INAUGURAL KERNAN CUP A HUGE SUCCESS
Swilly Park was truly alive last weekend as the Kernan Cup was played out over Saturday and Sunday.
Large crowds were entertained by the next generation of soccer stars from Ramelton, Inishowen, Derry and Dublin, and well fed and watered too, compliments of the host Club.
The action got under way with an under strength Swilly Rovers losing out to Maiden City.
The Maiden City (Derry) Academy
Then the Shelbourne starlets got their engines going with an impressive win against a well organised Inishowen side.
Shelbourne proceeded to dispose of the Maiden lads to almost guarantee topping the table. Swilly found the going tough throughout against Academy and select sides, but the boys can be proud of their efforts over the weekend and hopefully the lessons on view will be learned in the coming season.
The business end of the Tournament saw Maiden City beat Swilly on penalties to finish 3rd and then Inishowen faced up to the mighty Shels in the final.
It was nip and tuck for the opening period, but once the Dublin side went ahead on 15 minutes, it was nearly all one way traffic from then on.
The Swilly Rovers Squad.
But Inishowen never gave up and bagged a couple of good goals themselves for their efforts, but it was Shelboune’s weekend and Coach Joe Mc Bride, a former Letterkenny Youth star, was delighted with his side’s superb display of passing and finishing throughout the games.
Kernan’s Ramelton store manager, Pauric Mc Garvey made the presentations afterwards, and Donegal Mayor Ian Mc Garvey presented the Player of the Tournament award to Shels flying left winger, and top goalscorer, Dara Burns.
So a great weekend all round, with the players finishing up with a tasty bite provided by Steve’s Cafe.
The Shelbourne FC squad.
The organisers would like to thank everyone for their help over the weekend, especially Kernan’s Spar Ramelton for their support, referees Marty Mc Groarty, James Malseed and Toal Mc Cafferty for officiating, Paul Callan and his fellow ground staff for having the place in great shape, the Tea ladies for their hard work, Steve’s Cafe for the hot food and the Swilly parents for the lovely Sandwiches and Buns.
The Dubs never tasted home cooking like it!!
Hopefully more events like this will come to the excellent Swilly facilities in the future as we strive to nurture and develop our young soccer stars.
Check out www.swillyrovers.ie for loads of photos of the action at Swilly Park.
The Inishowen Squad.
The Shelbourne side celebrating their success.
All the teams that took part in the competition in Ramelton.
Mayor Ian McGarvey with player of the tournament Dara Burns from Shelbourne.