Harlequins was the perfect setting for Naomh Brid’s inaugural under10s football tournament last Sunday, when over 300 children entertained the large attendance with their boundless energy and enthusiasm, and at times breathtaking skill. The beautiful autumnal weather was complemented by a riot of colour from the 16 participating clubs descending from Antrim, Down, Derry and Armagh.
Four pitches were in constant use throughout a busy morning as the groups stages got under way. Group 1 included Bredagh, St Gall’s, Glenavy and All Saints Ballymena. Group 2 was made up of O’Donovan Rossa Magherafelt, St Brigid’s Tigers, Clan na Gael and St Pat’s Lisburn. Group 3 comprised St Paul’s Holywood, Sarsfields, St Canice’s Dungiven and St Brigid’s Sharks. The final quartet was Creggan Kickhams, St Paul’s Belfast, St James’ Aldergrove and Bredagh IIs. The proud parents and supporters were well fortified throughout the morning with a steady supply of tea and sandwiches from a small army of volunteers in the kitchen. After six rounds of matches in each group the children and officials were more than ready for the welcome hot dogs and burgers by the time lunchtime flew round.
The mathematicians scribbled furiously to translate the novel scoring system (two points for an over the bar and one for an under) into final group placings, which determined the make-up of the cup and shield competitions. It was quickly back to work for the boys, girls and referees as the hooter signalled the start of the first round of quarter finals. Agonizingly for the host Tigers team they conceded a last second point to go out by a 45 to Creggan. However, the young Sharks raised a few eyebrows proceeding to a shield semi-final with neighbours Bredagh IIs. Meanwhile Bredagh’s first team edged past a well drilled young Magherafelt outfit in the cup.
The threatening grey skies gave way to blue and the afternoon was bathed in warm sunshine as both competitions got down to the serious business. First up were the shield semis and Bredagh IIs proved a bridge too far for the brave young Tigers as they claimed a final spot against a fancied St Gall’s. Bredagh were denied a second final place by a well drilled Clan Na Gael side who were flying the flag for Armagh. They would go on to meet the strongly fancied north Derry boys from Dungiven, who had impressed throughout the day.
In the curtain raiser shield final St Gall’s eventually broke down the resistance of the yound Bredagh side as the breeze stiffened in their favour in the second period. The cup final allowed two excellent teams to showcase their talents, but it was the superior technique and all round play of Dungiven that deservedly took the cup over the Glenshane Pass – to the delight of a very partisan Joe Brolly.
This was a superbly organised tournament which has received excellent feedback already, so full credit to those involved in the planning and all who helped out on the day. This will now be a standing fixture in the Naomh Brid calendar with next year’s event promised to be even bigger. That’s welcome news for those clubs already queuing for a place.
A photo montage covering the day’s events can be viewed from the following link:
https://www.stbrigidsgac.com/gallery/album.asp?ID=116
