Glorious sunshine bathed down on the 21 teams from a host of primary schools from South Down who took part in the 24th year of the Connor McConville tournament in Hilltown on Wednesday 6th June.
The young players enjoyed a feast of Gaelic Football played to a very high standard. The day was further enhanced with the both past and present Down players including current Captain Niall McParland, Kevin McKernan, Ambrose Rogers, Benny Coulter and Conor Laverty.
The competition was played in three sections and eight teams progressed to the quarter finals. In the semi-finals Carrick overcame Mayobridge, while Kilcoo defeated Annaclone. In what was an exciting final played to a very high standard Kilcoo came out on top and were very worthy winners.
Jimmie Cousins thanked the Principal and staff of St Patrick’s Primary School, especially Maeve McNeill, Plunkett McConville and Se Flanagan for their support in hosting the tournament. Jimmie also remembered Sean Cairns who had worked tirelessly over the years at Connors tournament and he is sadly missed by everyone.
Before the presentations Una Lawless principal of St Patrick’s PS thanked the McConville family for their continued support for the tournament in this its 24th year. She also thanked her staff for their help and all the local primary schools for their participation in what has become a very important competition in the school year.
Roisin McConville made presentations to the tournament referee’s Cillian Cromwell, Charlie Carr, Ambrose Rogers and Benny Coulter. Roisin presented the runner-up trophies to Carrick PS Burren, and then presented the Connor McConville Cup and trophies to the winning Kilcoo captain Ruairi Madine and his team mates.
