The Xtra/vision FAI Schools 5-a-side competition was excellent this year with an additional 5 schools entering from last year:
Event organisers decided to run 2 competitions to cater for the increased numbers, the first in Dundalk at the impressive JJB and the second for the first time ever at Drogheda Leisure Park:
Almost 800 players took part between both venues, and Mick Neville Development Officer for County Louth was delighted with the level of participants and the standard of football played by all teams:
Bellurgan from Dundalk where the first winners of the day with a great 5/2 win over a game Louth Village team: The score slightly flatters Bellurgan as for a long period of time, it was a close affair in the final, but Bellurgan pulled away in the last few minutes to take the title:
In the medium Boys Final CBS Dundalk played a great game against Tinure coming out on top in a 6/2 score line: There was some great football played by both sides, Usna Tyann 3, Caoibhain Leonard 2 and a fine goal from Dean Schiavone rounded off the scoring for CBS but Tinure can take great credit for getting that far and with a very young team, they will have a great chance next year:
In the Large Boys Final in the “C” Section, St Josephs from Drogheda entered the competition for the first time and went away as Champions of Louth: It was great to have them in the competition, along with St Joseph's from Dundalk (former winners) as they went head to head in a thrilling final with St Josephs Drogheda coming out on top 3/1:
In the Girls Section “A” for small schools the final saw Rampark (Lordship) dominant proceedings: The School where very strong against a brave Tinure team and ran out 7/0 winners with such players as Chloe Murphy, Maria McCartain and Ailish McMahon performing brilliantly for Rampark: Goalkeeper Amanda Hughes kept Tinure at bay on many occasions and deserves a special mention:
Realt Na Meara won the Girls Section “B” for large schools as they saw off a creative St: Paul’s (Drogheda) 5/3 in a fantastic final: Sarah Mc Aleer got a great hat trick and Victoria Prendergast got a brace to put Realt Na Meara through:
Mick Neville, event organiser would like to congratulate all the teams that took part this year: The competition is going from strength to strength, with all games being played in a very sporting manner: Mick would like to extend his best wishes to all of the teams that have qualified for the next round of the North Leinster Finals, which will be held in the MDL Grounds in Navan on 28 April: A big thank you to all of the teachers and schools for their support, it is much appreciated and competition organisers look forward to seeing all the schools participate again next year in this fun filled event:
