A POIGNANT tribute to a much-loved teacher was made during an annual football fixture at St Columba's High this week.

For many years, guidance teacher Graeme Stewart had taken part in the popular staff versus pupils charity tie.

After his sudden death last month at the age of 49, the school was keen to ensure his memory lived on and the teams will now compete every year for the Graeme Stewart Memorial Trophy.

Funds raised from the event were donated to the British Heart Foundation and APD, a charity which helps underprivileged children with disabilities.

As a mark of respect for Mr Stewart, the staff team took to the field wearing the colours of his favourite team, Rangers, while the pupil team wore red for the British Heart Foundation.

All kits were especially embroidered for the occasion by Limekilns company Timbershack, who also donated the trophy, and had 'Stewarty' written on the back of each shirt.

Principal RE teacher at the school, Ruairi Mulholland, who starred for the staff team, said although emotional, the match was a fitting tribute to his much-loved colleague.

"The game itself was played in a great spirit, it was absolutely amazing," he told the Press. "He normally had the number 10 shirt so we didn't use that. We laid it in the centre circle at the beginning and when we had a minute's applause, his wife, along with two of our guidance teachers, walked on and took that and the trophy off. His wife, Alyson, put the number 10 shirt on.

"There were quite a lot of tears but it was a big celebration. He was loved by everybody. Within a week of his death – even within the first couple of days after he died – we had talked about doing something to do with football as he was a massive football fan.

"He played every week and every Friday after school so we needed to do something with football in mind. We now have the memorial cup which we will keep going."

After the pupils had gone ahead through a spectacular overhead kick from S6 Jack Graham, an own goal brought the teachers back into the game and they nearly snatched victory with two minutes to go through a Mr Mulholland goal.

However, Jack Graham found the goal again with seconds to go to bring his side level.

"It was quite poignant that it was a draw," added Mr Mulholland. "We play every year and we have gone 15 years unbeaten. For one reason or another, the staff always seem to win or draw the games."