Nigel and Sharon McGrath with sponsors Mark and Pat Blake and Acting Principal at St Michaels Mark Henry.
The trophy for the Oisín McGrath Cup football blitz was inaugurated last Wednesday at Blake’s of the Hollow in the presence of Oisín’s parents, Sharon and Nigel.
Sharon McGrath spoke movingly about the piece.
“We are delighted to be here at the launch of this special piece of artwork, the Oisín McGrath Trophy, because we feel it is a beautiful and fitting tribute to Oisín and that his spirit will live on in the hearts and minds of many because of it. The powerful use of Oisín’s actual boots and the Gaelic ball that were both such a big part of his life has captured the essence of our beautiful son. He was an all-round sports person but Gaelic football was his true love and that’s all he wanted to play,” said Mrs McGrath.
She also thanked the Ulster Colleges Council for organising the competition and dedicating it to Oisín as well as Pat and Bernie Blake for sponsoring and commissioning the trophy which she described as, “A spectacular work of art.” There was also thanks to Mark Henry of St Michael’s College for all his work with the Ulster Colleges Council and with Pat and Bernie.
Mrs McGrath concluded with two key messages.
“It is so important to keep raising awareness of how imperative organ donation is, in helping to save lives and in allowing people to lead normal lives. We encourage everyone to have the conversation with their families around organ donation and to make their wishes known.
The other message is in promoting youth participation in sports. We believe that all children deserve a chance and should be encouraged to take part in sport and exercise and we would like to keep the motto of ‘With Hard Work There are No Limits’ ringing in their ears.”
The inaugural Oisín McGrath blitz will take place on Friday 16th October in the MUSA commencing at 10.30am.
The following teams will take part. Group A: Maghera, St Pius X, Magherafelt, Abbey CBS and St Patrick’s, Dungannon. Group B: St Mary’s, Magherafelt, St Colman’s, Newry, Omagh CBS and St Michael’s, Enniskillen
The quarter finals are scheduled for the week beginning Monday 2nd November.
Semi finals will take place the week beginning Monday 9th November. Finals will be staged the week beginning Monday 16th November.