On Monday 1st Feb 2016 Mr Ronnie McDowell one of the Directors at Ballymena United visited Castle Tower School with the Co. Antrim Shield that Ballymena United won on Jan 12th at Windsor Park Belfast by beating Linfield FC 3-2.

Ballymena United have won the competition 6 times with the first victory in 1947/48 season. Their last victory before winning it in 2015/2016 season was 2013/13 were they defeated Linfield FC at The Oval on penalty kicks.

The Co. Antrim shield is one of the longest running competitions in Irish League Football. It was founded in 1888 and is 128 years old. The actual Shield is worth a estimated £40,000 with the trophy having a makeover which cost the Co. Antrim FA a staggering £12,000.

The pupils at Castle Tower thoroughly enjoyed having the Shield back again after previously having it on show in Nov 2015 to promote the final before Ballymena United ran out worthy winners on the 12th Jan 2016.