Clonduff Park was bathed in glorious sunshine for the 43rd running of the Gary Murray U12 Memorial Tournament. There was a guest appearance from the ‘Down Rose’ – our PRO Ciara Kelly who assisted with the registrations and early administration.
Twelve teams from Down, Armagh and Tyrone participated in this magnificent spectacle of skill and determination. Following the group stages Kilcoo and Clonduff Gaels faced each other in the first Cup Semi Final and after extra time the home side progressed to the final where they took on Ballyholland in the Final. The Shield and Plate Semi Finals took place at the same time with Clonduff Ógs overcoming Atticall setting up a final with Lurgan side Clann Eireann in the final who had defeated Burren; in the Plate semis Newry Shamrocks defeated Longstone and Cumann Pheadar Naofa (Warrenpoint) defeated Tyrone side Moy.
The finals were all very close affairs – Shamrocks defeated Warrenpoint by one point to lift the Plate; Clonduff Ógs narrowly led most of the game before Clann Eireann levelled and got the all important final score to lift the Shield. In the Cup Final Balyholland defeated Clonduff Gaels by two points to clinch the title. At the presentations Cathal Murray congratulated all the mentors on the standard of football played and thanked all who had participated and those involved in the organising. Presentations were made to the referees – Michael O’Rourke, Mark Turley and Mark Doyle; Paul Faloon officiated in the group games.
Following the presentations – all finalists received specially commissioned medals – the Lily Murray Cup was presented to the ‘Player of the Tournament’ Clonduff Gaels Goalkeeper Brian McGreevy.
Clonduff Club sincerely thanks the Down Rose, Ciara Kelly for taking time out of her busy schedule, our senior players, Young Volunteers, Goretta, Noleen and Shane in the Shop, Geraldine in the Burger Bar, the parents who provided the sandwiches and helped serve the lunch and ‘The Man Above’ for the weather – all of which contributed to the fabulous atmosphere and the smooth running of the event – one of a number taking place at Clonduff Club on the day!
