The Kerry Diocesan Youth Service (KDYS) in partnership with the Castleisland Garda Siochána ran their rescheduled, annual soccer tournament recently at Castleisland’s AFC Georgie O’Callaghan Memorial Park Pitch, Castleisland.
“The event was a great success, with 13 teams and approximately 100 players taking part and even the weather was in our favour,” said event spokesperson Garda Niamh Corkery.
This year there were three categories: a primary school section involving fourth, fifth and sixth classes along with competitions for U-15s and U-18s.
The primary school competition had six teams taking part. They were put into two groups with top two teams in each group getting into the semi-finals.
Competitive Finals
In the end it came down to a final between Knockaderry and Real So Bad. The final was a competitive match with Knockaderry winning on a score line of 2- 0.
The team members and managers were delighted to win the trophy and victory brought huge celebrations.
Four teams contested the U-15 category and it boiled down to a nail-biting, penalty shoot-out final between Kick to Glory and Jamsies All Stars.
Kick to Glory emerged the victorious team on a score line of 4-3 and they were presented with the Georgie O’Callaghan Memorial Cup.
Played in Great Spirit
There were three teams in the U-18 competition. All teams played each other with the top two teams Pawts Caf and Aidan Joy’s Mafia in the final – which turned out to be a great game of soccer, played out in a great spirit. In the end Pawts Caf were victorious beating Aidan Joy’s Mafia on a score line of 1-0.
In each competition, there were also awards handed out to individuals for Most Valuable Player of the Tournament.
In the Primary game, Oige O’Leary-Griffin from the Knockaderry team received the award. In the U15s category Rory O’Connor from Kick to Glory was presented with the award.
Calvin Jokif from Aidan Joys Mafia received the U-18s category award.
The event was organised by Chris Brosnan, Youth Justice Worker, KDYS, alongside Garda Niamh Corkery, Castleisland Garda Station.
Help of Local Volunteers
However, 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 for their help and support with the staging of the event: Stuart Auctioneers for sponsorship of medals and plaques and special thanks to Laura Stuart for presenting them.
Castleisland AFC for for the use of Georgie O’Callaghan Memorial Pitch and a very special mention to the late Georgie’s twin brother, James O’Callaghan for helping on the night – as always, he went above and beyond,” said Garda Corkery.
Outstanding Refs Gavin and Cian
“To Gavin O’Connor and Cian Ring who did an outstanding job of refereeing the games.
“To Vincent Murphy Sports for providing, engraving and sponsorship of the U-15 Georgie O’ Callaghan Cup.
Lidl Castleisland who sponsored water. KDYS staff and An Garda Siochána for their help on the night and a special thanks to local press members for their coverage of the event.
“Thanks also to all the team organisers, players, parents and everyone else who supported the event. “We look forward to seeing you again next year,” Garda Corkery concluded.
The KEY Service is funded by the Ireland EU Structural and Investment fund and the European Social Fund through the Irish Youth Justice Service.
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