Over 100 Players Involved in KDYS /Garda League

The Kerry Diocesan Youth Service (KDYS) in partnership with the Castleisland Garda Siochana ran their annual soccer tournament at Castleisland AFC Grounds at Limerick Road on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

By: Helena Falvey, KDYS

The event was a great success, with 12 teams and around 110 players taking part. This year there were three categories: Primary School, U-15 and U-18 competitions.

The primary school competition had six teams taking part. It was run in two groups with each team playing each other and the top team going through to the final on the Wednesday night.

In the end it came down to a final between Currow FC and Castleisland’s Finest. The final was a thrilling match with Currow FC winning on a score line of 2-1.

Currow FC was delighted to win the trophy for the second year running and victory brought huge celebrations.

Dream Team V United FC

Thursday night saw the U-15 and U18 teams take to the pitch.Two teams battled it out in the U-15 event. The final was between the Dream Team and United FC with both teams from Castleisland.

The game ended 1-1, with an exciting penalty shoot out which went to sudden death and the Dream Team being victorious. There were four teams in the U-18 competition. Again all teams played each other with top two teams in the final.

The final was a great game of soccer and at full time was a draw, which lead to a thrilling penalty shoot-out also.

The match was played out in a great spirit and in the end ‘You’re Actually Fine Like’ were victorious in beating Camp United.

Shane Coffey – Player of the Tournament

In each competition, there were also awards handed out to individuals for Player of the Tournament. In the Primary game, Shane Coffey from ‘Castleisland Finest’ received the award.

In the U-15 category Jason Brennan from Dream Team received the award. Eamon Nolan from ‘Camp United’ received the award for the U-18 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 Helena Falvey, Youth Justice Worker, KDYS, coordinated the competition.

People to Thank

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 Stewart of EBS for sponsorship of medals and plaques; George O’Callaghan for preparing the soccer pitch; Jim O’Connor, Ethan Brosnan, Lee O’Connor, Jamie Heffernan, and Danny Costello who refereed the games. Garda Niamh Corkery, Garda Declan Hallett, Daniel Murphy and Chris Brosnan (KDYS) who helped on both nights.

Thanks also to all the team organisers, players and everyone else who supported the event. We look forward to seeing you again next year!

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