Ireland star Rob donates signed ball for school fundraising

Ireland star Rob donates signed ball for school fundraising

25 March 2015

WITH Ireland’s rugby team riding high after retaining its Six Nations championship title last weekend, a local school is excited to have taken delivery of a match ball signed by the squad.

The team, now ranked number three in the world, signed the ball from their successful game against South Africa in November before sending it to Knockevin Special School in Downpatrick.

The school has now launched a secret ballot and is inviting bids from members of the public interested in taking ownership of the prize item.

The ballot is the latest fundraiser spearheaded by the school’s music teacher Rory Dornan, who has worked hard over the past year to create a fully resourced music department for pupils.

Rory, who has a family connection with Ireland full-back Rob Kearney, bought a rugby ball to be signed by the team last year after Rob agreed to help out.

However, he says Rob put his ball aside and instead offered the match ball before organising its signing by the squad.

Rory said the school was very pleasantly surprised to receive the ball and is now hoping to raise money for new music equipment through the ballot, which has a reserve of £300.

After raising almost £6,000 through a fundraiser in October, which enabled him to purchase a variety of equipment including  a sound beam for children with profound learning difficulties, Rory said he knew first hand of the benefits of music for children at the school.

“We have so many different abilities and needs in this school and our children respond on so many different levels,” he said,

“The benefits of music are well known in terms of physical and cognitive development and for confidence building.

“Music really benefits the pupils and we are getting great resources in place for our pupils. Our fundraiser in October allowed us to purchase a range of items and I am hoping the match ball will add to that fund.”

Anyone interested in taking part in the secret ballot is asked to e-mail or telephone the school with their details and bid. 

The ballot will run until noon on Thursday, April 2, when the highest bidder will be notified. 

Please telephone 028 4461 2167 or e-mail: rdornan223@knockevinss.downpatrick.ni.sch.uk