Drogheda United Players visit biggest 5-a-side in Ireland
Date: Friday, 09 March 2007 Section: General
The biggest 5-a-side in Ireland with a massive 153 teams from all over County Meath is taking place over six full days this week at the MDL's six All-Weather pitches in Navan.
On Wednesday alone more than 400 boys battled it out on 48 teams in the Section for medium sized schools. Adding to the tremendous excitement was the visit of Drogs players Jason Gavin, Richie Baker, James Keddy, Andrew Hageman and Sami Ristila along with The Setanta Sports Cup and Leo the Drog.
The kids were thrilled to receive the new Drogs 2007 team poster from the players and were delighted to get the chance to raise the Setanta Cup.
The players spent more than two hours at the tournament signing posters, footballs and even school tracksuits !
The reaction from parents,teachers and the hundreds of schoolchildren to the visit was fantastic.This is the second year that Drogheda Utd have visited the FAI Schools Meath 5-a-side.
Last year the whole squad of 24 players took time out to present the trophies at the hugely popular tournament with two full pages each given by The Meath Chronicle,The Weekender & Meath Echo newspapers.
Thousands of boys and girls all over Ireland are eagerly awaiting this year's Ribena sponsored FAI Schools 5-a-side competitions .
Schools battle it out in county qualifiers nationwide before advancing firstly to regional finals and then to provincial deciders.The All-Ireland finals take place for the seventh consecutive year at the MDL grounds in Navan on 30th May.
The FAI's Regional Development Officer for the North East area is ex-Derry City & Finn Harps player Tom Mohan, who is delighted with the increased participation amongst primary school children in counties, Louth, Meath, Cavan & Monaghan. He explains "The 5-a-side has really taken off in the North East area.Meath has set a great example to other counties with excellent co-operation between teachers, local clubs,the FAI & local Eircom League club Drogheda United . It's also great to see the competition proving so popular for both boys and girls alike."
Afterwards organisers Tom Mohan (FAI's RDO for the North East ) & Paul Holland (Meath & Leinster Co-ordinator FAI Schools) & ) thanked Terry Collins ( DUFC's promotions officer for co-ordinating the Drogs visit) , "Leo" Keith Evans,the five Drogs Players , the teachers and schoolchildren for a wonderful sporting day out.
Each one of the schools will receive the photos ( taken with players ) by email and will feature extensively in The Meath Media next week. All part of the club's drive to extend the fanbase of the Drogs in The Royal County!
The club has a large catchment area in East Meath with huge support from Duleek,Laytown,Bettystown,Donacarney,Donore & Slane.
