The highly anticipated FAI Schools Primary 5s programme kicked off this week as Cork, Galway and Sligo were among the early performers in this season’s 5-a-side showcase. While Mayo, Roscommon and Kerry will commence activities next week.
2025 has been another bumper year for entries as 2,049 schools have registered to participate, amounting to 64% of the primary schools network. 43,872 students will take part in the footie competitions in the coming days, weeks and months. This equates to 45% female participation with the number of competitors signed up.
Monaghan has the largest registration rate with 92% occupancy. While Cork has the greatest number of schools lined out with a fabulous 240 schools involved (67%).
The CORK qualifiers commenced on January 30, in the impressive surrounds of Carrigaline United FC for the boys qualifiers. The various other qualifiers for the County take place in Banteer, Bantry, Blarney, Carrigtwohill, Clonakilty, Fermoy, Lakewood Athletic, Mayfield, with Musgrave Park hosting the County Finals in late March and early April. Alan Bennett, Cork Development Officer has a staggering 50 days of action planned over the next few weeks which will highlight the talent among the primary schools’ network in the People’s Capital.
The GALWAY COUNTY NORTH competitions also commenced on February 4 in Moyne Villa FC, Headford. The SOUTH qualifiers will begin on Tuesday, February 11 in Kiltulagh Pioneers FC, Athenry. Other venues to cater for the geographic spread of participants include Mervue United FC, Shiven Rovers FC, Newbridge and Salthill Devon FC. 111 schools (61%) will descend onto these splendid facilities over an intense 21 day schedule for John Morris Burke and Emer Flatley. The Galway City qualifiers will take place in early March with 29 schools participating.
Neighbouring SLIGO has invaded Ray MacSharry Park this week with the central qualifiers in full flow. 40 schools engaged in the action over the last 4 days. The County Finals Day is scheduled for April 2 in the same venue.
Most County qualifiers will commence in late February, early March so there will be plenty of preparations taking place around the Country in anticipation of the Primary 5s programme.
Compared to last year, the programme has seen an increase of 24 schools sign up, which amounts to an additional 1,808 children partaking nationwide.
Other Counties with 75%+ of participation rates include Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Louth, Meath, Roscommon, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford which is outstanding.
The Football for All section for Special Schools is also looking forward to the season ahead with 29 schools registered.
WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?
The PRIMARY5s as its commonly known as, is a 5-a-side competition which is open to boys and girls from 4th, 5th and 6th class and puts emphasis on fun and inclusivity. The blitz day format is co-ordinated at local level with the assistance of a network of FAI Development Officers and local primary school teachers. These personnel co-ordinate events at County level with qualifying schools progressing to Regional, Provincial and National Finals.
There are 6 divisions to suit all school sizes with small, medium and large schools all catered for. While the programme encourages boys and girls to play on the same team, there is also a separate competition for girls’ schools. A number of teams can represent one school depending on the size of their student body, giving more children the chance to develop their skills in a safe, child centered and exciting environment.
LIST OF COUNTY QUALIFIERS
Please refer to pages 8 to 19 (of the attached) for a comprehensive breakdown of County events and details for each local co-ordinator.
Refer to the attached graphics for our 7 Section winners last year.
Schedule of Events: #Primary5s
Regional
Dublin Finals: April 4, 2025 (Girls) & 5 (Boys), DCU Sports Complex
Mid Leinster Finals: April 30, 2025, Kilcullen Community Centre, Kildare
North Leinster Finals: May 1, 2025, MDL Grounds, Trim Road, Navan, Meath
South Leinster Finals: May 7, 2025, St. Patrick’s Boys AFC, Carlow
Provincial
Connacht Finals: May 7, 2025 (Girls) & May 8 (Boys) Umbro Park, Milebush, Castlebar, Mayo
Munster Finals: May 7, 2025 (Girls) & May 8 (Boys), Cahir Park AFC, Tipperary
Leinster Finals: May 14, 2025, AUL Complex, Clonshaugh, Dublin
Ulster Finals: May 14, 2025, Monaghan United FC
National
National Finals: June 11, 2025, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
