Carlow LGFA stars visit former school
Carlow LGFA stars Sara Doyle, Aibha Kiernan-Butler and Róisín Bailey brought the Lidl Ladies NFL Division 4 trophy to their former school Ballyconnell NS
There was much excitement in Ballyconnell NS on Friday last when Carlow LGFA stars, Róisín Bailey, Sara Doyle and Aibha Kiernan-Butler paid a visit to the school with the recently acquired Lidl Ladies NFL Division 4 trophy in tow. All three players are former pupils of the school; all three graduating from the school in consecutive years from 2014-2016.
The school’s 6th class pupils provided a guard of honour while the rest of the school’s pupils gathered on the basketball court in anticipation of the stars’ arrival. When they made their appearance, the sea of Carlow flags and jerseys that greeted them no doubt put them in mind of a big matchday in Netwatch Cullen Park.
Rang A 6 students and Clonmore GAA players, Mason Murphy and Emily Hickey, welcomed the women back to the school before the three Ballyconnell NS graduates imparted some words of wisdom to the current students, encouraging them, above all, to stick with their chosen sport even when they experience disappointment.
Afterwards, each class got their photo taken with Róisín, Sara and Aibha before many, many autographs were signed as the three stars gladly gave of their time to ensure no child left disappointed.
To conclude proceedings, the school made a contribution to Carlow LGFA which was presented to Sara by 6th class student Jack McGrath. This will go towards the team’s upcoming trip to London for the Round 3 clash in Group B of the TG4 All-Ireland Junior Championship.
All in all, the students enjoyed the visit of their now illustrious predecessors. No doubt, many students now aspire to some day be standing in the shoes of Róisín, Sara and Aibha, returning to the school with a national trophy in tow and stories of victories on fields far away from Ballyconnell.
