Special reception at Stormont for Academy sides

The event was held in honour of Schools Cup winning sides including Ballymena Academy, De La Salle College and St Colman’s College.

The Minister said: “I would like to pay tribute to each of the teams for all the hard work and dedication that they have given to their sports, and wish each of them continued success in future competitions.

“Our schools across Northern Ireland have a strong track record of producing quality athletes in a whole range of sporting disciplines.

“I am confident that the sporting success being celebrated here tonight will act as a springboard for many more of our students to excel at the highest sporting level.”

Banbridge Academy won the Burney Cup, beating Campbell College 3-0 at the final held on 16 March. Banbridge Academy has been in the final a total of 23 times and won the cup a total of 10 times.

The Minister said that he was determined to help people in Northern Ireland not only participate in sport, but to have the opportunity to compete at the highest levels.

He explained: “The development of sport in schools is a key component in a new Sports Strategy entitled Sport Matters, which I intend to publish in the coming weeks.

“This is an ambitious strategy which explains how sport in Northern Ireland will be developed over the next 10 years.

“It affirms Government’s commitment to put in place effective structures and mechanisms in support of a vision of lifelong enjoyment and success in sport.”