All-Ireland Champs Visit BCS

On Friday 13th September a number of our past pupils who were on the Leitrim Ladies All Ireland winning team called in with the Mary Quinn trophy for a celebration of their great victory over Tyrone in the final. The girls paraded the Mary Quinn trophy into the gym to a raptorous reception and “We are the Champions” resounding around the hall.

Thanks to Mollie Murphy, Síomha Quinn, Éimhin Quinn and Edel Shanley for visiting their old Alma mater, Ballinamore CS. Apologies were received from Laura O Dowd who was unable to attend due to work commitments.

Mr Diarmuid McCaffrey, our principal formerly welcomed the girls back to the school and stated the great pride he and the school had on the girls great victory. Mr Seamus Mullen who had coached the girls at all levels of school’s football then spoke and gave a brief overview of each of the girls playing careers in school and various trophies and honours the girls had acquired when playing for Ballinamore CS. The girls had captained the various school teams,had won Connacht B titles at u14 and Junior level and 3 of our past pupils had also received Connacht Schools All Stars during their time, he mentioned.

This included a short question and answer session with the girls where they each were asked a variety of questions relating to the All Ireland final.

The questions were then opened to the floor and the girls were asked about the main influences on their playing football, favourite sporting memory from school and what they enjoyed about playing Ladies football.

The girls answered the questions openly, eloquently and honestly and really gave a great insight to how they viewed the past year and football in general. They were very engaging and a fantastic advertisement for all that is good about any sport.

Mr Mullen then acknowledged other great recent successes where the winning participants were called up and applauded on their successes. They includead our 4 Fr Manning Cup winning players namely Louis Quinn, Cillian MC Weeny, Jack Prior and Thomas Gunn; World Handball Champions, Katie and Sophie Kane; the Cavan U16 A and U18 A girls on winning the All Ireland in both codes and finally our very own 3rd year girls who recently won the Carrick CS blitz for only the 3rd time in our history. Congratulations to all.

Mr Mullen then thanked all the teachers involved in organising the event namely Ms. Stenson, Mr Duignan, Mr Geoghegan, Ms Cooney and the TY class for preparing the hall. He also stated that the Leitrim Ladies had fulfilled their dream and for all present in the room that they too can do the same with hard work, but and perseverance. Mr McCaffrey then wrapped up proceedings by presenting a cheque for 500 euro to the Leitrim Ladies training fund for 2025. This donation came from a Jersey Day held the previous day as well as contributions from the staff and school funds.

Pictures were then taken with various groups in the school and memories shared before the girls continued on their victory visits to Aughawillan NS, the spiritual home of the Mary Quinn Cup. Thanks girls for visiting us and you are true ambassadors for your families, clubs, school and Leitrim. Congratulations to all the Leitrim Ladies GFA players, Johnny Garritty and the management team including our very own Ms Denise Stenson who is performance coach.

Go raibh míle maith agaibh a calíní agus beir bua libh sa todhchaí.