Strathroy Dairy continued its support for the Irish News Coaching Days initiative with schools. Under the scheme Gaelic footballers from St Mary’s College in Belfast put the next generation of footballers through their paces, as school children across Ireland had the chance to team up with the Sigerson Cup finalists for a coaching day.
Under The Irish News scheme, Strathroy, along with O'Neills Sportswear and St Mary's University College come together to offer coaching days to five primary schools. The five lucky schools this year were:
- Lissan Primary School
- St. Mary's Primary School Greenlough
- All Saints PS Omagh
- Jonesborough PS
- St. Nicholas Primary School, Ardglass
Strathroy’s Ruairi Cunningham said: “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.”
O’Neills managing director Kieran Kennedy said the company, 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.”
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.”