Ulster Integrated Schools U16 Blitz
Seven Integrated Colleges took part in the first ever Ulster GAA Integrated Schools Under-16 blitz. Stephen Rice, P.E Teacher at Integrated College Dungannon thought the concept would be very positive in sustaining the tremendous work being done to promote gaelic games in Integrated Schools. Ulster GAA Football Development Officer, Tony Scullion worked tirelessly with Stephen in organising the event which took place in Mid Ulster Sports Arena on Tuesday 19th October.
The participating colleges were: Hazelwood Integrated College, Belfast; Crumlin Integrated College, Co. Antrim; Sperrin Integrated College, Magherafelt; Slemish Integrated College, Co. Antrim; Newbridge Integrated College, Newry; Strangford Integrated College, Co. Down; and Integrated College Dungannon.
Games were played 13-a-side and for many, this was their first time to play in a competitive Gaelic Football match. Despite this the standard was very high with games being played in a competitive, sporting manner. New-bridge and Sperrin qualified from their groups to compete in the Final. After a highly competitive affair Newbridge Integrated College, mentored by Down’s D.J. Kane ran-out eventual winners on a 0-06 to 1-02 scoreline.
This was the first year of this initiative and given the great success it is hoped to extend the programme in the future, by hopefully adding more teams and establishing an official coaching programme. The Ulster GAA Integrated Schools Under-14 Blitz will take place on 30th March 2011 following the same concept. For more information contact tony.scullion.ulster@gaa.ie
