Today was a special day for the pupils of St. Peter's Primary School in memory of our past pupil, Matthew. Today would be Matthew's 12th Birthday and we have no doubt he was watching down over us. We celebrated the second annual Matthew McBride Memorial Football Tournament at Glenelly GFC clubrooms.
Pupils from Primary 4 and 5 battled in all elements this morning against St Michael's Primary School, Dunamanagh, Our Lady of Lourdes, Greencastle and St Patrick's Primary School, Gortin. Our boys and girls unfortunately were defeated today but showed great sportsmanship and each player received a medal for their efforts. Our Lady of Lourdes and St Patrick's were victorious in the morning session. Our P4 pupil, Meabh received a football for all her efforts.
The afternoon session saw the P6-7 pupils from the same schools contest the Memorial Cup and shield. The pupils played some exceptional football and showed fantastic sportsmanship. We triumphed over St. Michael's in the opening match, before having to play a tough Greencastle team. Beat by a point in that match we finally played Gortin. Having beaten Gortin we moved into the Cup final, but against a super Greencastle team we came up short. It was a beautiful occasion however and was enjoyed by all. In the Shield final, it was Gortin who triumphed over St. Michael's. Well done to all teams for playing in the spirit the event truly deserved.
After the medal and trophy presentations the Primary 7 class, Matthew's classmates, let off balloons in his honour from the centre of the pitch. A fitting birthday tribute. To everyone who played their part in organising this event, we truly are grateful.
