The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairi McHugh, hosted a special civic reception on Monday evening to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the St. Columb's College u-13 football team. The reception was held to acknowledge the team's victory in the NI Cup and their outstanding performance in the recent Schools World Cup held in Spain, where they secured an impressive third-place finish. Mayor McHugh presented a special commendation to team captains Tom Prigent and Joe Gray in recognition of their leadership and the entire team's dedication. The Mayor congratulated the students saying: "It is an honour to welcome the St. Columb's College u-13 football team to the Guildhall. Their achievements are a huge source of pride for our city and district. This success is a testament not only to their skill and hard work but also to the exceptional coaching and support they receive." Acknowledging the significant contribution of the staff, the Mayor also welcomed and thanked the coaching team, Ryan Horner, Xavier Prigent, and Eamonn Burns, along with Mrs. Geraldine Canavan from the Board of Governors, and Ms. Ursula Grimley, Vice Principal. "These young men have represented themselves, their school, and their community with distinction. They are true ambassadors for Derry and Strabane, and we wish them all the best for their future sporting careers,” he concluded. PICTURED BELOW: ST COLUMB'S HONOURED. . . . . .The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairi McHugh, making a special presentation to captains Tom Prigent and Joe Gray at Monday evening's reception in honour of the St. Columb's College u-13 football team in recognition of their winning the Northern Ireland Cup and gaining third place in the Schools World Cup held in Spain recently.  Included are coaches Ryan Horner, Xavier Prigent and Eamonn Burns and Mrs. Geraldine Canavan, board of governors and Ms. Ursula Grimley, Vice Principal. We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Doplaceholder image
The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairi McHugh, hosted a special civic reception on Monday evening to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the St. Columb's College u-13 football team. The reception was held to acknowledge the team's victory in the NI Cup and their outstanding performance in the recent Schools World Cup held in Spain, where they secured an impressive third-place finish. Mayor McHugh presented a special commendation to team captains Tom Prigent and Joe Gray in recognition of their leadership and the entire team's dedication. The Mayor congratulated the students saying: "It is an honour to welcome the St. Columb's College u-13 football team to the Guildhall. Their achievements are a huge source of pride for our city and district. This success is a testament not only to their skill and hard work but also to the exceptional coaching and support they receive." Acknowledging the significant contribution of the staff, the Mayor also welcomed and thanked the coaching team, Ryan Horner, Xavier Prigent, and Eamonn Burns, along with Mrs. Geraldine Canavan from the Board of Governors, and Ms. Ursula Grimley, Vice Principal. "These young men have represented themselves, their school, and their community with distinction. They are true ambassadors for Derry and Strabane, and we wish them all the best for their future sporting careers,” he concluded. PICTURED BELOW: ST COLUMB'S HONOURED. . . . . .The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairi McHugh, making a special presentation to captains Tom Prigent and Joe Gray at Monday evening's reception in honour of the St. Columb's College u-13 football team in recognition of their winning the Northern Ireland Cup and gaining third place in the Schools World Cup held in Spain recently.  Included are coaches Ryan Horner, Xavier Prigent and Eamonn Burns and Mrs. Geraldine Canavan, board of governors and Ms. Ursula Grimley, Vice Principal. We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do

IN PICTURES: Civic reception for St. Columb's College u-13 football team

By Reporter
Published 26th Nov 2025, 09:33 GMT

The reception was held to acknowledge the team's victory in the NI Cup and their outstanding performance in the recent Schools World Cup held in Spain

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairi McHugh, making a special presentation to captains Tom Prigent and Joe Gray at Monday evening's reception in honour of the St. Columb's College u-13 football team in recognition of their winning the Northern Ireland Cup and gaining third place in the Schools World Cup held in Spain recently.

1.

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairi McHugh, making a special presentation to captains Tom Prigent and Joe Gray at Monday evening's reception in honour of the St. Columb's College u-13 football team in recognition of their winning the Northern Ireland Cup and gaining third place in the Schools World Cup held in Spain recently.

ST COLUMB'S HONOURED. . . . . .The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairi McHugh, making a special presentation to captains Tom Prigent and Joe Gray at Monday evening's reception in honour of the St. Columb's College u-13 football team in recognition of their winning the Northern Ireland Cup and gaining third place in the Schools World Cup held in Spain recently. Included are coaches Ryan Horner, Xavier Prigent and Eamonn Burns and Mrs. Geraldine Canavan, board of governors and Ms. Ursula Grimley, Vice Principal. At back are some of the students parents. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

2.

ST COLUMB'S HONOURED. . . . . .The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Ruairi McHugh, making a special presentation to captains Tom Prigent and Joe Gray at Monday evening's reception in honour of the St. Columb's College u-13 football team in recognition of their winning the Northern Ireland Cup and gaining third place in the Schools World Cup held in Spain recently. Included are coaches Ryan Horner, Xavier Prigent and Eamonn Burns and Mrs. Geraldine Canavan, board of governors and Ms. Ursula Grimley, Vice Principal. At back are some of the students parents. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

The Mayor, Ruairi McHugh presenting the award to Mr. Ryan Horner, manager, St. Columb's College u-13s at Monday's reception. Included from left are Joe Gray, captain, Ms. Geraldine Cavanavan, board of governors, Eamonn Burns, Xavier Prigent, Tim Prigent, captain and Ms. Ursula Grimley, Vice Principal.

3.

The Mayor, Ruairi McHugh presenting the award to Mr. Ryan Horner, manager, St. Columb's College u-13s at Monday's reception. Included from left are Joe Gray, captain, Ms. Geraldine Cavanavan, board of governors, Eamonn Burns, Xavier Prigent, Tim Prigent, captain and Ms. Ursula Grimley, Vice Principal.

We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can.  Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond.  TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY For more information scan the QR code below.

4.

We want your photos to feature on the website via our Camera Club. Do you have a great photo from life in the locality? Whether it’s a party, wedding, communion, landscape, a quirky shot from your archives, or a simple everyday moment, we want your snapshots. We are inviting people to share photos that capture the spirit of the county. From special occasions to quieter moments, your pictures help tell the story of everyday life in our community. To submit: Go to the Camera Club page and follow the instructions to upload your photo. Include your name, where it was taken, and a short caption if you can.  Your photo could be featured on our website and newspaper and seen by readers across the county and beyond.  TAP HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR PICTURES TODAY For more information scan the QR code below.

Related topics:DerryCounty DerrySt Columb’s CollegeDerry City and Strabane District CouncilGuildhallDerry secondary schools
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