Thursday, 14th May 2015 will be a date that pupils and adults of St Fergus’ N.S will remember forever. It was the day that the Senior Girls 5-a-side soccer team played in the AVIVA Stadium, Dublin, in the All Ireland Spar/FAI Soccer Finals. The excitement was palpable in the school and indeed in the entire parish of Glin for the proceeding week.

With team players safely ensconced in the capital city from the night before, a bus of 44 children and 4 adults pulled out of the school car park at 7:45am to head for the stadium. Black and White flags, jerseys, jackets, caps and unfortunately umbrellas were the order of the day. The journey passed in a flurry of singing, chat and Spin South West.

After being dropped at the Stadium entrance we were delighted to see our Limerick Compatriots had kept pitch side seats. We were just in place when the teams appeared from the tunnel. It was amazing to see our own girls and teachers emerging onto the pitch, where many a famous foot had fallen before. Having been introduced to the crowd and acknowledging their supporters, the work began for the teams in earnest.

Mrs Healy led the St Fergus’ ladies in a very professional series of drills and warm ups. Ms Dillane conferred with her players and her captain Anna Shine. Final preparations were made and instructions given before the referee signalled that the first game was about to begin. St Fergus V St Mary’s of Arva, Co. Cavan.

In a sporting gesture seen many times the teams lined up and shook hands. Positions were taken and the whistle blew. The first half passed quickly and the advantage was with the Ulster girls. They seemed to settle quicker and adjusted to the smaller pitch before the girls of Limerick. Despite a resilient second half, the spoils went to Arva, 5:3 at the final whistle.

Never bowing to defeat, the girls and their coaches rallied, in what can only be described as a phenomenal second and third game.  They defeated  St. Oliver Plunkett NS, Kilkerrin, Galway by eight goals to two. Their final game against  Stonepark NS, Longford finished with the Shannonsiders on top. The final result now depended on the game between Arva and Galway. We need the tribeswomen to win. Unfortunately luck was not on their side and the winning result for Cavan meant that the trophy would go to Ulster, with our gallant girls finishing a very close second.

They say that we learn more about ourselves in defeat than in failure. If this is true, than we have learned of the impeccable characters of the team, their coaches and their supporters. The joy was immense. Second in Ireland-not too shabby! Not a bad days work. As they mounted the podium to accept their medals, each girl and teacher was greeted by cheers and applause by their loyal travelling fans. We were so proud of all that they had achieved.

Following the official photographs and changing in the  dressing room, the team emerged from the stadium to the awaiting crowd. Hugs were shared, medals were admired and well earned praise was given. Throughout their games the girls showed courage, honour, respect for the game and their opponents  but especially a “never say die” attitude that had to be seen to be believed. We wanted them to know that we appreciated this.

Amid, laughter and singing, we boarded the bus and headed for home, happy with the work of the day.

Despite a food stop in Moneygall, we made good time coming home and approached Glin in convoy for 9:30pm. Tired heads were roused as we were greeted in the village by waving parishioners and the crowd at the school was a delight for us all. Thank you to everybody who turned up on the night. It meant so much to us.

And so there ends the spoting achievements for this school year for St Fergus’ N.S. What a way to finish it!! We thank, Anna, Maura, Bríd, Mai, Eva, Ella, Georgia and Danielle for the excitement and fun that they have given us this last term. You really are a special bunch of young ladies. Thank you to Ms Dillane and Mrs Healy for your dedication and hard work with the team. They could never have done it without you. Here’s to next year!