Schools football has been in the limelight of late, with no fewer that four post-primary schools from the county claiming Connacht titles a few weeks back.

Two of these – Balla Secondary School and St Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen – won their respective All-Ireland semi-finals the week after last and so are both readying for a tilt at a national crown.

The Balla lads are in the All-Ireland C final where they’ll meet St Ciaran’s of Ballygawley, Tyrone, on Saturday week, 14th March, and their preparations for this big day have already begun in earnest.

As may be imagined, with success on the field comes financial commitments of it, in terms of transport, meals, team preparation, training equipment, match day expenses and other costs. None of these items come cheap.

School principal Teresa Walsh pointed to how proud everyone was of “the unbelievable commitment and pride the lads have shown in representing their school, clubs and county this season” with all the lads’ hard work having now opened the door to what could be “a once-in-a-life opportunity of competing in an All-Ireland final”.

To aid these preparations the school has set up a Go Fund Me page and is asking for contributions, no matter what the size, to show tangible support to the team as they shoot for glory.

As Teresa Walsh added:

Every contribution, big or small, will directly support the players and ensure finances are not a barrier to them being the best they can be on the day. If we exceed our target, any additional funds will go towards future sports development within the school. So let’s get behind the lads and show them what community support looks like!”

If you would like to help and support the Balla Secondary School senior team directly, and make a contribution towards their All-Ireland Final preparations, their Go Fund Me page is here.