Rugby stars set for open-top bus parade
BALLYMENA will come to a standstill tomorrow morning as the town pays tribute to its new generation of rugby heroes.
Members of Ballymena Academy's victorious Schools' Cup winning team will be paraded on an open-top bus after securing the title on St Patrick's Day for the first time in 29 years.
The event will take place as part of a special civic reception in their honour, hosted by Ballymena Borough Council.
The Braid boys returned to their desks yesterday morning – albeit with a few bumps and bruises – following their closely fought 10-7 win over Belfast Royal Academy at Ravenhill.
However, the day got off to a special start with a complimentary breakfast, courtesy of a restaurant in the Co Antrim town.
In the immediate aftermath of their cup final win, players, coaches and family members had attended a special reception held at the school on Wednesday evening.
Later today, team captain George Dennison and his teammates will be the centre of attention at a celebratory assembly to recognise their achievements.
Speaking to the News Letter yesterday, school principal Ronnie Hassard revealed their was a "mood of real excitement" within the school's corridors following the win.
Hailing the efforts of his pupils, he said the grammar school's success had captured the "imagination" of the entire community.
"Just as we received many well-wishes prior to the final, we have received many congratulatory messages from our fellow schools right across the Ballymena community, many businesses and many individuals.
"People are just delighted the Schools' Cup has come out of Belfast and has come to Ballymena."
Stating that every member of the squad was "present and correct" yesterday, Mr Hassard said it was his intention to display the winning shield and cup prominently in the school's main foyer.
Meanwhile, DUP MLA Ian Paisley Jnr revealed he would be organising a reception at Parliament Buildings for the Ballymena squad to recognise their "magnificent victory".
"I congratulate the Ballymena Academy management and players on winning the Schools' Cup final. It was a fantastic game for spectators, ultimately delivering a hard-fought victory for Ballymena. The entire team has brought great pride to the town."
TUV leader Jim Allister offered his "hearty congratulations" to the Ballymena pupils.
Hailing a memorable sporting week for Ballymena, following confirmation that a EuroPro golfing event will take place at Galgorm in June and the Milk Cup finals will be held at the town's Showgrounds in July, Mr Allister said: "They (Ballymena) brought great pride and honour not just on themselves and their school but on the entire town and district."
"As sporting ambassadors for Ballymena they did us all proud. Having seen my own three children educated at Ballymena Academy, there is a tremendous feelgood factor for all associated with the school after this well-deserved victory."
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 14 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 6 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North west
