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West Belfast school hurls its way into record books

St Mary's students set a Guinness World Record for the largest number of students taking part in a hurling training session at the same time. Picture by Mal McCann
St Mary's students set a Guinness World Record for the largest number of students taking part in a hurling training session at the same time. Picture by Mal McCann St Mary's students set a Guinness World Record for the largest number of students taking part in a hurling training session at the same time. Picture by Mal McCann

A SCHOOL in west Belfast has hurled itself into the record books after 600 pupils took part in the "world's largest hurling lesson".

The record attempt by St Mary's Christian Brothers Grammar on the Glen Road yesterday was understood to be the first of its kind.

Those involved ranged from first year pupils who have just started at the school, to A-level students.

To set the mark, 600 pupils participated in the same hurling lesson for a minimum of 30 minutes under the watchful eye of stewards and an adjudicator from Guinness World Records.

Anyone who left the pitch for any reason - even to go to the toilet - could be disqualified, with the adjudicator stating that the minimum number of students required was 250, and that only 10 per cent of the total number could be disqualified for the record to be set.

There were celebrations as the official announced that 577 pupils had "fully participated", meaning the school had set the record, before a framed certificate of the achievement was presented to principal John Martin.

He said the unusual lesson had created great excitement in the school.

"I would believe that if anywhere in Ulster is to break this record, this is the best place. Hurling is part of the DNA of St Mary's," he said.

"It has created a real buzz amongst the boys. This is something to tell your children and grandchildren about - it's not every day that you set a Guinness World Record."