Rodney McAree, Dungannon Swifts Manager at Sports Assembly:

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This morning at whole school assembly we were delighted to welcome Mr Rodney McAree, manager of Dungannon Swifts and past pupil of Drumglass High School.

We really appreciate Rodney taking time to join us in what is a very busy week for him. It has been a tremendous season for the Swifts. Last Saturday saw them finish 4th in the Irish League for only the third time ever with a great win over Crusaders, and of course next Saturday sees them play Cliftonville in the Irish Cup final. In addition, Rodney was named Northern Ireland Football League Manager of the Year on the 12th April this year. A very well deserved award.

We have had a great sporting year in Drumglass too, and our fantastic achievements were highlighted to Rodney:

 

Netball: Coach: Mrs Irvine

• Yr12 team: Winners of the Tyrone and Fermanagh Netball Cup 2024-25. Captained by: Annie McAlister.

• Yr11 team: Winners of the Tyrone and Fermanagh Netball Cup 2024-25, Captained by: Rylea Greenaway.

• Yr 8 team: Runners up in the Tyrone and Fermanagh Netball Plate 2024-25, Captained by: Grace Parr.

Football: Coaches: Mr Hoines and Miss Henry.

• Boys: Mid-Ulster U16 Small High Schools League Champions 2024-25 Captains: Harvey Cardwell, Zian Todd.

• Girls: ICD U14 9-a-side Tournament Winners 2024-25: Captain: Leah Hepburn.

Rugby: Coach; Mr Wilson

• U16: Ulster High Schools Trophy: Semi Finalists 2024-25.

• U16: Pollock Cup: Semi Finalists 2024-25.

Captain: David Dragan

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In addition to team success, individual successes were highlighted, with seven of our pupils being selected for teams at provincial or international level. An incredible achievement for a school of our size. The magnificent seven are as follows:

• Girls Football: Northern Ireland, Leah Hepburn

• Netball: U15 Northern Ireland Netball Academy, Clara Watt and Lucy Watt

• Rugby: Ulster development squad: David Dragan, Alexander Courtney and Jake Steen

• Rugby: Bence Balajti: U18 Hungarian team.

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In an interesting question and answer session, Rodney began by congratulating the pupils on their tremendous sporting achievements. He talked to the school about his life in football and mentioned players he had played with in England. He reflected on his times both playing for, and managing Dungannon Swifts. Rodney spoke of the importance of hard work and dedication not only in top level sport but in all aspects of working life. He talked warmly of his team and outlined his hopes for Saturday’s Cup Final.

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Leah Hepburn presented Rodney with a gift and the assembly concluded by wishing Rodney and the Swifts every success in the final, before a whole school photo was taken showing Drumglass High School’s support for the Swifts.

We all wish Dungannon Swifts every success in the Final. We are all behind you! Good luck Rodney and thanks again!