17 teams from Down, Armagh and Tyrone competed in the 49th running of the Gary Murray Tournament on Saturday 17th May in the sweltering heat and wall-to-wall sunshine in Pairc Chluain Daimh.
2 groups of 6 and 1 of 5 (the 6th team didn’t make it) played in their groups to determine which of the knockout competitions – Cup, Shield, Plate – they would enter for the knock-out stages – top 2 in each would would compete for the Cup, middle 2 for the Shield and the bottom 2 for the Plate.
It all ran like clockwork and the three finals were played simultaneously on time! Bryansford GAC narrowly defeated Mayobridge GAC in the Cup Final: Killeavy GAA got the better of Saval Gaelic Athletic Club in the Shield Final, whist Burren GAA overcame @Fr Rocks, Cookstown in the Plate final.
On behalf of the Murray Family Cathal (jnr) addressed the crowd thanking them for their support and faithfulness to the tournament over the past 49 years; he thanked Clonduff Club, particularly Damian and Mark for facilitating the tournament and organising it; those who provided and served the teas for mentors and officials, the staff in Siopa and Chlub and in the Burger Bar. to the six referees – Kevin, Willie, Francis, Conor, Cian and Callum – all the boys and girls who acted as umpires and runners and those who helped in any way.
Various members of the Murray family presented the various trophies and medals to the final six teams, with Cathal (snr) presenting the Lily Murray Cup for Player of the Tournament to Ollie Brannigan, Bryansford. Cathal (jnr) concluded the proceedings by recognising the contribution of the referees with a small presentation.
The Murray Family in attendance – Perpetua, Cathal (jnr), Cathal (snr), Damian, Katie
#dúchasagusdáimh
