Joseph's NS, Carrickmacross, Monaghan
Ends
For further information:
Diane Fay - FAI Schools - 01 8999 522 - 086 0404 952
Declan Lee - O'Herlihy Communications - 01 660 2744 - 087 695 7451