Dromore lad is tipped as a future star with inaugral RBAI sports award

Michael Lowry will be working closely with M&C CEO Steve Martin this summer.

The Schools’ Cup winner, now in Lower Sixth, has received the school’s first Elite Sports Scholarship after helping his team to the title last season.

This year, he could even help to make it two in a row as his side, coached by Banbridge RFC man Daniel Soper, have made it through to the St Patrick’s Day final again after a win over Ballymena Academy on Monday.

Michael, however, is sure not to end the year empty-handed and will even have a unique summer to look forward to.

As a result of winning the Scholarship, Michael will head off to London after his school year ends to work for M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment, a leading sports marketing agency, whose CEO Steve Martin in a former RBAI student.

The company have worked with stars like David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo so who knows what the summer will bring for Michael?

“This is a tremendous opportunity for me and gives me confidence to receive this support,” he said.

“It will be a real eye opener to see how sports marketing works, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Former RBAI man Steve Martin heaped praise on the Dromore lad after he picked up his award.

“Michael won this award because he has balanced his sporting development with his academic achievement,” said the M&C CEO.

“I know from my time at RBAI that boys are encouraged to be independent and take responsibility, and Michael exemplifies that.

“He will now have the chance to work alongside some of the leading creative minds in sports marketing.

“Like his experience on the rugby field, Michael will find sports marketing to be a fast moving environment, with clear goals, and little room for error.”

RBAI principal Janet Williamson added: “We are extremely proud of the achievements of our alumni, and whether it is in business, sport or the arts, it’s very inspiring for the current generation of pupils to engage with those who have gone before them and understand how they achieved their goals.”

For now though, the summer isn’t being afforded much space on the mind of the RBAI star man, who has his eyes firmly fixed on the St Patrick’s Day Schools’ Cup final against either Dalriada or Campbell College.