Our school has taken it’s place at the top table of sporting endeavour in the county. A display of skill, determination, courage and heart took us to the top of inter schools soccer in Sligo. For the past four years we have taken part in the FAI 5-A-Side competition and on each occasion we have given a good account of ourselves. This year our boys wrote a new chapter and added their names to the few who can rightfully claim to be “county champions”.
Should you wish to experience soccer played for the love of the game rather than the pursuit of obscene monetary reward then you could do worse than cast an eye over this competition. Yesterday’s gathering at The Showgrounds was a showcase of fine talent and sportsmanship. Outside of or own involvement, we witnessed soccer in its purest form, played by girls and boys for the sheer enjoyment of taking the field and competing. If this is the level of talent in this one county then Trap need have no worry about the future of Irish soccer.
Our boys team were Sean D (Captain), Evan C, Caoileann C, Matthew W, Oliver W, Liam L, Jack H and Finn C. The rules of the competition allow five players to take the field and a maximum of three subs. We were grouped with Ardkeerin NS and Enniscrone NS in the group stage. Our results follow and we will post full match reports at a later date.
Maugherow 2 (Oliver W) Ardkeerin NS 1
Maugherow 6 (Oliver Wx3, Caoileann C x3) Enniscrone O (Maugherow win group with maximum points)
Semi Final: Maugherow 2 (Caoileann C, Evan C) Sligo School Project 1
Final: Maugherow 2 (Caoileann C, Oliver W) Templeboy NS 1
On one of my first days on yard duty back in September I rounded the corner to see the boys listed above engaged in a game of soccer on the tarmac beside the school. I watched for a few minutes and thought that we could win the five-a-side this year. The team picked itself that day and I am proud to be associated with them and this school. We may go on to win again but this team will always be the “first” and they should take pride in their achievement.
I want to thank Ryan Casey of the FAI for a splendid event, well organised as ever. I want to thank our opponents who stretched us to the limit and were worthy adversaries. I would also like to thank Mrs. McMullen and all the staff and children who gave the team a heroes welcome on our return. We hope to have many more days like this in the future both on and off the sports field.
