Hundreds of local pupils will take part in a day of football and fun at Pearse Stadium as Salthill Knocknacarra GAA are hosting the Schools Football Blitz and Meet the Galway Stars Day on Friday, September 19.
The event begins at 5pm and is open to all boys and girls in first and second class across Salthill, Knocknacarra, and the surrounding areas. Pupils from Scoil Iognáid, Scoil Róis, Scoil Íde, Scoil Éinde, Scoil Fhursa, St John the Apostle NS Knocknacarra, and Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh will all be represented, along with a Galway Schools team for children from other city and county schools.
The evening will begin with registration at the Salthill Knocknacarra GAA Clubhouse, followed by a special parade of the schools around the Pearse Stadium pitch. Children will then take to the field for a series of football blitz games, before finishing the evening with a 'Meet the Stars' session, where some of Galway’s top inter-county players will be on hand for photos, autographs, and skills tips.
Among those confirmed to attend so far are John Maher, Robert Finnerty, Tommo Culhane, Daniel O’Flaherty, Kate Thompson. Cathal Sweeney and Matthew Thompson have also been confirmed, both of whom have expressed their excitement about meeting the young players.
Sweeney said that he remembers when he "was that kid looking up to the Galway players and dreaming of one day playing in Pearse Stadium".
"To be back here now, meeting the next generation, is something really special. I hope every boy and girl taking part enjoys the day and feels that same spark to play our games," he added.
Thompson believes that "days like this are about fun, friendships and inspiration".
"I started playing football at school and never imagined where it would bring me. For young kids to run out onto Pearse Stadium, play with their classmates, and meet their heroes – that’s what will keep them playing and loving Gaelic Games for years to come," said Thompson.
Food and refreshments will be available throughout the evening, provided by Gourmet Food Parlour.
Parents who wish to register their child can do so online at https://forms.gle/V95na4US9VHdVMcM6 or by contacting David at 087-2023447 or [email protected].
