The SPAR FAI Primary Schools 5s Programme has seen participation figures grow year on year to become the largest primary schools’ competition in the country. 
 
37,448 students from 1,696 schools are contesting the SPAR 5s this year, 652 of which hail from Leinster. Through a series of local qualification rounds just six schools progress from a hard-fought Leinster Finals day onto the National finals.
 
The ‘A’ Cup, open to boys and / or mixed teams from small schools, had four passionate schools with Clonlisk NS, Offaly triumphant in what was a thrilling contest edging past Ballyduff NS, Wexford.
 
The ‘B’ Cup, for medium sized schools, again proved to be a compelling division with four teams involved. The division was eventually won by Gaelscoil Cill Mhantáin who proved a little too strong over a talented St. Mary’s NS, Knockbridge side.
 
The ‘C’ Cup, for large schools, was another hard-fought contest between four very talented schools. Scoil Muire Bainrion, Edenderry eventually came out on top of the large school’s division with a gallant Mullingar Educate Together into second place.
 
The rise in the number of girls putting boot to ball has been particularly pleasing for sponsors, SPAR, as 42% of participants are now female. Participation in the girl’s division of the SPAR FAI Primary Schools 5s Programme reached an all-time high this year with 15,640 4th, 5th and 6th class girls registered making it more competitive than ever.
 
In the Girls ‘A’ Cup, for small schools, St. Fintan’s NS, Wexford took the honours in a really exciting and hard-fought division with Stoneyford NS, Kilkenny qualifying in the runners up spot. 
 
In the Girls ‘B’ Cup, for medium sized schools, Mucklagh NS, Offaly sealed qualification to the next stage after they overcame a tough challenge from St. Brigid’s
 
St. Laurence’s NS, Sallins, Kildare put in a fine display against Mary Mother of Hope of Dublin to win the Girls ‘C’ Cup division for large schools with both progressing to the National Finals. 
 
The SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme has been in existence since the mid 1990’s and has increased student participation levels by 14.5% since 2018 up to 37,448. The competition is run across six divisions, ensuring that schools of all sizes are catered for. Boys and girls are encouraged to play together but there is a separate competition for boys and girls dependent on school enrolment numbers.
 
Dave Archbold, Secretary of FAI Schools stated, “This is our fifth year with title sponsors SPAR and I am delighted to report that the competition has grown yet again and now firmly holds the title of the largest primary schools’ competition in the country. SPAR’s ongoing support, both nationally and at a local level, has ensured the ongoing success of the programme and given 37,448 children an opportunity to get involved in a professionally-run, fun and inclusive programme. FAI Schools look forward to welcoming schools to the National Finals on Wednesday, May 29 in Aviva Stadium.  We would also like to extend our thanks to all schools who have participated in 2019.”  
 
Colin Donnelly, SPAR Sales Director said, “As a community based retailer, SPAR encourages a healthy and active lifestyle and is proud to be a supporter of primary schools’ soccer in association with the FAI. SPAR retailers in Connacht have been getting behind the SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme, which encourages children to get involved in football in a fun, safe and inclusive environment.”
 
The six Provincial Finalists will now travel to Dublin for the National Finals which will be held in the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday, May 29 (KO 11.30am). We would urge all participating schools to take the day off and travel to the Dublin finale to support their school in what should prove to be a phenomenal day for all involved, players and spectators alike.  
 
It promises to be a fantastic fun filled family day with a “Player of the Tournament” accolade for each section, goodie bags and medals for ALL 192 participants as they’re all winners on the day! 
 
Spectators will be entertained with a super day of footie as well as face painting, samba drummers, a well-known DJ to play some great tunes to gear us up for the games and a chance f0r one special supporter to win an epic prize in the Young Sports Journalist competition. You’ll have to stay tuned on the day to see who will be crowned 2019 Champions. 
 
Cheer on the schools from your sofa or office chair if you can’t make the trip to Dublin and follow the progress on the FAI Schools facebook and twitter pages! 
 
Follow the action on social media platforms via #SPAR5s or at www.faischools.ie and www.spar.ie
 
Summary of our Leinster winners and runners up
 

• ‘A’ Cup (small schools) - winner: Clonlisk NS, Offaly; runner up: Ballyduff NS, Wexford
• ‘B’ Cup (medium schools) - winner: Gaelscoil Chill Mantáin; runner up: St. Mary’s NS, Knockbridge, Louth
• ‘C’ Cup (large schools) - winner: Scoil Muire Bainrion, Edenderry; runner up: Mullingar Educate Together NS        
• Girls ‘A’ Cup (small schools) - winner: St. Fintan’s NS, Wexford; runner up: Stoneyford NS
• Girls ‘B’ Cup (medium schools) - winner: Mucklagh NS, Offaly; runner up: St. Brigid’s NS
• Girls ‘C’ Cup (large schools) - winner: St. Laurence’s NS, Sallins; runner up: Mary Mother of Hope, Dublin

 
ENDS   
 
SPAR FAI Primary School 5s Programme
 
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
National Final - 29th May, Aviva Stadium, Dublin
 
For more information, contact Diane Fay, FAI Schools by email or on 086 0404952 or Danny Hogan, Teneo by email or on 087 183 7064