LISTEN: Ulster GAA president hails cross community football scheme in Ballymoney as "marvellous"

by Gráinne Connolly

A civic reception has been held for Ballymoney school pupils who took part in a cross community GAA initiative. 

Those from Our Lady of Lourdes and Dalriada got involved and formed the Ballymoney Cúchulainns team. 

The scheme offered 'taster sessions' to the pupils to learn basic skills, which paid off after the boys won their first ever Cup Blitz, beating teams from Belfast, Antrim and Enniskillen. 

Following this, they travelled to London to take part in an All Britain Competition.

This year, over 3,000 boys and girls from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales took part. 

(Pupils from Our Lady of Lourdes and Dalriada who took part in the cross community GAA initiative pictured with officials and the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Brenda Chivers. Photo - McAuley Media)

Congratulating all those who took part, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Brenda Chivers said:

“This project is a fantastic example of the power of sport and how it can bring people together.

"The boys have shown great team work and camaraderie from the outset and I know they were very proud to win their competitive tournament.

"“In London, they were outstanding ambassadors for the Causeway Coast and Glens area and I hope their success together both on and off the field acts as a source of inspiration for us all.

“I would like to thank Ulster GAA and the teachers who supported the team along the way. I have no doubt that this initiative will have had a lasting impact on all those who took part.”

Also speaking from Ballymoney Town Hall was Ulster GAA President, Michael Hasson who says the initiative was a great way to "break down barriers" and to create good community relations among young people in the town: