A Homecoming of Champions: St Paul’s Welcomes the Sam Maguire and Armagh Heroes

September 11, 2024

St Paul’s was buzzing with excitement on Friday 6 September as the school proudly welcomed the Sam Maguire Cup to our halls, accompanied by the triumphant past pupils who helped secure Armagh’s All-Ireland Senior Football Championship victory back in July.

The celebration was not only a tribute to their incredible achievement but a reminder of the strength of community and the pride that stems from our school’s sporting legacy.

We were especially honoured to have Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney join us as well as the esteemed Guest of Honour, Sam Maguire, who arrived alongside fourteen of our former pupils who either played a pivotal role in this year’s All-Ireland success or contributed to the coaching and backroom teams.

Director of Extra-Curricular Sport, Mr John Rafferty, welcomed the team, led by our very own Mr Joe McElroy, who had an incredible impact in the All-Ireland Final. The homecoming was made even more special by the presence of outstanding past pupils: Aaron McKay, Steven Sheridan, Jarly Óg Burns, Connaire Mackin, Ciarán Mackin, Jemar Hall, Fergal O’Brien, Greg McCabe, Blaine Hughes, Ciaron O’Hanlon, Conor Magennis, and Aidan Nugent.

In addition, we celebrated the achievements of the brilliant management and backroom team members, who also once walked the halls of St Paul’s: Denis Hollywood, Ciaran McKeever, and Anthony Fearon.

These past pupils are a testament to the values instilled at St Paul’s – hard work, determination, and teamwork – values that have seen them rise to the very top of Gaelic football. It was a day of pride, inspiration, and celebration, and a reminder to all our current pupils of the heights they too can reach.

Armagh Manager, Kieran McGeeney addressed Year 8 pupils at a Special Assembly, and delivered an inspiring speech to our newest pupils, encouraging them to embrace their individuality and not to fear standing out from the crowd. He emphasised the importance of being true to oneself, urging pupils not to worry about what others may think or say about them, but to remain authentic. Kieran also praised the pupils from St Paul’s, who proudly represented their county, for their exemplary manners, noting that this was a reflection of the values instilled in them by their entire school. His message highlighted the significance of character, both on and off the field.

We were especially delighted to welcome back proud past pupil Paul Loughran who helped create a special and memorable atmosphere in the Assembly Hall with a brilliant performance of his iconic summer anthem ‘G Stands for Geezer’ from Plenty In The Tank.