News

Féile Peil na nÓg Div 2 competition on the weekend of 27-29 June

November 8, 2018

Mayo Gaels hosted All Saints GAC from Ballymena, Co Antrim in Féile Peil na nÓg Div 2 competition on the weekend of 27-29 June. 27 under 14 boys, their mentors and many parents and supporters made the long journey from Antrim for the occasion. The players were hosted by families of the Mayo Gaels under 14 players.

The matches kicked off on Friday evening when both teams travelled to Monivea-Abbeyknockmoy, Galway where they played the host team and also Clann Éireann from Armagh. On Saturday morning the action moved to Abbey Park, Mayo Abbey when the Gaels and All Saints clashed in a thrilling game. In a tight finish All Saints emerged victorious by a point.

Following refreshments for everyone the clubs took part in a penalty shootout with Mayo Gaels goalkeeper Paul Mannion. Mayo Gaels’ Sean Keane won the penalty shootout while Gaels player John Gallagher had the longest kick in the Cic Fada.

Both teams exchanged momentoes before travelling to the Connacht centre of Excellence where Mayo Gaels contested the shield quarter final and All Saints played in the cup competition. The Gaels were disappointed to exit the competition at this stage when losing to Annaghdown but All Saints marched on to the semi-finals after beating Galbally.

An open evening at Mayo Gaels pitch followed with refreshments and activities provided for everyone. All Saints departed Mayo Abbey on Sunday morning for the concluding stages of the competition and there was great rejoicing in the Mayo Abbey area when All Saints went on to win the competition, beating Portlaoise in the final. 

It was a memorable weekend in Mayo Abbey for the Under 14 players, their families, their mentors; James Fallon, Shane Vahey and Callum Henry, and all associated with the Mayo Gaels club. There was great camaraderie between the players of both clubs and invitation were issued with a view to developing future contact between the clubs.

Mayo Gaels Bord na nÓg would like to thank our Féile sponsors and supporters– John Daly, Brendan Conwell, Una Parkinson, Peter browne and Fiachra Moran. Also the host families for accommodating the players, those who provided and served food and refreshments, the pitch maintenance staff especially Tom Solan and anyone who helped in any way to make the weekend such an outstanding success. A special thanks to Ger Maguire and the staff of Mayo Abbey Resource Centre for the use of their facilities and the Community Bus ably piloted by Bernard Commons.

Féile 2014 has been an unforgettable experience for everyone associated with Mayo Gaels and we hope to maintain our contacts with All Saints long into the future.