128 kids participate in SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Sligo Finals Day
THE SHOWGROUNDS, Sligo Rovers FC played host to the County Finals of the SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme this afternoon (March 2)
128 students from 16 schools participated with just 4 schools progressing to the provincial finals.
The ‘A’ Cup, open to boys and/or mixed teams, had 4 highly competitive schools with the impressive Carn NS, Gurteen topping the group with maximum points with Bunninadden NS a close second.
The ‘B’ Cup again proved to be a tense affair with 4 teams involved in this division. This group had some talented players on show. Scoil Mhuire gan Smál NS, Ballymote narrowly topped the group on goal difference from St. Edward’s NS, Sligo Town after both sides played out a 1-1 draw in the last group game.
The winners will now progress to the Connacht Finals on April 27 in Milebush, Castlebar, Co. Mayo.
The Girls ‘A’ and ‘B’ Cup finals were held in the same venue with Mullaghroe NS finishing in top spot in the Girls ‘A’ Cup, defeating a spirited Maugherow NS in the group decider. St. Patrick’s NS, Calry was victorious over a strong Holy Family NS, Tubbercurry in the Girls ‘B’ Cup group game earning them maximum points in the group, and this will surely give them confidence going into the Connacht finals.
The girls division has continued to grow over the past number of years with 64 students taking part in the Sligo County Finals.
The SPAR FAI Primary School 5s competition has been in existence since the mid 1990’s and saw nearly 20,000 participants from 1,069 schools involved last season. The competition is run across six divisions, ensuring that schools of all sizes are catered for. Depending on their size a school can enter several teams into the competition. Boys and girls are encouraged to play together but there is a separate competition for boys and girls dependent on school enrolment numbers.
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 Sligo local talent. 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 in Sligo 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 ultimate prize... best of luck to all involved. “
Follow the action on social media via #SPAR5s or at www.faischools.ie and www.spar.ie.
Summary of winners & runners up:
‘A’ Cup Boys/Mixed Small Schools
Winners: Carn NS Gurteen
Runners up: Bunninadden NS
‘B’ Cup Boys/Mixed Medium Schools
Winners: Scoil Mhuire gan Smál NS, Ballymote
Runners up: St. Edward’s NS, Sligo Town
Girls ‘A’ Cup Small Schools
Winners: Mullaghroe NS
Runners up: Maugherow NS
Girls ‘B’ Cup Medium Schools
Winners: St. Patrick’s NS, Calry
Runners up: Holy Family NS, Tubbercurry
ENDS
SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Competition
Schedule of Events
REGIONAL
Mid Leinster: April 13, Portlaoise AFC, 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, Ferrybank AFC, 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
SPAR FAI Primary School 5s National Finals: May 11, Aviva Stadium, Dublin