Council Chair hosts a reception for Sacred Heart College McDevitt Cup Champions

Recently the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry, hosted a reception for the Sacred Heart College McDevitt Cup champions.

The following is a copy of the Chair’s speech made at the reception:

Good morning ladies and gentlemen and boys

As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am pleased to welcome you all here to The Grange, Omagh for this reception in honour of the Sacred Heart College Ulster Champions.

Your journey in the McDevitt Cup started when you won the Under 13.5 O’Doherty Cup and this earned you promotion to the Under 14.5 McDevitt Cup.

Your first match in the competition saw you take on Patrician Carrickmacross and, although it was not the start you would have hoped for, it was an experience to learn from and that is what you did.

In the second match your opponents were Largy College from Clones which was a very close match followed by a comfortable win over Bailieborough Community School.  This earned you your place in the Cup phase and a quarter final match against St Columb’s College Derry-Londonderry.

This was another close encounter against a strong side, however, your determination shone through and you emerged with a one point victory.

In the semi-final you met St Mark’s from Warrnepoint and I understand that there was great quality on display from both sides, however, the conditions were not favourable.  This did not deter you and you won the match with a scoreline of 3-9 to 2-6, earning your place in the Final.

All roads led to Keady on 18 December 2024 where you faced fellow finalists St Louis Kilkeel.  At half time the Down school had a 2 point lead and opened the second half with a goal.  However, the resilience and determination you showed from the first match was the difference and you went on to score three goals and claim victory and the title of Ulster Champions.

Playing a sport is important as it keeps you active and allows you to enhance your techniques of the game to progress to higher levels.  However, it also teaches you many other valuable competencies which can benefit you in your school, college and work life including being a team player, an effective communicator and listener, good at following instructions and resilience.

I would like to commend and thank your coaches Piaras McSorley, Gary Eoin Mayse and Rory McElroy for sharing their knowledge, expertise and experience with you to allow you to advance in the game and enjoy special moments of victory such as this.

I would also like to commend each and every player in the team for the part you have played and for your commitment to the Team.  I know this can be difficult as you have your Club, School and personal commitments as well.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to ensuring that our young people have the best start in life and everyone has opportunities to be active.  The opportunities provided by our Schools and Sports Clubs in the District and the excellent track record of success contributes to the achievement of this.

On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate the Team and Coaches of the Sacred Heart College McDevitt Cup Champions.   You have all done yourselves, your family and friends, your School, your Clubs, your County and your District proud.  I wish you every success for the future in your sporting and academic pursuits.

Thank you.