The Club hosted the third Govan Jolliffe-Byrne Memorial All-Ireland Under-13 Club Tournament on Saturday. The standard of football on the day was exceptional as was the spirit in which all of the games were played. Many congratulations to Douglas GAA Club who won the Cup and to St Patricks Donabate GAA Club won the Shield. Our own Under 13 team put in a great performance and got to the final of the Shield where they were beaten by St Pats.
Many thanks to Govan’s parents Bob and Elaine who presented the Cup, the Shield and medals to the winning teams.
A special thanks to each of the 16 teams and their mentors from all four provinces who participated in the Tournament.
I would also like to thank all of the many Naomh Mearnóg volunteers who played a huge part in the success of the event and without whom this event would not be possible. This includes the Organising Committee, the Club’s Groundforce Team who ensured that the Club’s grounds were in tip top condition, the many stewards who organised the parking on the day, the referees, the Club’s senior players who attended the event, the huge number of members who made and brought up sandwiches and cakes to feed the players, mentors and supporters on the day, the event and pitch co-ordinators, the PA announcers, the sellers of the raffle tickets and collectors, the caterers who provided the meals at the end of the afternoon for the players and mentors, the volunteers that served tea/coffee and food right throughout the day, the Club’s bar staff, those who helped out with the cleaning during and after the event and everyone else who helped make the day such a fantastic event.
Many thanks also to the sponsors of the Tournament, Maples, Koba, Corry Estates, Kelly Estate Agents and Valuers, AIB< AFEX and DIAS and to the visiting Club’s and businesses that provided prizes for the charity raffle that was held on the night of the event.
Thanks also to those who bought raffle tickets and those who took part in the Sweep that raised much needed funds for LauraLynn Children’s Hospice and the Jack O’Donnell Foundation in aid of Crumlin Children’s Hospital.
The Tournament was a great success and was a great way to remember a fantastic young man who played with the Club from when he first got involved with the Club’s Under 13 football team right up to senior level just a few short years ago.
Michael Hannon – Chairman
