The Heineken Cup visited Edenderry on Friday last and paid a visit to the primary schools in the surrounding area in Co. Offaly…
The first stop was the Boys’ National school in Edenderry were the trophy won by Leinster last month was greeted with great excitement by Principal Sean Fitzgerald and his pupils. All were dying for a glimpse of the trophy, while others were lucky enough to momentarily touch it.
Next up was Clonbollogue National School, were the pupils warmly welcomed the trophy along with their Principal, Mr. Shanahan. The anticipation of the cup was evident on its arrival, and again the excitement was great.
The cup also visited Principal Yvonne Beattie and her students at Monasteroris National School in Edenderry. The clearly delighted pupils posed for photographs with the trophy, realising all their Leinster heroes had held it aloft victoriously only last month. Many of the group expressed their dreams of one day emulating their idols.
The last stop was Ballybryan National School, near the village of Rhode. Here the trophy was met by Stephen Darby, a former all Ireland winner in football with Offaly in the early 1980’s, and now the Principal at the school. With the school’s sports day also on that day, the excitement and fun was experienced by all.
The trophy was accompanied on its journeys by Robert Holt, a player with Edenderry rugby club, and a member of the Leinster and Ireland Under-18 youths squads, and an example of Edenderry’s rugby talent.
The visit of the Heineken Cup certainly left its mark in the town and the excitement it created, as well as its stature in sport was evident to those privileged enough to get to see the now world famous trophy.
