On Friday we held a special assembly to say thank you to Sam Hagan who is a past pupil of our school. He joined Ballyclare Secondary School in 1965....58 years ago. Sam has happy memories of his school days, in fact he is quoted as saying, “I loved school”. His favourite subject was mathematics. Sam has been a successful businessman for many years, as Company Director of Hagan Leisure Homes.

We are very privileged that Sam has continued to be a great supporter of the school over the years and one of the things he has done for our school this year is to sponsor our U14 rugby shirts. He was accompanied by Jeffrey Ferris, a fellow past pupil.

Some information on the season for the team.....

Ballyclare started their season with the Ulster High Schools’ Sevens Blitz hosted at Ballyclare Rugby Club. Ballyclare defeated Carrick Academy and Ashfield HS but lost to Sperrin Integrated.

Ballyclare Secondary then started their U14 High Schools’ Shield group fixtures against Carrick Academy at home and won.

We then travelled to Ballymoney High School and lost to a late try 21-19 in another excellent match.

Ballyclare played Sperrin Integrated in their final group match needing to win to progress to the Quarter Finals and played exceptionally well to win 41-0.

Ballyclare progressed to the Quarter Finals of the top competition, the U14 High Schools’ Shield, to face a difficult away trip to Drumglass High School, Dungannon. Ballyclare were losing 14-10 at half-time but produced an excellent second half performance to win 41-19.

Just this week Ballyclare then drew Lurgan Junior High School, who have won the competition quite a number of times, in the semi-final. The game was a very tightly contested affair with Ballyclare scoring first. Lurgan replied with a try just before half time to make it 5-5 at the break. Both sides made efforts to get the crucial second score but both defenses held firm. The game ended 5-5 with Ballyclare Secondary progressing to the final by scoring the first try. Well done to both sides in a terrific game, but in particular well done to our team, I am exceptionally proud. Ballyclare Secondary will meet Ballymoney HS in the final on Tuesday 14th March at Meadowbank Arena, Magherafelt.