Wednesday proved to be a memorable day for all at St Eunan’s NS, Raphoe as they won the ‘B’ Cup for mixed medium-sized schools at the FAI Primary School 5s National Finals at the Aviva Stadium.
The St Eunan’s NS team is managed by sixth-class teacher Georgie Simmons, and he was assisted by Emmet Kelly.
The Raphoe school travelled to Dublin with confidence as they had already won the Ulster title.
They produced some brilliant football over their three matches at the Aviva Stadium.
St Eunan’s won their first match against St John the Apostle, Knocknacarra (Galway) 6-2 with Ronan McGranaghan and Odhran McHugh both scoring two each, while Ben Farrell and Riley McBride were also on the mark.
The second fixture was closer and the Raphoe school drew 2-2 with St Colman’s NS from Mucklagh, Offaly, with McGranaghan bagging a brace.
With Knocknacarra defeating St Colman’s, St Eunan’s knew a win in their final match against Ballylooby NS (Tipperary) would see them crowned champions.
They delivered when the pressure was on with Farrell, McGranaghan (2), and McHugh scoring in a 5-1 triumph.
Ronan McGranaghan was named as the Player of the Tournament for his excellent displays.
St Eunan’s NS, Raphoe team consisted of Evan McCarron, Ben Farrell, Orran Kee, Ronan McGranaghan, Odhran McHugh, Lewis Hamilton, Riley McBride, and Tiarnan Kelly.
Principal of St Eunan’s College NS, Raphoe, Mrs Anita Keeve spoke of her pride in the team’s performances.
“The boys did brilliantly. We are all so proud of them. It was a great day out with all our supporters including parents, grandparents, uncles and aunties and everyone else.
“It was after 12 when we got back to Raphoe but we had a cavalcade and people were lined up on the diamond.
“Christy Murray played the pipes for us, and one of the parents set up a speaker and a mic, so we had a bit of singing at the school.
“It felt like winning the World Cup. It was a fantastic day for the whole community.”
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