The 19th annual Kerry Diocesan Youth Service (KDYS) in partnership with Castleisland Garda Siochana ran their annual soccer tournament at the newly opened Georgie O’Callaghan Park.
The event was a great success, with 11 teams and around 90 players taking part. This year there were three categories: primary schools; U-15s and U-18s competition.
The primary school competition had five teams taking part.
The Schmucks V George’s Mafia
All teams played each other with the top two teams going through to the final. In the end it came down to a final between ‘The Schmucks’ and ‘George’s Mafia’ and the final was a thrilling affair with penalties to decide the winner after extra time.
The Shmucks won on a score line of 4-3. They were delighted to win the trophy and victory brought huge celebrations.
This was the first year where mixed teams played in the primary event and the organisers welcomed the many girls now taking part.
Georgie’s Cup Goes to Currow
Two teams battled it out in the U-15 event. Two games were played between the Currow & C team and Townies FC.
In the end the Georgie O’Callaghan cup went to ‘Currow & C’ for a second year running on a scoreline of 3-1.
There were four teams in the U- 18 competition. Again, all teams played each other with top two teamsgoing on to the final.
The final was a great game of soccer and the match was played out in a great spirit and in the end ‘Surely FC’ were victorious beating ‘Fake Taxi FC’ on a score line of 2-0.
Awards Handed Out
In each of the competitions there were also awards handed out to individuals for Player of the Tournament.
In the primary game, Leah McMahon from ‘George’s Mafia’ received the award. In the U-15 category, Freddie Galwey from ‘Currow & C’ received the award. Pauric O’Connor from ‘Surely FC’ received the award for the U-18 category.
This event has been held every summer since 2004 and has gone from strength to strength. It’s enjoyed by participants and spectators alike.
Helena and Garda Niamh
The event was organised by Helena Falvey, Youth Justice Worker, KDYS, alongside Garda Niamh Corkery.
However, the event depends on the support and help of many local volunteers. The KDYS and Castleisland Garda Siochana thanked all who supported the event again this year.
Thanks to Event Supporters
hey mentioned, in particular: Tom Stewart of Stuart & Company Auctioneers and Valuers
for sponsorship of medals and plaques; Castleialand AFC for use of the newly opened Georgie O’ Callaghan Park; Jimmy O’Connor and Dan Maunsell who did an outstanding refereeing job;
Vincent Murphy Sports, who provided medals and engraving; Katelyn Prendergast who is on work experience with KDYS who helped out on the night and the KDYS staff and An Garda Siochana for their involvement on the night.
They also thank all the team organisers and players who supported the event and look forward to doing it all again next year.
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