True blue all the way for Blanchardstown’s league of nations

The children of Scoil Bhríde in Blanchardstown originate in 40 countries and have as many different languages, but they all have one thing in common: they’re Dubs.

The 630 pupils from the boys' and girls' schools came together yesterday for a photograph to celebrate "Dubs Day" and the county's All-Ireland final appearance tomorrow.

Conspicuous among the navy and blue were the green and gold of Kerry teachers Áine O'Connor and Denise Kearney, who both teach in Scoil Bhríde (Cailíní). Both are used to the good-natured slagging, given the titanic battles between the two counties in recent years.

Four in five of the girls from Scoil Bhríde (Cailíní) have parents born outside Ireland in what is one of the most multicultural parts of the country.

Uniform support

Trista Talan (10) was born in the Philippines and moved to Ireland two years ago. Her favourite players are

Diarmuid Connolly

and

Bernard Brogan

.

"We're really lucky that our uniforms are the right colour so the poor unfortunates from Kerry have to look at them all year round," said principal Deirdre Kirwan Keane.

The boys' school boasts several ex-pupils who have played for Dublin. Barry Cahill won an All-Ireland medal with Dublin in 2011, James Brogan, a cousin of Bernard and Alan, was on the Dublin panel and hurlers Michael Carton and Alan Nolan have also represented their county.

"It's a multicultural school and we're trying to promote the GAA so they all have a collective Dubs identity," said principal John Kearns.

Demands for tickets for tomorrow's showdown far exceed supply. For those who have missed out, Dublin City Council has set up an outdoor screening area in Smithfield Plaza. It is a family event and strictly alcohol-free. There will be bouncy castles and face painting.