Double All-Ireland title glory for Manulla National School

MANULLA National School are All-Ireland table tennis champions yet again - and on the double at that!

The bonfires blazed to welcome home their yoiung heroes after an astonishing feat as both the boys and girls' teams  produced a remarkable double to be crowned All-Ireland table tennis champions 2017.

This is the third time that the central Mayo school's teams have won this competition.

It is the third time for the boys in four years, while the girls have completed the hat- trick by making it three on the bounce, a magnificent achievement by any standards. 

Having qualified through the provincial series to represent the school on the national stage, both teams fought off stiff competition from Ulster, Leinster and Munster to be crowned national champions in what can only be described asa massive achievement for a rural school.

Congratulations to school principal, Ms. Finuala Costello, and teacher Ms Nola Gibbons, while the support from Castlebar table tennis coach, Kevin Devaney, was very much appreciated.

The girls team consisted of Jillian Clarke, Anna Mae Clarke, Riona Jordan and Emma Leneghan while substitutes were Lucy Connolly and Anna Lyons

The boys team was Darren Tansey, Brian Tansey, Oisin Jordan and Jude Clarke, with substitutes Adam Walsh and Callan Jennings.

The teams and their supporters were welcomed home to Manulla last night where a celebratory bonfire lit their way as locals came out in their droves to congratulate the mighty winners and give them a fully deserved and rousing welcome home.