South Leinster stars compete in SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme
Monday, April 25, 2016
Bunclody AFC played host to the South Leinster Finals of the SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme on 21st April. 196 students from 26 schools participated with just 6 schools progressing to the provincial finals.
The ‘A’ Cup, open to boys and/or mixed teams, had 4 highly competitive schools with the final between the impressive St. Joseph’s NS, Carlow and Ballyellis NS, Wexford. It proved a thrilling encounter with Ballyellis scoring an early goal and defending valiantly against the St. Joseph’s team who came forward in waves of attacks led mainly by Killian Walsh. Ballyellis held out until the end to win by the slenderest of margins.
The ‘B’ Cup again proved to be a tense affair with 5 teams involved in this division. The final was eventually decided on by penalties on a score line of 3-1 after the game had ended 2-2 after normal time. Ballon NS, Carlow proved a little too strong over a talentedSt. Kevin’s NS, Wexford.The penalties were all converted excellently by Eamon Lalor, Alex Kelliher and Callum Fisher for Ballon while Rian Fitzpatrick provided the consolation penalty for a despondent St. Kevin’s NS.
The ‘C’ Cup was another hard fought contest between 5 passionate schools. St. John’s SNS, Wicklow eventually came out on top by the single late goal to defeat St. Fiacc’s NS, Carlow.
The winners will now progress to the Leinster Finals in the MDL Grounds, Trim Road, Navan on Thursday, April 28 with a 11.30am start
The Girls ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Cup finals were held on Thursday last 21st April in Bunclody AFC with Clongeen NS, Wexford defeating Ardattin NS, Carlow in the Girls ‘A’ Cup, catering for small schools by a comprehensive score line of 4-0. Gorey Educate Together NS, Wexford was victorious over Old Leighlin NS, Carlow in the Girls ‘B’ Cup Final for medium sized schools by a slender 2-1 margin while St. Fiacc’s NS, Carlow sealed qualification in the Girls ‘C’ Cup for large schools, thanks to their fine display against St. Aidan’s NS, Wexford with the final score being 5-0.
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 Leinster’s 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 communities in Leinster 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.
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
Ulster Final: April 21, Lakeside, Aileach FC, Burnfoot, Inishowen, Donegal
Munster Final: April 20, Waterford IT Sports Campus
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
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
