Fionnuala going for gold

St.Mary's Magherafelt student Fionnuala O'Hagan being presented with her award for N.Ireland Sky Sports Living for Sport Student of the Year by Olympic gold medallists Darren Campbell and Jessica Ennis

Fionnuala travelled to London with her mother Mary and Head of PE, John McElholm to receive her award at a star-studded ceremony at the Sky Sports studios.

Fionnuala, who is registered blind, was nominated for the after having taken part in the school’s Sky Sports Living for Sport ‘FunSports’ project.

“We are so proud and delighted with Fionnuala’s achievement,” said Mrs Deirdre Gillespie, principal of the school.

“Mr McElholm started the ten week programme encouraging activities and a healthy lifestyle.

It was also about promoting self esteem, confidence and finding new friendship groups and Fionnuala was singled out by her peers as the student who had made the biggest change.

“When she started the programme she was quite a quiet girl but she really has come out of her shell.

“Fionnuala is partially sighted but she has not allowed her sight to be an issue in her life which is a great credit to herself and her family.

“Unfortunately she didn’t win the UK wide competition but to triumph over all of N. Ireland is a huge achievement and we are so proud of her. That she was able to meet Olympic luminaries such as Jessica Ennis and Darren Campbell will inspire her even more, I am sure. It just goes to show that there are no barriers to achievement if you put your mind to it.”