Newry school children celebrate ‘Red and Black Day’

In the run up to the All Ireland Final Children across schools in County Down celebrated ‘Red and Black Day’ which allowed pupils to show off their proud colours in support of the Down County team ahead of All Ireland Final.  Education Minister Caitríona Ruane got into the spirit of things herself when she visited St Patrick’s Primary School in Newry Meadow, by sporting a red and black headband worn around her neck.

Ulster GAA and DENI School Coaches, along with the School’s GAA Co-ordinator Damian Ruddy organised the special Down GAA day at the school so that all the children could enjoy the build-up to the All Ireland Final.

Speaking at the event Minister Caitríona Ruane stated, “The GAA, both in Down and right across Ulster, plays a major role in encouraging children to get involved in sport, not only through the many local clubs, but also through its involvement in my Department’s primary schools’ sports programme along with the Irish Football Association.

“The initiative has enabled over 60 coaches to bring sport directly into almost 600 primary schools across the north and has been a great success thanks to the commitment and buy-in of the GAA and IFA.”

“St Patrick’s Primary School is one of many schools in the county to hold a red-and-black day as they show their support for Down’s senior football team ahead of the All-Ireland football final with Cork. I would like to wish both the Down senior team and the Tyrone minors all the very best of luck.”

St Patrick’s Primary School Principal Ciaran Mackin stated, “It’s always a wonderful occasion when the mighty mournemen head to Croke Park for an All Ireland Final, but for these children this will be the first All Ireland featuring Down in their lifetime – they are completely amazed and excited about the whole occasion.  What is really inspiring for them is that the players they’ll see on the TV on Sunday or for those lucky enough to get tickets for Croke Park, are the same lads who are coaching and mentoring in this school on a regular basis.  That is a great testimony to the success of the Department of Education’s Sport in Schools Programme and the commitment by Down GAA and Ulster Council to provide coaching in our schools.”

Down Games Development Manager Conor O’Toole concluded, “This event showcases the good work of our Down County Coaches and Ulster GAA’s DENI coaches in delivering coaching education across schools and to children of a wide range of abilities.  We’re all waiting in anticipation for the All Ireland on Sunday, but if truth be told, coaching in schools is the first step in building players, developing skills and creating future stars, and that hard work goes on everyday away from the hype and excitement.”