After months of planning and hard work by the committee, Saturday May 31st saw 12 teams from the island of Ireland and the UK togged out raring to go in the beautiful sunshine of Russell Park.
A festival of football got underway at 11am as teams competed for the Herbie Hughes Cup & the Tom Quinn Shield.
The Quinn Family with the Tom Quinn Shield
St. Brigid’s of Belfast began the day against one of the host teams from St. Brigid’s of Dublin with the hosts narrowly prevailing their brethren from Belfast. It began in great spirits and finished in the same manner only with more tired limbs.
After some cracking football matches, 36 in total, the mighty men from St Jude’s came out as victors of the Herbie Hughes Cup beating Na Fianna (who had two Brigid’s coaches playing, John O Neill and Richie Kinsella!!) in a hard fought final.
St. Jude’s & Na Fianna
Dunboyne edged out Castleknock to win the Tom Quinn Shield to give Meath a second win over the Dubs this season.
John Quinn with Tom Quinn Shield Winners Dunboyne
Everyone retired to the clubhouse for some well earned refreshments from Timmy and his crew who worked tirelessly throughout the day and night and from Noel Clarke who as always gave a great dinner to all in attendance.
Friendships were made and all rivalries were put aside to enjoy a game we all love and showed that age is only a number.
Thanks to all the sponsors, volunteers and referees on the day who made this happen. We raised a few bob for a great cause too in St Francis Hospice. Thanks also to the juvenile boys and girls who helped by doing ball boys/girls and umpires for the games.
A very special thanks to Yvonne, Nancy, Niamh, Grainne, Thelma, Donal, Glen, Declan and the lads from St. Brigid’s GA GA Men’s Shed who kept everything moving all day long.
To all the teams that travelled from near and far to play:
St. Brigid’s - Belfast
St. Jude’s
Na Fianna
Naas
Castleknock
Dunboyne
St. Finian’s (Swords)
St. Brigid’s
John Mitchell’s GAA - Liverpool
and
Oliver Plunkett’s Eoghan Ruadh.
We must give a special mention to John Mitchell’s GAA Club who made the journey all the way from Liverpool but were narrowly beaten by St Jude’s (on penalties) in the semi-finals - thank you to all teams who joined us for a magnificent day, without you this tournament would not have been a success.
📸 Thank you to Barry Clavin for the extensive photography across the day.
