Northern Ireland

Excitement building at Co Tyrone primary school ahead of All Ireland final

Tyrone player and teacher Peter Harte with pupils at St Patrick's PS, Donaghmore. Picture by Hugh Russell
Tyrone player and teacher Peter Harte with pupils at St Patrick's PS, Donaghmore. Picture by Hugh Russell Tyrone player and teacher Peter Harte with pupils at St Patrick's PS, Donaghmore. Picture by Hugh Russell

WITH just days to go before the GAA All-Ireland football final, pupils at a Co Tyrone primary school are throwing their weight behind one of their teachers.

Tyrone GAA star Peter Harte, who teaches at St Patrick's Primary School in Donaghmore, will be among the Tyrone players going for glory this weekend at Croke Park.

The school has already been festooned with bunting, banners and the words 'Go Peter' painted on the windows.

On Friday, a special 'Tyrone Day' will be held with pupils and staff attending school dressed in the county colours.

Principal Dera Cahalane said that having Mr Harte, a nephew of former Tyrone GAA manager Mickey Harte, as a teacher made the children "feel that one of the Tyrone players belongs to them and belongs to the school".

The Red Hand side will play Mayo in the men's senior football final on Saturday in the hope of being crowned All-Ireland football champions.

Hit by a Covid-19 outbreak which forced the game back by two weeks, the team defeated Kerry in the semi-final last month to secure a coveted place in the final.

Amid the build-up to the game, people in Donaghmore have been decorating the village in support of the squad. Red and white flags and bunting can be seen across many parts of the village, as well as the primary school on the Pomeroy Road.

Ronan Christie erecting Tyrone flags in Donaghmore ahead of Saturday's big game. Picture by Hugh Russell
Ronan Christie erecting Tyrone flags in Donaghmore ahead of Saturday's big game. Picture by Hugh Russell Ronan Christie erecting Tyrone flags in Donaghmore ahead of Saturday's big game. Picture by Hugh Russell

Ms Cahalane said Tyrone securing a spot in the All Ireland final was "the light that we need at the minute".

"Tyrone getting to the final has been a massive boost for the school and for the whole village - that positivity is overlooking everything at the minute," she said.

"We have lots of bunting up and at the banner at the front gate.

"The windows are also all painted and decorated, we've been very busy. On Friday in school we are having a full Tyrone Day, where everyone is encouraged to wear white and red.

"We want to show the team and Peter (Harte) that they have our full support.

"Having Peter as a teacher is, the children almost feel a sense of ownership over him. They feel that one of the Tyrone players belongs to them and belongs to the school.

"Peter gives the pupils a sense that one of our own is on the team."

Peter Harte with pupils and staff at St Patrick's PS, Donaghmore. Picture by Hugh Russell
Peter Harte with pupils and staff at St Patrick's PS, Donaghmore. Picture by Hugh Russell Peter Harte with pupils and staff at St Patrick's PS, Donaghmore. Picture by Hugh Russell

Ms Cahalane said there is great excitement throughout the whole community ahead of the game.

"September is normally a period where we are settling back into routine, but there is a great buzz and sense of positivity around the school," she added.

"There's that sense of community and belief, which is so important. It's the light that we need at the minute.

"The whole village has been out decorating the place and it has given everyone such a positive lift."