Despite the winter-type weather on Saturday 6th June, the Brian McGreevy Memorial Tournament was yet again an outstanding success. The twenty-three teams provided a magnificent spectrum of colour against the spectacular backdrop of the “Dark Mournes”. The rain was so heavy at one stage that play were temporarily suspended. Despite that however, it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the participants who came from Counties Derry, Armagh, Louth, Meath, Dublin and Down. Each team got five group games after which the teams were graded for the knockout stages. The two top teams in each group went into the Cup Competition; the middle two went into the Shield Competition and all the rest went into the Plate Competition – it was at this stage that the youngsters were matched with other teams of like ability. At the end of the day the silverware went to three Armagh teams – Clann Eireann, Lurgan collected the Cup defeating Ballyholland in the final; Shane O’Neill’s defeated Rostrevor in the Shield Final and Carrickcruppin beat Ballyholland in the Plate final, but all those who took part were winners on the day.
Many thanks to the teams and their mentors who took part; those who took charge of games, acted as runners, score-keepers; the parents who provided the sandwiches for lunches and helped serve and clean up after; the shop keepers, burger stall staff, the McGreevy Family, the organisers and administrators – a special word of thanks to the two young Minor Footballers who took over the role of administrator – you did a great job boys!
