Former Vice-principal sees sporting vision realised

SPORTING provision in Carrick has received a boost with the official unveiling of a new Prunty pitch at Downshire School.

Representatives from the North Eastern Education and Library Board and contractor Tony Patterson visited the school for the launch.

Downshire Principal Jacqueline Stewart commented: “We were pleased to welcome Mr McKinstry (past Vice-principal) to the event as he has campaigned for years to get this facility for the school.

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“As the pitch requires special construction we have not been able to use it for a year in order to let the surface develop properly. We are delighted that it will now be available for use and hopefully will host a lot of Downshire victories!”

Putting the surface to the test was former pupil Curtis Woods, who now plays for Burnley Youth Team, and members of the year nine squad.

Downshire’s reputation for nurturing young sporting talent was underlined again recently with year 12 pupil Dawn Axon representing Ulster at hockey in the UK School Games.

“Dawn not only played in all of the matches against England, Wales and Scotland, but she scored her first goal for Ulster against England, the competition favourites!

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“The Ulster team had a fantastic tournament, coming away with the Gold medal after defeating Scotland 4-2 in the last match.

“Dawn, who plays for Downshire U18 team and Ulster Elks, has progressed from the Ulster U16B squad to the U18 full squad – a superb achievement!”

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