The Irish Open and the school around the corner!

The school had images of three of Northern Ireland’s top golfers - Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy – painted by artist Sean O’Donnell on windows on the upper floor of their building.

And there were also eye-catching Northern Ireland Tourist Board banners featuring images of many of the world-class golfers who took part in last week’s championship running the full length of the school’s front boundary fence - just round the corner from Royal Portrush.

The school already benefits from a close association with Royal Portrush, whose golf ‘pro’, Gary McNeill, regularly gives lessons at the school, where his own children attend.

In addition to that, Royal Portrush is the venue for the school’s annual PTFA Golf Day fundraiser, which was also shared this year by their close neighbours, St. Patrick’s Primary School.

By happy coincidence, Portrush Primary recently linked the memory of a Portrush golfing champion from the past into a fun PTA community collaboration.

During a ‘Hunt the Staff’ treasure trail, the route led past the former home of local legend Fred Daly, with the answer to one of the clues to be discovered on his commemorative plaque.

Now, this same event has just won both regional and national recognition by winning the ‘PTA-UK Gold Star Award’ for best event in the UK involving the local community.

A small but delightful little twist in the school’s proud association, past and present, with local golf history.

Portrush Primary School principal, Carwyn Guy, himself a keen player, was delighted that his school helped promote the Irish Open’s.

“Our school is right at the heart of the Portrush Community and our children are the next generation within that. To see sporting greats coming to our town, inspiring this generation, is just a thrill to be involved in!”

Eimear Callaghan, NITB, said that the Tourist Board welcomed working with Coleraine Borough Council and the European Tour to ensure that the visiting golfers experienced the famous Northern Ireland welcome and would come back in the future to play on our world-renowned courses.