Tradition is something that is very important in St. Patrick’s Secondary School and this is very true in the on-going story of school football teams.
“For over 40 years every footballer in St. Pat’s has worn a distinctive purple jersey. Throughout the years brothers, fathers, cousins, and uncles would have all worn the same jersey at one time or another playing school football,” said teacher turned school historian, John Forrest.
“The first recorded photo that can be seen hanging within the school walls is from 1982.
Pride in The Purple Jersey
The school jerseys have changed and have been updated a number of times since 1982 but the purple jerseys remained and in later years were used for first year competitions.
“This tradition is something that we wanted to continue in St. Pat’s, and with this in mind the school has replicated these purple jerseys so that the tradition can be continued for footballers in the school for years to come” Mr. Forrest continued.
Worn by Fathers and Sons
“Hopefully the present and future students will have as much enjoyment and success as in the past.
The pictures taken in Castleisland Desmonds GAA Club pitch with the unveiling of the new jerseys including one of the Hewitts. Martin, the father of current first year Conor, also wore the purple jersey in his time in St. Pat’s.
“A massive thanks to O’Connor Coaches for sponsoring the jerseys and for their continued support of school sports in St. Pat,” Mr. Forrest concluded.
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