Magherafelt Cúchulainn Team Visit Croke Park

Year 10 and 11 boys from the Rainey and St Marys are taking part in an on-going initiative to invite different schools, from one town, to form a cross-community under-16 Cúchulainn football team.  I was wondering so I looked it up: Cúchulainn is a mythological hero, the greatest Knight of the Red Branch whose single-handed defence of Ulster (at the age of 17) repelled the invading forces of Queen Medb of Connacht.

7 Rainey and 8 St Marys students were accompanied by Dr Peggs on a day trip to Dublin. The itinerary included a training session at Parnell Park; home of Dublin GAA hurling, football and camogie teams. Afterwards we undertook the short journey to Croke Park where the boys received a speech from the director of the GAA, Páraic Duffy. A pleasant lunch was followed by a guided tour of the stadium. The boys were grateful when presented with personalised Magherafelt Cúchulainn’s jerseys.

Massive thanks to the staff of the Ulster GAA who coordinate and fund this initiative. Also our sincerest gratitude to Miss McCoy who organised the whole trip and was most disappointed at not being able to attend. My appreciation to our boys: Rory Bradley, Jack Bresland, Bryn Davies, Sean Drain, Brian Hall, Adam McCrum and Karl Warner whose conduct and manners drew praise from several people during the course of the day. Best wishes to the entire panel when they travel to London in July to compete in the All British Gaelic Football Championships.