IN PICTURES: Derry City manager congratulates champions St. Joseph’s Boys School on their recent success

Sixth form students at St. Joseph’s Boys School got a pleasant surprise early on Tuesday morning as Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch paid a visit to the school to congratulate their u-18s soccer team on the recent NI Schools Cup success.

The City boss was met by Principal, Mrs. Ciara Deane and head boy and u-18 captain Ciaran Mullan before making his way to the sixth form where he met with the team, coaches and addressed those in attendance.

Congratulating the students, he spoke of the tremendous footballing talent about the city and district and how tuned in young footballers were to the modern game. He went on to explain how hard work and diligence pays dividends in sport but also stressed the importance of education and getting good grades were to success in life generally. He also visited the school’s new 4G surface and chatted to students

School coach Mr. Emmett McGinty said he was delighted to see Mr. Lynch come to the school so early on Tuesday. "It was great to see Tiernan take time out from a busy schedule to wish the team well on their achievements. It was all arranged late on Monday night and the lads got a surprise and a shock when he walked through the door in Sixth Form."

Principal, Mrs. Deane thanked the Derry manager for making time to visit the school’s team and for his words of advice. She said she hoped he might return in the coming months to address the students again.

PICTURED BELOW: Derry City manager Tiernan Lynch pictured with players and coaches from the successful St. Joseph's Boys School u-18 Northern Ireland Schools Cup during a visit to the school on Tuesday morning. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)