Dublin GAA players Tomás Quinn, Eamonn Fennell and Kevin McMenamin took time out of their busy schedules today to train approximately 100 boys and girls from St Enda’s PS, Whitefriar Street, Dublin and Presentation College, Warrenmount, Dublin.

The event enabled school children aged eight to 10 years of age, to develop and brush up on their football skills as part of the REACH RCSI Sports Day.

REACH RCSI is a recreational, education and community health outreach programme at RCSI. The programme is aimed at encouraging and facilitating third level participation and enhancing life chances for those traditionally underrepresented at third level, particularly those from the south inner city.

Dr Terry McWade, Deputy CEO of RCSI and Chairman of the REACH RCSI programme, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the school children to develop and improve their football skills in a fun environment. Spending a day with local Dublin football heroes can only encourage young people in our community to develop a greater interest in sport and health, which is one of the main objectives of the REACH programme.”

The annual REACH RCSI Sports Day which aims to raise awareness and promote life-long recreation and community health, was organised by REACH project manager Maria Kelly with 30 RCSI students and staff also on hand to help run the event. In addition to the football coaching by the GAA players, it was an action packed day of events, including five-a-side soccer, egg and spoon races, an obstacle course and relay races.

Established in 2007, REACH promotes recreation, education and community health. The programme works in partnership with primary and post primary schools, youth and community groups together with the local community on the design and delivery of educational initiatives including Homework Clubs, Science Workshop and Education Information Service.