Today, 20 lucky 10-14 year olds from Loughlinstown were given the opportunity of a lifetime as they put former Irish International footballer, Niall Quinn to the test in the annual Dublin Bus Penalty Shoot Out Competition.

Held in the sports grounds of DLR Leisure Services, Loughlinstown, the atmosphere was electric as children from the local area were on hand to cheer on their friends as they went up against soccer legend Niall Quinn.

This is the 8th year of the Dublin Bus/Niall Quinn Penalty Shoot Out and is Loughlinstown’s first time to host the event. During the day, Niall Quinn treated the selected 20 football fanatics to an intensive coaching session before going head to head in a Penalty Shoot Out competition. The winners were then presented with prizes by Niall at a ceremony in the Centre.

This year’s event was organised by Dublin Bus in conjunction with Dun Laoghaire Youth Project and An Garda Síochána and is just one in a series of events which Dublin Bus undertakes as part of its Community Spirit Initiative which supports local communities across the Dublin Bus network.

Commenting on the programme Niall Quinn, who is also the patron of the Dublin Bus Community Spirit Awards, said, “It is great to be involved in such a rewarding event which supports local communities throughout the Greater Dublin Area. It was such a delight to see the passion that these children have for football. Hopefully days like today will help children gain the confidence and the life skills they need to reach their full potential”.

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