It was a momentous and memorable evening for one local soccer club when they were selected to provide mascots for the crunch euro qualifier between Ireland and the Netherlands.
Eleven players from Mulroy Academy got the unique opportunity to walk out onto the hallowed turf of the Aviva Stadium hand in hand with the Irish players.
The players from the Kerrykeel-based club also got to take part in a meet and greet with President Míchael D. Higgins.
It was a special moment in the 21 year history of the club and a day never to forget for the 11 lucky players.
Mulroy Academy were afforded the opportunity through their participation in the FAI Club Mark Programme.
The club achieved the Club Mark entry level award in 2018 and in 2020 became the first club in Donegal to achieve the Club Mark One Star Award.
Throughout 2023, Mulroy Academy has been part of the FAI’s pilot Club Mark Two Star Award. The club are one of only eight clubs throughout Ireland to be selected for the pilot programme, a unique achievement in itself for a rurally located club in North Donegal.
Fergus McAteer is the clubs Club Mark Officer and he is coordinating the Two Star application process in conjunction with the clubs Management Committee. The mascots selection is part of the FAI rewards scheme for Club Mark clubs.
