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 6th. and Thursday 7th. of July.
The event was a great success, with 10 teams and around 80 players taking part. This year there were three boys’ categories: Primary School, U-15s and U-18s.
The primary school competition had four teams taking part. It was run in one group with each team playing each other and the top two teams through to the final on the Wednesday night.
In the end it came down to a final between Currow FC and The Nasty’s from Castleisland. The final was a thrilling encounter with Currow FC winning on a score line of 2-0.
Currow FC Delighted
The Currow FC camp was delighted to win the trophy and victory brought huge celebrations. Thursday night saw the U-15 and U-18 teams take to the pitch. Three teams battled it out in the U-15s event.
The final was between Jacks FC from Firies and Matches Army from Castleisland. After a brave fight from Jacks FC, Matches Army was just too strong in the end and emerged victorious on a score line of 1-0.
There were three teams in the U-18s competition. Again all teams played each other with top two teams in final. The final was a great game and at full time it was all square.
This lead to a thrilling penalty shoot-out and sudden death. The match was played out in a great spirit and in the end Finbarr’s Minions were victorious beating Brick FC.
Awards Handed Out
In each competition, there were also awards handed out to individuals for Player of the Tournament. In the primary game, Liam O Sullivan from Currow FC received the award. In the U-15 category Adam O’Donoghue from Matches Army received the award.
Jamie Heffernan from Finbarr’s Minions received the award for the U-18 category.
Garda Aidan O’Mahony presented the medals to the finalists on the night. Once again Sgt. John O’Mahony alongside Helena Falvey, Youth Justice Worker, KDYS, coordinated the competition.
Words of Thanks
“This event has been held every summer since 2003 and has gone from strength to strength and being enjoyed by participants and spectators alike,” said Helena Falvey.
“However,’ she continued: “the event depends on the support and help of many local volunteers. “The KDYS and Castleisland Garda Siochána would like to take this opportunity to thank the following people: Vincent Murphy Sports, who provided medals and engraving; Tom Stewart of EBS for sponsorship of medals and plaques; Georgie O’Callaghan for preparing the soccer pitch; Dan Maunsell who refereed the games and Garda Aidan O’Mahony for presenting medals to the finalists.
“Thanks also to all the team organisers, players and everyone else who supported the event. We look forward to seeing you again next year,” Helena concluded.
