Charlie Smyth was treated to a hero’s welcome when he visited St Patrick’s Primary and Nursery School Mayobridge on Monday. The school is where Charlie first taught after he qualified as a teacher, and it is where his mother Julie is a nursery teacher.
The school held a special welcome that included cheerleaders and children dressed in American football gear, all organised to congratulate Charlie on a historic season playing for the New Orleans Saints. The 24-year-old made his debut as a kicker for the Saints against the Miami Dolphins in November 2025, and he played in six regular season games.
Orla McKinley is the vice-principal of St Patrick’s Primary and Nursery School Mayobridge. She said: “As a school community we were delighted to celebrate Charlie’s continuing success in the NFL. We have followed Charlie’s journey with keen interest since his initial application to the International Pathway Programme.
“Charlie is no stranger to our school. His proud mother Julie is our Nursery Teacher and Charlie himself worked in the school when he first qualified as a teacher. The children were full of excitement when they were told of Charlie’s visit.
“Charlie paid a memorable visit to the school back in March ‘24 after his historic signing with the New Orleans Saints. He promised to return and it is no surprise that this humble, grounded young talent kept his word to the boys and girls of Mayobridge.
“Resplendent in black, white, and gold, the boys and girls greeted Charlie with the famous anthem, ‘When The Saints Go Marching In’.”
In the full story find out the wise words that Charlie passed on to the pupils.
To read the digital edition, download the Mourne Observer app – for apple click here – for android click here
