Derry primary schools pay tribute to Sean O’Kane
St. Joseph’s Boys School played host to the second annual Sean O’Kane Primary Schools Perpetual Cup tournament
St. Joseph’s Boys School recently played host to the second Annual Sean O’Kane Primary Schools Perpetual Cup tournament, a fitting tribute to a devoted and much-loved teacher who passed away two years ago.
This year’s tournament saw twelve teams from city and Waterside schools participating in what was a wet day and it was St. Anne’s PS who came out overall winners narrowly defeating Broadbridge 2-1 in a tightly contested final.
Waterside school Sacred Heart also had a narrow victory in the Plate final, defeating Creggan’s St. John’s PS; while the Shield victors saw Lenamore overcome another Creggan school, Holy Child. Bowl winners were Model beating Long Tower Primary School.
With over 120 children involved from the various schools, tournament organiser and St. Joseph’s PE teacher Emmett McGinty said he was delighted with so many teams taking part, even though the conditions for June were not what he’d hoped for.
‘Sean was a much-loved and respected member of the school at St. Joseph’s and its testament to his memory that we’ve increased this year’s participation to 12 teams. Despite the inclement weather for June the youngsters really enjoyed the games and they were all played in a competitive yet friendly environment. Great credit to everyone who participated, our referees (all students) and the many people who came along and volunteered their services on the day.’
Schools participating in this year’s event included Broadbridge, Sacred Heart, Holy Child, Long Tower, Rosemount, Model, St. John’s, St. Therese, St. Anne’s and Steelstown and saw some schools fielding primary six pupils in their squads. Each team played five games throughout the morning with the league leaders from Pool A and B playing in the main final.
The late Sean’s sister Eireann, speaking on behalf of the O’Kane family congratulated the winners St. Anne’s PS and thanked the school for another fantastic tournament in memory of her late brother Sean.
‘On behalf of all the O’Kane family, we were delighted to return to St. Joseph’s today to witness some fantastic football played under tough conditions.
“A big thank you to all the staff of the school for once again putting on a superb tournament that all who participated seemed to enjoy. Sean would be very proud indeed.’
School Principal, Mrs. Ciara Deane, speaking after Thursday’s event added to Mr. McGinty’s sentiments and said it was testament to Sean’s sporting endeavours with many of the school’s teams that so many wanted to participate and be involved in helping out in any way they could.
‘Sean would have been proud to see all our staff getting involved in today’s football competition in his memory and to see so many schools from across the city taking part. I would like to thank the O’Kane family for coming to the school to present the medals and trophies, and also our wonderful staff for once again, stepping up to the mark and making the Annual Sean O’Kane Memorial tournament such a success. Well done to all!’