SPAR FAI Primary 5s Competition 2023

10 May 2023: SPAR FAI Primary 5s - Leinster Finals

An Unforgettable Journey

The St. Laurence’s girls soccer team travelled to Navan, Co. Meath to compete with the best teams that Leinster had to offer in the SPAR 5 a side primary schools competition. The girls were drawn in a group with Scoil Uí Riada, St. Colmcille’s and St. Marnock’s. At this stage of the tournament we knew that the other teams in our group would be very strong and we had to start well. The girls began the day against St. Colmcille’s. Rain had been falling and a strong wind meant that playing conditions were less than ideal. The referee blew his whistle to signal the start of the game. Unfortunately, the school from Meath got off to a flier scoring three goals in quick succession. Credit to the Laurence’s girls who did not throw in the towel and got themselves right back into the game after half-time. With this St. Colmcille’s burst back into life scoring another two goals before the final whistle to ensure they took all three points. 

Laurence’s had to dust themselves off and go again straight away as they faced into playing St. Marnock’s from Co. Dublin.Both teams headed into the game knowing that they had to win to give their school a fighting chance of progression to the all Ireland finals. It was a tie that was finely balanced and it saw the Greystones outfit playing more of the football that we had seen from them in South Leinster and in Wicklow. Again, the rub of the green was not on our side in this encounter which saw the girls hit the post and crossbar and the Marnock’s keeper made an exceptional save in the last minute to deny us the victory with the score ending up 3-3. I am sure that the game must have been enthralling for the neutral but I can assure you it was not for Mr. Dunne and I (heart rates of smart watches will vouch for this).

In our final game we played the team from Kildare, Scoil Uí Riada. The girls went out and started brilliantly getting stuck into the challenges and not letting the other team play by pressing high up the pitch. The Kildare keeper was called into action on numerous occasions making some fine saves to keep our girls at bay. They played some great football themselves and got their reward late in the first half while adding another two in the second. On another day the game could have ended with a different scoreline but the Kildare outfit showed their class to progress as group winners with a victory. 

This in turn meant that the St. Laurence’s girl's adventure had come to an end. They have written their names into the history books in the school as they are the first ever team to have achieved reaching this stage of the competition not to mention holding the titles of County and South Leinster champions. An incredible journey that I am hopeful all the players have enjoyed being part of. This team has made not only their management proud but also their whole school. Well done girls!    

4 May 2023: SPAR FAI Primary 5s - South Leinster Finals

On Thursday the 4th of May the St. Laurence’s girls team made the journey to the sunny South-East, Bunclody, Co. Wexford. To compete in the South Leinster finals of the SPAR primary schools 5 a side tournament. The girls were under no illusion that this would be their toughest test to date and they approached the day with level heads and great composure. The girls were placed in a group with Gaelscoil (Carlow) and Bunscoil Loreto (Wexford). They would face their opponents twice and with the winner progressing to the Leinster finals in Navan. The girls got off to a flier in their first game and were well on top early on. Some beautiful movement of the ball and fine strikes from outside the area sealed a 5-1 victory over the Carlow outfit. In the game that followed the girls were tasked with playing the Wexford outfit. They had to be patient in this one as the Gorey girls did not offer too many chances early on. Some beautiful counter attacking moves and brilliant defensive work saw the girls run out 3-0 winners. 

The Laurence’s ladies had put in a great effort up to this point and with results going their way in the other match it meant that beating the Gaelscoil would mean they would be crowned South Leinster champions. Knowing what was on the line the girls again began at lightning speed and rushed into a two nil lead. They continued to put the pressure on but the Carlow outfit struck back with a goal. This sparked more life into the Greystones girls who almost made sure of the result with another fine finish. Carlow did grab another goal to make it 3-2 and a very nervous last minute or two for the girls but they held out resolutely to take all three points. In their final game knowing that there was no pressure for a result the girls played some of the finest football of the tournament. One and two touch passing, switching of the play and creative runs meant the girls ran out 4-1 victors over Bunscoil Loreto to remain unbeaten in the tournament thus far. A fantastic day for the girls and they now hold the crown’s of being county and south leinster champions. Well done to all that were involved. Many thanks to all the parents and family members who made the trip to Bunclody to support the team.  

18 April 2023: SPAR FAI Primary 5s 2023

Super St. Laurence’s Ladies Progress To South Leinster Finals

The St. Laurence’s girls team continued their impressive vein of form on Tuesday in Arklow to book a date in Bunclody Co. Wexford for the South Leinster Finals. The girls made a brilliant start on their adventure in the Spar five-a-side competition at Greystones United prior to the Easter break which saw them beat teams from Kilcoole and St. Brigids respectfully. Under the careful guidance of Mr. Dunne the Girls played some beautiful free flowing football which saw them top their group winning all of their games while scoring an abundance of goals. This in turn meant that they would progress to Arklow to face the best teams in the county. 

On Tuesday the 18th of April, the girls took that opportunity and once again proved they are a magnificent footballing team. Knowing that they had to finish top of their group to qualify they put in a huge effort to ensure that this would happen. The girls started off against St. Johns where they went in front early on and never looked back, winning out 4-0 winners in the end. Next up was St Mary’s first team. Similar to the first game the girls started the game with great intensity and took their chances in clinical fashion hitting Mary’s for 7. In their final game the girls came up against St Mary’s second team where they ended the group in style with another emphatic 6-0 victory. Quality football that can only be described as majestic at times played by the St. Laurence’s squad. 

This has seen the girls crowned Wicklow champions which is a fantastic achievement in itself. They now have the chance to compete with the best schools in South Leinster and hopefully progress even further in the competition. Both Mr. Meaney and Mr. Dunne would like to say how proud they are of the girls both on and off the pitch their behaviour and attitude has been impeccable. We would also like to thank their parents for their hard work and support. 

St. Laurence’s Abú!