St Patrick’s Day 2011 will be a momentous day for the students, staff and community of St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook, as our senior Gaelic footballers compete in the final of Ulster Colleges’ GAA Mac Larnon Cup at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh.
Principal of St Paul’s High School, Mr Oliver Mooney, spoke about the school’s pride at reaching the final, and paid tribute to the work of the coaching staff and players. “St Paul’s joined the Ulster Colleges’ family only three years ago and have already collected a number of trophies, including last year’s Herald Cup.”
“The talented group of footballers have been nurtured through their local football clubs in South Armagh and have been coached and challenged by their teachers within St Paul’s.”
“Head of Sport, John Rafferty, leads an enthusiastic and committed team of teachers who have instilled in these young men the desire to always achieve their best. Gaelic football is primarily a team sport and it is by unselfishly sacrificing individual glory that great teams are created.”
“Ulster Colleges’ football is without doubt one of the greatest advertisements for Gaelic sports. An absence of cynicism and a whole hearted effort to reach for team success, games sprinkled with silken skills and never ending effort and after all that the hope of victory.”
“I hope that on St Patrick’s Day, St Paul’s can win the Mac Larnon but I am confident that whoever wins, our Ulster Colleges’ Gaelic tradition will be enhanced. Good luck to all the teams involved on what should be a memorable St Patrick’s Day and thank you to the teachers and officials who make it all possible.”
Watch our video showing the team in preparation for the Mac Larnon Cup Final, and hear from the Captain, players and team coaches.
A word from the Manager – Mr M O’Rourke
Mac Larnon Team Manager, Mr Martin O'Rourke
“It is a great honour to be involved in what is St. Paul’s first MacLarnon Cup Final in only our third year in Ulster Colleges’ football. It is a privilege to have coached this exceptional group of young players and their success in reaching today’s final is evidence of the hard work, determination and teamwork that has developed among this group.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our colleagues who have facilitated us throughout the year for matches and training sessions. In particular Mr. Mooney has been very supportive towards the development of Gaelic games in my time at St. Paul’s. The local feeder clubs deserve recognition and praise for the tremendous work, support and coaching that has contributed to the development of all our students down through the years.”
“It is important at this time to offer appreciation to all the hard work, dedication and coaching expertise that is currently available to boys’ Gaelic football within the school from members of our staff. I would like to give particular mention to John Rafferty who has been instrumental in all recent successes in Gaelic football at St. Paul’s. It is no coincidence that his arrival has seen a major change in attitude and commitment of students to Gaelic games within the school which is now bearing fruit. It is testament to the foresight of Mr. Mooney and John that their belief in the ability of the students of St. Paul’s has seen a successful transition to Colleges’ football.”
“I would like to wish good luck to all involved in the MacLarnon final today and we look forward to a sporting contest which will hopefully live long in the memory.”
A word from the Coach – Mr J Rafferty
Mac Larnon Team Coach, Mr John Rafferty
“It’s great for St. Paul’s High School to be represented by such an honest, hardworking and humble bunch of young men on Saint Patrick’s Day. Their involvement in the school’s first ever MacLarnon final is testimony to the dedication, commitment and endeavour of the boys and their manager Martin O’Rourke.Over the last five years Martin has trained, moulded and persisted with this panel of players. It is fitting for the players who have persevered, that they will be the first school team to play in a MacLarnon final as they have worked so hard to overcome many sporting disappointments during their time in St. Paul’s.”
“I’m sure that the boys’ families are as proud of them as we are in the school. We look forward to seeing the players go forward from St. Patrick’s Day and continue to grow in their commitment to and love of Gaelic Games with their clubs and hopefully their county. On behalf of the boys I would like to thank all the staff (especially our Principal Mr. Mooney and Miss. Keenan) for their help and co-operation for games and their understanding when the conversations strayed to football during the year. Finally, a word of thanks to all our feeder clubs and sponsors whose contributions over the year have helped make this a memorable day for the boys.”
Meet the Mac Larnon Cup final panel
Click the Player’s name to view a full profile.
2 comments
good luck andrew and st pauls
granny and granda sloan
by brian sloan on 14/03/2011 at 7:13 pm #
Good luck to St Pauls from all @ Dromintee GAC
by Elena Martin on 15/03/2011 at 5:12 pm #