Tipperary school takes Aviva Stadium by storm to win national soccer title

Pupils from Thomastown National School participated in the Spar FAI Primary School 5s national finals held in the Aviva Stadium.
This is a nationwide five-a-side football competition for boys and girls in Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Class.
This year, 1,081 schools throughout Ireland participated in the programme and Thomastown was one of 28 schools that qualified for the national finals in the Aviva Stadium.
The girls’ football team in Thomastown had previously qualified for the national finals in 2016.
Some of the present players were very young supporters when the school played in the Aviva six years ago, so it was a great experience for these pupils to represent their school on the field of play this time around.
Thomastown NS represented Munster in the Mixed Team (Small Schools) section of the finals.
The players were presented with their red playing kit when they arrived at the Aviva Stadium.

Above: Thomastown players proudly display their medals after their great victory at the Aviva Stadium. Back, from left, Nicholas Walsh, Nicholas O’Toole, Lily Flannery, Abigail Agar. Front, Tomás Leahy, Ryan Greenstein, Benjamin Moloney, Brian Hayes

Thomastown played three games against the Leinster (Ballymurn NS, Wexford), Connacht (Castlegar NS, Galway) and Ulster (Scoil Mhuire, Tullybuck, Monaghan) representatives.
All three games were played in very wet conditions against tough opposition.
The Thomastown players produced fantastic performances throughout the day and played with great focus and determination.
They were rewarded with a win in each of their three games and were crowned national champions. This success was greeted with great excitement and celebrations among the players and supporters who had travelled to Dublin.
Thomastown school is grateful to Spar and FAI Schools for arranging a very worthwhile experience for the pupils. All aspects of the day were superbly well organised.
They had access to the top-class facilities in the Aviva Stadium, including the dressing rooms and warm-up areas that are used by the Irish international rugby and football teams.
The players had the opportunity to meet Republic of Ireland soccer manager Stephen Kenny before their games. International players David Meyler and Louise Quinn were also in attendance.
Thomastown school also acknowledges the wonderful support of the students, parents and family members who travelled to the Aviva to cheer on our players.
They especially congratulate all of the pupils who represented the school with pride in the national stadium.
It was a fantastic experience for everyone involved and has left memories that will last a lifetime.