Schooled for success

The Lisburn school will have a huge interest in Glenavon’s Irish Cup final this weekend with Laurelhill captain James Singleton in action while another pupil, Nathan Kerr, has recently signed a professional contract with Stevenage.

Not only that, but two former pupils join James in the Lurgan side’s squad to take on Ballymena at Windsor Park tomorrow (Saturday - kick-off 2.30pm).

Andy McGrory and Mark Patton have also recently come through the Lisburn school, who have a long list of football honours.

Laurelhill won the NI Schools’ Cup in 2010 and were runners-up the season after.

Now Nathan, who is the NI U16 captain, joins Stevenage from St Oliver Plunkett while James is hoping to claim his first senior medal with Glenavon.

“I’m buzzing for it,” he said.

“The nerves are starting to kick-in and I don’t think I’ll get very much sleep on Friday night. We’ve trained hard this week so hopefully we can win the match.”

The 18 year-old is likely to be the youngest member of Glenavon’s Cup final squad and he says his school have helped him reach the top level of Irish League football at such a young age.

“Two years ago I was playing for the U19s, then the Reserves and now Gary (Hamilton) has given me my chance with the first team. Last year, I was playing out of position and wasn’t playing well but I went to pre-season and I’ve managed to keep my spot at left-back.

“The school’s brilliant. I’ve played every year since first year and have captained all the teams. I’ve a lot of credit to give the boys there, especially the PE teachers. Mr Curry was here when I started and now it’s Mr Watson. He has given me a lot of opportunities and has been really good for me. I owe the school a lot.”

Laurelhill PE Teacher and the school’s football coach Mark Watson is delighted to have such a strong school representation in Irish League football’s biggest match and says the school’s success success in recent years is just rewards.

“It’s all down to hard work, determination and enthusiasm not only from the players but also from the staff.

“We’re very excited to have our current pupil James and two former pupils playing in the Irish Cup final on Saturday.

“James definitely is good enough. If he keeps his feet firmly on the ground, he’ll come out with a good performance and hopefully a win.”

Set to start on Glenavon’s right-wing is former Laurelhill and Ballymacash Rangers lad Andy McGrory.

“As Nigel (Law - Glenavon coach) said to me, the time of my move from Ballymacash was perfect and he’s right. Now I’ve taken my chance.”

McGrory’s old Lisburn club are even becoming Glenavon supporters for the day.

“The boys are bringing a bus down to the final to support the three of us, which is great,” said McGrory. “They brought one down to the semi-final as well. They’ve given us all really great support.

As for the game itself, Singleton isn’t expecting an easy ride for his Glenavon side.

“It’ll be a tough game,” he said. “Ballymena are a great side. We played them at the start of the season and beat them but then they beat us. They’re seventh in the league and we’re sixth. It’ll be so tight.

“We’ll do our best and hopefully we can do the business.”

Former Ballymacash man McGrory can’t wait to get going.

“A lot of the boys haven’t been to a Cup final before and we’re all just starting to get used to the buzz about the place now,” he said.

“This week has dragged in. Saturday can’t come quick enough but hopefully we can do the business. Both teams are going to have a good shot at it.

“The teams are very similar, as the league table would indicate.

“It’s a cup final. It’s a one off game and whoever takes their chances will win the game and that’s it.”