A SPORTS team from St Paul’s Academy in Abbey Wood will be heading to the Emarld Isle on Thursday for a Gaelic football tour.

The 21-strong squad are all regular players of the national sport of Ireland after joining the weekly training sessions, which were started by St Paul’s PE teacher Michael Donnelly.

Mr Donnelly is originally from Galbally in County Tyrone and this is where the Year 8 and Year 9 pupils will be based.

The tour is being co-organised by St Paul’s Academy and Gaelic football club Dulwich Harps, who have been involved in the weekly training sessions at the school.

St Paul’s schedule includes a Gaelic tournament which will see them take on three schools from Tyrone, as well as three matches against sides at U14 level.

Gaelic football aside, the touring party will also enjoy visits to Croke Park in Dublin, a shopping trip to Belfast and the chance to see a top-level Gaelic match between Donegal and Down.

Mr Donnelly says everyone at the school is looking forward to the event and hopes it will encourage other youngsters in the area to get involved in the weekly training sessions, which are open to pupils from all schools.

For more information, email mickd85@googlemail.com