St Patrick’s school win World Cup title

St Patrick’s school win World Cup title

7 December 2022

FIVE local primary schools qualified to compete in the IFA/McDonald’s East Down World Cup in Ballynahinch in both the boys and girls sections.

Ballynahinch Community Centre hosted this year’s primary schools tournament using the indoor hall for the girls and the outdoor pitch for the boys.

The competing schools were Holy Family Primary School, Annacloy, Ballynahinch Primary School, St. Francis’ Primary School, Drumaroad, Killyleagh Integrated Primary School and St. Patrick’s Primary School, Ballynahinch.

Each school played each other with the top two in each section meeting in the final.

After some close and entertaining matches the final setting matched St. Patrick’s PS versus St. Francis’ PS in the boys final and St. Patrick’s PS versus Ballynahinch PS in the girls final.

Both finals were again close matches with single goals in each being the difference.

St. Patrick’s PS, Ballynahinch ran out winners in both finals which was an outstanding achievement considering the standard of competition and the amount the games that you had to win to become champions of East Down.

The IFA/McDonald’s sponsored event was well attended and our guests on the day were NI and Cliftonville ladies captain Marissa Callaghan and from McDonald’s Restaurant, Downpatrick, manager Balazs Gazdag.

The entertaining games from both sections was the evidence of the talent on show and the talented sports people that is coming out of the district at the moment.

“I was truly blown away with the standard of play and I know that it doesn’t just happen,” said NI captain Marissa.

“Our local IFA RGDO is working wonders on the ground and after watching Megan’s step overs and Abbie’s left peg I am already looking forward to watching and aiding their personal development over the coming years.”

As well as the World Cup up for grabs, the kind sponsorship and support from Balazs was really appreciated as he supplied drinks, fruit packs and donuts to all the players.

“We at McDonald’s Restaurant, Downpatrick, are delighted to be working closely with Seamus as he brings together the top local talent and encourages good sporting habits with the delivery of his programmes,” said Balazs. 

The winning school in both sections, St. Patrick’s PS, Ballynahinch, were delighted with their performances and the school is buzzing from their success. 

Principal Mr Paul Coulter is also a happy man. “This success did not happen overnight,” he said.

“This has been a ten-year plan in place ensuring sport plays a big part in our daily activities and our relationship with grassroots football plays a big part too.” 

NI captain Marissa was so impressed with both the talent and facilities that she is now ready to host an IFA ‘Shooting Stars’ programme from the Ballynahinch Community Centre starting next January.

Grassroots football has another big year in store for everyone pro-active in football.

For further details contact: Seamus Heath at seamus.heath@irishfa.com / 07515062882.