Saturday 9th June was the first dry day since the previous Monday and it was fitting weather for the staging of the eighth Annual Brian McGreevy Memorial U8 Football tournament when 27 teams of youngsters, their mentors and families converged on Pairc Chluain Daimh. There were teams from Down, Armagh Tyrone and Louth and what a feast of football was served up. Initially the teams played ’round robin’ games in four groups – the top two in each group progressed to the Cup Quarter Finals; the middle two to the Shield Quarter Finals and bottom two in each group to the Shield Quarter Finals. A new group was added in 2012 to accommodate those clubs who sent along a second team – it was all about youngsters getting football! The B Competition was the first to be decided and final was a close run thing between Clann Eireann 2 and Burren 2 with the Lurgan side emerging winners by the narrowest of margins. The other three final were run off simultaneously with Burren 1 retaining their title defeating Clonduff 1; the Shield final was won by Warrenpoint 1 who defeated Moy (Tyrone) and the Plate final went to extra time with Drumgath emerging winners by a single point over Dundrum.
Caroline Carvill (nee McGreevy) made the presentations and spoke on behalf of the family thanking those who had taken part, organised or helped in any way.
Clonduff GAA Club would like to thank very sincerely the McGreevy family and the army of volunteers who were involved on the day – parking cars, making teas, burgers, served in the shop, those who acted as referees (Shane, Mark, Stephen, Sarah, Paula, Ben, Rory, Ciarán, Eddie, Paddy), runners, pitch co-ordinators, administrators and parents who made sandwiches or helped in any way. A special word of thanks to the U16 and U14 players whose assistance was invaluable on the day. Well done to all concerned!
