The Kerry Diocesan Youth Service (KDYS) in partnership with the Castleisland Garda Siochana ran their annual soccer tournament at Castleisland Soccer Field, Limerick Road on Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd July.
Report by Helena Falvey, KDYS
The event was a great success, with 10 teams and around 90 players taking part. This year there were three boys’ categories: Primary School section, under 15’s and under 18’s competition. The primary school competition had 4 teams taking part. It was run in one group with each team playing each other and top two teams through to the final on the Thursday night.
In the end it came down to a final between Bubbles FC from Currow and Messi’s Minions, Farranfore/Firies. The final was a thrilling match with Messi’s Minion’s winning on a score line of 5-0. The Messi’s Minions were delighted to win the trophy for the second time in three years and victory brought huge celebrations.
Two teams battled it out in the under 15’s event. The final was between Rocky Mountains and Chicks Minions and after a brave fight from Rocky Mountains, Chicks Minions were just too strong in the end and emerged victorious on a score line of 3-1. There were 4 teams in the under 18’s competition.
Again all teams played each other with top two teams in final. The final was a great game of soccer which was played out in a great spirit and in the end Track Life was edged out by King B’s on a score line of 2-0. In each competition, there were also awards handed out to individuals for Player of the Tournament. In the Primary game, Dylan Callaghan from Messi’s Minion’s received the award.
In the U15’S category Josh Horan from Chicks Minion’s received the award. John McMahon from The King B’S received the award for the U18’S category. This event has been held every summer since 2003 and has gone from strength to strength, being enjoyed by participants and spectators alike.
Once again Sgt. John O’Mahony, alongside the KDYS, coordinated the competition. However, the event depends on the support and help of many local volunteers. The KDYS and Castleisland Garda Siochana would like to take this opportunity to thank the following people: Vincent Murphy Sports, who provided medals and engraving; Tom Stuart of EBS for sponsorship of medals and plaques; Georgie O’Callaghan for preparing the soccer pitch and to Dan Maunsell who refereed the games. Thanks also to all the team organisers, players and everyone else who supported the event. We look forward to seeing you again next year!
