Connacht students show their class in SPAR FAI Primary Schools 5s provincial decider

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Connacht students show their class in SPAR FAI Primary Schools 5s provincial decider

Solar21 Park, Castlebar, Mayo played host to the Connacht Finals of the
SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme on Thursday last.

The SPAR FAI Primary Schools 5s Programme has seen participation figures
grow year on year to become the largest primary schools’ competition in the
country.

37,448 students from 1,696 schools are
contesting the SPAR 5s this year, 322 of which hail from Connacht. Through a
series of local qualification rounds just 6 of the 30 schools progress from a
hard-fought Connacht Finals day onto the National finals.

The ‘A’ Cup, open to boys and/or mixed teams from small schools, had 5
passionate schools with Ardkeeran NS, Sligo triumphant in what was a
thrilling contest edging past Brackloon NS, Mayo.

The ‘B’ Cup, for medium sized schools, again proved to be a compelling
division with 5 teams involved. The division was eventually won by Cregmore
NS, Galway who topped the group on goal difference over a talented Scoil
Padraig, Westport, Mayo side.

The ‘C’ Cup, for large schools, was another hard-fought contest between
5 very talented schools. St. John’s NS eventually came out on top of the
large school’s division with a gallant St. Joseph’s NS, Ballinrobe in second
place.

Ardkeeran NS, Cregmore NS and St. John’s NS will now progress to the
National Finals on May 29 in the Aviva Stadium, Dublin.

The rise in the number of girls putting boot to ball has been
particularly pleasing for sponsors, SPAR, as 42% of participants are now
female. Participation in the girl’s division of the SPAR FAI Primary Schools 5s
programme reached an all-time high this year with 15,640 girls from 4^th,
5^th and 6^th class registered making it more competitive
than ever.

The Girls ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Cup finals were held also held on the day,
where there was a fantastic atmosphere throughout the competition.

In the Girls ‘A’ Cup, for small schools, 5 took the honours in a really
exciting and hard-fought division with a victorious Lisacul NS, Roscommon overcoming
an excellent Ardagh NS, Mayo into second spot.

In the Girls ‘B’ Cup Final, for medium sized schools, Clarinbridge
NS, Galway sealed qualification to the next stage after they overcame a
tough challenge from Newport NS, Mayo.

Scoil Íde, Salthill put in a
fine display against Scoil Iognaidto win the Girls ‘C’ Cup division for
large schools with the Salthill school progressing to the National Finals.

The SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme has been in existence since the
mid 1990’s and has increased student participation levels by 14.5% since 2018
up to 37,448. The competition is run across
six divisions, ensuring that schools of all sizes are catered for. Boys
and girls are encouraged to play together but there is a separate competition
for boys and girls dependent on school enrolment numbers.

Dave Archbold, Secretary of FAI Schools
stated, “This is our fifth year with title sponsors SPAR and I am delighted to
report that the competition has grown yet again and now firmly holds the title
of the largest primary schools’ competition in the country. SPAR’s ongoing
support, both nationally and at a local level, has ensured the ongoing success
of the programme and given 37,448 children an opportunity to get involved in a
professionally-run, fun and inclusive programme. FAI Schools look forward to
welcoming schools to the National Finals on Wednesday, May 29 in Aviva
Stadium. We would also like to extend our thanks to all schools who have
participated in 2019.”

Colin Donnelly, SPAR
Sales Director said, “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. SPAR retailers in Connacht
have been getting behind the SPAR FAI
Primary School 5s Programme, which
encourages children to get involved in football in a fun, safe and inclusive
environment.”

The six Provincial Finalists will now travel to Dublin for the National
Finals which will be held in the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday, May 29 (KO
11.30am). We would urge all participating schools to take the day off and
travel to the Dublin finale to support their school in what should prove to be
a phenomenal day for all involved, players and spectators alike.

It promises to be a fantastic fun filled family day with a “Player of
the Tournament” accolade for each section, goodie bags and medals for ALL 192
participants as they’re all winners on the day!

Spectators will be entertained with a super day of footie as well as
face painting, samba drummers, a well-known DJ to play some great tunes to gear
us up for the games and a chance f0r one special supporter to win an epic prize
in the Young Sports Journalist competition. You’ll have to stay tuned on the
day to see who will be crowned 2019 Champions.

Cheer on the schools from your sofa or office chair if you can’t make
the trip to Dublin and follow the progress on the FAI Schools facebook and
twitter pages!

Follow the action on social media platforms via #SPAR5s or at www.faischools.ie
and www.spar.ie

Summary of
our Connacht winners and runners up

‘A’ Cup
(small schools)

Ardkeeran NS, Sligo Brackloon
NS, Mayo

‘B’ Cup
(medium schools)