In honour of the Senior Girls 5-A-Side team, reaching the Spar/FAI All Ireland Finals tomorrow, the pupils and staff of St Fergus’ N.S. went all out to show their support by hosting a “Black and White Day”.

Everyone came to school in the colours of Glin and it really was a sight to behold. Teachers and classes decorated their Noticeboards to reflect the excitement in their rooms about the huge day ahead. Bunting and flags fluttered in the breeze and everyone who drove past the school could read the sign, proclaiming the success that the team have achieved to date. A mascot appeared today in the guise of “Fergus” the black and white panda bear-he is a huge hit with children and adults alike!

The supporters were in fine fettle, practising our school rendition of Olé, Olé, Olé (penned by our own Ms O’Hanlon) and the ever annoying “Everywhere We Go!”. They will surely rock the Aviva tomorrow.

We welcomed Conor Nestor of the FAI Munster, who presented the team with their lovely new kit and gear bag for  the occasion. Let’s hope the ladies in red can do the job tomorrow!

Thank you to the entire community of Glin who have gotten behind the school team. Thank you to Conor Sheahan and Glin Rovers Soccer Club for their encouragement and support. Go raibh míle maith agaibh to the Glin Rover Ladies, who kindly donated €100 towards the cost of the bus to Dublin. We are sure that many of this team will sport the colours of Glin Rovers Ladies in the years ahead. All of your good wishes are greatly appreciated and are helping to keep hopes and spirits high.

This Final is familiar territory for the school St Fergus’ N.S even if none of those travelling tomorrow have experienced the day first hand. Back in 2004, under the guidance of Mr John Anthony Culhane and Mr Paddy Trant, the Senior boys team won what was then The Ribena 5-A-Side All Ireland Title. The game was played in Navan and the testimony of the boys success is immortalised on the school corridors for all to see. Captained on the day by the late Shane Fitzgerald, that great team of young men serve as inspiration for our team travelling tomorrow. We hope to replicate their achievement.

We are extremely grateful for the lift that the wonderful girls of the team, along with their mentors, Ms Dillane and Mrs Healy have given to the whole school community. Each member of the squad plays a vital role and we are so proud to call them our own. They are incredible role models for our younger pupils, on and off the pitch. It is their amazing friendship and sense of fairness coupled with their soccer skills that really makes them a force to be reckoned with.  Well done on all of your success Maura, Anna, Bríd, Eva, Mai, Danielle, Georgia and Ella!

We wish all who travel tomorrow to be with us, a safe journey to Dublin and back home to Glin. Thank you for making the trip and we are hopeful that we will return to the village tomorrow night with another piece of silverware for our school.