This morning was a very special day for the staff and pupils of St Fergus’ N.S., both past and present. We were delighted to welcome back some very special past pupils who are representing Glin in the Munster Club Final against Brosna, next Sunday in Mallow. John and James Wallace, Bill Culhane and Michael Sweeney received a huge round of applause from the boys and girls as they arrived in the school yard at 9:15am, with their winners cups in tow. It is great to see past pupils of the school, performing so well on the field of play but also giving back to the community by visiting the school and being so kind and patient with children. They are a credit to their families, their schools and to the parish of Glin.

The welcome was also extended to members of the G.A.A. club, including Mr Tom Connelly (Chairman) and Mr James O Donovan. The warmest Céad Míle Fáilte was reserved for former Principal, Mr John Anthony Culhane, who had taught all of the team members present.

The black and white was worn with pride by the pupils in the school and flags and bunting adorn the building as reporters from the Observer and a camera crew from the Munster Council photographed and videoed the events. Echoes of “Olé, Olé, Olé, Olé”, were to be heard by all, both near and far.

The proud players stood for photos with our own young heros, the Senior Girls Football team, who recently were crowned winners of the Division One County Football League. They also complimented Maura and Anna Shine who co-captained Limerick to win the Larkin Shield last week. It’s fair to say, the future of Glin Football looks bright!

One woman, however was not as enthusiastic as the rest of the school community. Mrs Gee, our very own Brosna woman, bravely flew the orange and white flag of her home town, despite the jeers and heckles of the locals. You can take the girl out of the county but you can’t take the county out of the girl!

As a real piece of history, Mr Jack Dunne showed the Senior pupils an All Ireland Winners Celtic Cross Medal, belonging to his grand-uncle, who captained the Limerick team to victory in 1896. In fact he informed the pupils, that 10 of the current Glin panel are descendants of this local hero.

The pupils, staff and Board of Management of St. Fergus’ N.S. wish the very best of luck to the entire Glin Panel and Club as they venture to Mallow on Sunday. Travel safely, play fairly and may the rub of the green be with you on the day. Go n-éirí go geal libh a bhuachaillí. Beirigí bua agus feicimid Corn na Mumhain sa Ghleann le cúnamh Dé!

Senior pupils with four of the Glin heros.

Winners all!

James Wallace, Bill Culhane, John Wallace and Michael Sweeney with the Shine triplets.

The future of Glin football looks bright!

Mr Jack Dunne (Chairperson of St Fergus’ N.S.) & Mr John Anthony Culhance (former Principal of St Fergus’ N.S.) whose grand-uncle captained the 1896, Limerick All Ireland winning football team

St Fergus’ N.S. wishes the Magpies all the best for the final on Sunday.

Glin G.A.A. members escort the Brosna woman off the premises.

Thanks to Mr Tom Connelly, Chairman of the Glin G.A.A. for bringing the county cup, with some of the players to the school today.