Sunday 12th July in Clonduff GAA Club began with the now traditional ‘Big Breakfast’ when locals and visitors to the area take the opportunity to give themselves a ‘holiday’ from their own kitchens and avail of the hospitality available in Clonduff Club.
The weather remained favourable throughout the day for the fun and frolics in Clonduff Park with club PRO Francis Quinn compeering the day’s activities.
Four regional parish teams contested the ‘Parish Knockout’ by fair means or foul over the course of eight adult and five juvenile games. The teams taking part were: Kilkeel Road and Out There, Yellow Road and Friends, Aonach Court and Guests and Ballygorian Road. The Yellow Road and Friends, captained by Marie Kelly proved too good for the rest and collected the new trophy. Marie’s team mates were: El Fegan, Paula Cairns, Carrie Smith, Paul McCusker, Mark Bradley, JJ Fallon, Karl O’Hagan, Ellen Kelly, Charlie Kerr, Sophie Hannaway and Eamon Brown.
It was then the turn of the ‘Bubble Football’ making its debut in Clonduff Park. Six male and two female teams were brave enough to have a go in this hilarious game. Cabra Harps, Cantona’s Army, Dark Knights, Real Malids, The Eggs and Dodge Ball went into a knockout competition with Real Malids and Cantona’s Army contesting the final. Cantona’s Army took an early lead and led 1-0 at the change over but the Real Malids hit two in the second half to take the title. The winning team was Liam McGreevy, Paudie Brown, Niall Brown, Stephen McConville and Kevin Smith.
The day’s events concluded with the Tug O’ War with Doran’s, Lowry’s and Minnie Doyle’s contesting the Golden Boot which was won by Doran’s. Then there was the novelty of two U14 boys’ teams ‘taking the strain’ and despite some of them having difficulty getting their hands around the rope they put on a great display with honours even.
A big thank you to all those involved in the day – cooks, waiters/waitresses, dishwashers, organisers, stewards, cleaners, shop keepers and those who supplied materials/equipment for the games. Massive thanks to the diners and games participants without whom the day could not have happened. Roll on next year!
