Clonduff Park was bathed in sunshine on Saturday morning when 140 children aged under six years old from six different clubs – Clonduff (3 teams), Warrenpoint (2 teams), Burren (3 teams), Mayobridge (2 teams), Rostrevor and Glenn (one team each) – descended upon it to participate in the inaugural Ella Trainor Memorial Blitz. The festival of football got under way with a balloon release followed by Ella’s big sister Aoife singing The National Anthem. Six simultaneous 10-min games were played with the winning team moving in a clockwise direction around the mini pitches. The games were refereed by six U14 young girls with six guest referees from Warrenpoint taking charge of one of the games. This was not about winners – it was about children playing football and enjoying it and this they certainly did!
Following the games, each child and the twelve referees was presented with a specially commissioned medal. There were speeches to be made and photos to be taken before everyone present was treated to lunch.
Many thanks to Martin, Susan and Aoife Trainor; the children and their mentors who attended; the organisers and match officials; Congress Print, Newry for the commemorative programme; parents of our own U6s for the sandwiches and to those who donated the hot food; Goretta and Noleen in the shop and anyone who helped in any way. It was a wonderful tribute to a fabulous little girl!
