Two Fermanagh students were selected in the Queen’s University Belfast Future Stars team for men and ladies’ football.

St. Aidan’s High School, Derrylin student, Alannah Maguire was named in the ladies’ team while St. Michael’s College, Enniskillen student, Mattie McDermott was named in the men’s team.

Mattie’s principal, Mark Henry said the accolade was a fully deserving one for the young Irvinestown player.

“To my mind Mattie is fully deserving of the award given his performances for school, club and county. It is a nice recognition as well.

“The challenge now is can Mattie develop into the footballer we all think he can be because there is no doubt that he is capable of doing that given his commitment to the sport.”

Pat McCaffrey, prinicpal of St. Aidan’s said the school was delighted Alannah was selected after trials where over 400 players from schools all over Ulster took part.

Impartial Reporter: Alannah Maguire, St. Aidan's High School, DerrylinAlannah Maguire, St. Aidan's High School, Derrylin

“It is a great honour not only for the school but for her family, club and county. We are we very proud of Alannah who is a great ambassador for the school not only as a player but in her role as deputy head girl. We wish her continued success and am confident that this is the first of many awards she will receive in her career.”

Alannah said it was a privilege to be accepted after tough but enjoyable trials.

“I’m very grateful for the support and encouragement from St. Aidan’s and of course the nomination. It’s extra special to win this award as we celebrate 50 years of St. Aidan’s in 2023.

“The presentation in Queen’s University was a very enjoyable evening. It was also wonderful to hear Fermanagh’s own Tiernan Bogue’s experience of both studying Medicine and playing football with Queen’s University and how proud he was to see two Fermanagh Gaels receiving awards.”