The Mayor with (L-R) Director of Sports Mr Jamie Orr Captain Jack McNeilly Vice Captain Eoin Byrne and Principle Mr Martin Wilson
Antrim Grammar School’s 1st XV Rugby team has made history by securing their first-ever trophy at Senior Level, clinching the Danske Bank 1st XV School’s Trophy in a thrilling final against Larne Grammar School, at Pirrie Park in Belfast, earlier this month.
To celebrate this remarkable achievement, the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly, visited the school to personally congratulate the team on their 22-19 win. The Mayor was greeted by Captain Jack McNeilly and Vice-Captain Eoin Byrne who shared their experiences of the match and their Rugby journey at the school, before meeting the entire team.
Antrim Grammar School’s (AGS) rugby program has gone from strength to strength in recent years, with the dedicated efforts of Director of Rugby, Mr. Jamie Orr and fellow coaches.
The road to victory was not an easy one, with challenges along the way, including injuries and tough defeats. However, the team’s unwavering commitment and perseverance saw them rise to the occasion, creating a legacy that will inspire future generations of AGS rugby players.
The Mayor with the Antrim Grammar 1st XV Danske Bank Trophy Winners
Key to their success was the intensive pre-season training tour to Cape Town, South Africa, in July, where the squad endured rigorous training sessions in extreme conditions. This experience played a vital role in shaping the team’s discipline, teamwork, and determination - qualities that ultimately led them to the win.
The celebrations following the win were a testament to what this triumph meant to the school community, family and friends with an unforgettable pitch invasion by over 300 AGS supporters at the final whistle.
Speaking to the team at the Grammar School on Friday (March 21), the Mayor praised the team’s dedication and resilience, commending their hard work throughout the season. He said, “What these young men have achieved, underscores the importance of sport in shaping young athletes and creating a sense of pride and achievement within the community”.
Principal of Antrim Grammar School, Mr Martin Wilson commented: “This momentous victory is particularly significant as it coincides with Antrim Grammar School’s 50th Anniversary, making the achievement even more special for the players, staff, and supporters. We have held several presentation assemblies to showcase this achievement and encourage our younger pupils to strive for excellence”.
Mr Jamie Orr, Director of Sport at Antrim Grammar and Team Coach, reflected on the significance of this achievement: “This victory is about more than just a trophy. It symbolises what can be achieved through belief, hard work, and unity. This landmark victory will be remembered as a defining moment in the school’s sporting history, and the legacy of this squad will live on for years to come.”
Looking ahead, the school are determined to build on this momentum, continuing to develop the rugby programme and ensuring AGS competes at the highest level. With a strong foundation now in place, the school’s rugby future looks brighter than ever.