Football

Primary schools have chance to win a coaching day with Sigerson Cup winners

Pictured at the launch of The Irish News coaching days initiative are Ruairi Cunningham (Strathroy), Thomas Hawkins (Irish News Sports Editor), Peter Finn (Principal of St Mary’s University College, Belfast), Gavin McGilly and Paddy Tally (St Mary’s University College) with St Mary’s University student coaches Niamh Morgan, Grainne McAnenly, Aoife Kelly, Colleen McVeigh, Emer Loane, Glenn McKeown and Emmet Loughran.
Pictured at the launch of The Irish News coaching days initiative are Ruairi Cunningham (Strathroy), Thomas Hawkins (Irish News Sports Editor), Peter Finn (Principal of St Mary’s University College, Belfast), Gavin McGilly and Paddy Tally (St Mary&r Pictured at the launch of The Irish News coaching days initiative are Ruairi Cunningham (Strathroy), Thomas Hawkins (Irish News Sports Editor), Peter Finn (Principal of St Mary’s University College, Belfast), Gavin McGilly and Paddy Tally (St Mary’s University College) with St Mary’s University student coaches Niamh Morgan, Grainne McAnenly, Aoife Kelly, Colleen McVeigh, Emer Loane, Glenn McKeown and Emmet Loughran.

THE Irish News is offering primary schools the chance to win a coaching day with Sigerson Cup winners, St Mary's University, Belfast

Ireland’s best-performing daily newspaper has linked up with O'Neills Sportswear, Strathroy Dairy and St Mary's University College to offer coaching days to five primary schools.

Schools throughout Ireland can take part in the promotion with the five winners receiving two one-hour football or hurling coaching sessions designed by St Mary’s University College PE Department.

But every school that enters will receive a free set of 15 training bibs if they return 10 completed collector cards with the special tokens that will appear in The Irish News from today onwards.

O’Neills managing director Kieran Kennedy said the company, which celebrates 100 years in business this year, is keen to back a scheme that promotes a healthy, active lifestyle for children.

“O’Neills have been a partner in The Irish News Coaching Days from the outset and it is an initiative and relationship that we greatly value,” said the Tyrone native.

“All the children who take part really enjoy themselves, their enthusiasm. Also, it gives the St Mary’s students the opportunity to coach children in Gaelic Games and help develop the stars of the future.”

Strathroy Dairy spokesman Ruairi Cunningham added his support, saying: “The Irish News coaching days are the ideal opportunity to let the children from the winning schools have fun and learn about sport and the importance of a healthy lifestyle at the same time.

“Strathroy Dairy is delighted to continue its partnership and support for The Irish News School Coaching Days in association with O’Neills and St Mary’s University College.”

Irish News sports editor Thomas Hawkins continued his enthusiastic support for the scheme.

“This is an initiative that is really worth getting involved in and I would encourage as many schools as possible to participate,” he said.

“It's always very popular and a great day out for all the kids. The schools really get into the spirit of the initiative. It's a great prize for the winning pupils, something they will remember for a very long time.”

Irish News marketing manager John Brolly highlighted the need for children to take regular daily exercise.

“We are delighted to partner with St Mary's University College, O'Neills and Strathroy Dairy to run our school coaching days,” he said.

“The coaching sessions will provide a great day for the school children, but also offer encouragement for everyone to become involved in gaelic games.

“Exercise is an important part of the day for children and the schools, teachers and children will all benefit from the high quality sessions provided by the St Mary’s coaches.”

Teachers can register at www.irishnews.com/coachingdays.