St Patrick's Grammar School, Downpatrick or the RED HIGH, as it is known throughout Ireland, hosted two members of the Down Football team last week, Ambrose Rogers and Mark Poland who took a break from their preparation for Down's victorious match against Derry on Sunday to help launch a series of events to mark the dedication of the Red High's new sports facilities... and it is seeking the help of its alumni to help mark the occasion!

The Red High has long been a melting pot of Down football talent and this weekend saw current pupils and past pupils play prominent roles in the minor and senior teams' defeat of Derry. Last year, the school moved to a multimillion pound state of the art facility which incorporates outstanding sporting provision including a fully equipped fitness suite, sports hall, multipurpose hall, 3G flood lit pitch and two training/competition pitches. June 24th will see the official opening of these facilities and their dedication to three illustrious alumni and staff members who have been influential in the promotion of Gaelic games in the school and further afield: Mr Pat O'Hare (who assisted in the training of the victorious Down team of 1994); Br. Charles Purcell (instrumental in the development of hurling in the school) and Mr Joe McGrath, former pupil and a man who revolutionised coaching in hurling and football and for whom the Munster McGrath Cup is named.

Currently the home of Down Senior Hurling, the Red High has planned an extensive programme of events to celebrate the dedication of its facilities. On Monday 24th June, the school will play host to a hurling, football and handball coaching session for 300 local primary school pupils coordinated by the Down Development Officer, Conor O'Toole, assisted by members of the senior panel. The coaching team will return to the school on Wednesday 26th June to coach and advise current Red High footballers, hurlers and handballers.

This will be followed by a shotgun start golf competition for friends and alumni of the school in Downpatrick Golf Club (contact [email protected] for further details)

Later that day, at 7 pm, the official opening of Pat O'Hare Park will be marked by two fun exhibition matches. These will feature a selection of 'retired' Red High footballers and hurlers playing against a team made up of current players from the McLarnon and Casement Cup squads. Any former players interested in playing should contact either Declan Morgan (Football) or Darren Swail (Hurling). Both can be reached by contacting the school on 02844619722.

The celebrations conclude with a banquet in the school at 8pm on the same evening during which the contribution of all three men to Gaelic games will be recognised. In preparation for this event, the school is appealing to all past pupils who have old photographs or match programmes from Gaelic games throughout the years, to contact the school through its Facebook page, www.facebook.com/SPGSDownpatrick, website, www.stpatricksdownpatrick.org.uk. Twitter, twitter.com/Redhigh1934 or directly at the school. Further details of all events are available from Caoimhe (the principal's PA) at the number above. Tweet

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