On Saturday morning last the sun shone brightly on Cherryfield and our 2nd Ladies Football 7 aside tournament got under way. From early morning a team of galant men were busy putting up goal post, nets and assembling a marquee. A total of 26 teams took part on the day long event which kicked off at 10.30 with military precision. Teams named after every county in the Country (except Dublin) took their position on all three Cherryfield pitches. A competitive skills competition coordinated by Dave McMylyer ran alongside the matches . A full team of managers drafted in for the tournament worked hard with their teams throughout the day. Eugene Gargan did a super job on the P.A. system keeping everybody well informed and making sure everything ran on time. Thanks to Nuala Dundon who among other duties kept the scoreboard updated all day. Thanks to Carmel Wright, Karen Gray and Noreen Flanagan who looked after all the First Aid requirements throughout the day and indeed they were kept busy. A rota of traffic wardens ensured that the pedestrian crossing was manned and nobody was in danger crossing that busy road. Meanwhile across the road the waft of Dave Mellons Barbeque drew the hungry contestants over for Dave’s signature Burgers. Well done to Dave and his assistants Linda McCullagh, Sue Dalton, Eddie O’Brien, Martin McGrath and Claire Flynn who made sure everyone was well catered for.. Thanks to Mary, Jackie and Kathleen who continued serving their famous Tea and scones well into late afternoon. This was a welcome treat for the parents and spectators who needed a break from the side-lines. Gabby Harding and Liam Cunningham had their Camera Lens in action to capture the day long activites. These photographs are now up on Bodens Facebook page and are all the photos can be downloaded from the following flicker account : https://www.flickr.com/photos/123960752@N04/sets/ Well done lads.
. As the semifinal games concluded all the teams lined out to form a guard of honour for the 2004 All Ireland winning team . The Legends team were applauded and welcomed onto the pitch by all present and they duly played out their 7 aside match. It was a great to welcome girls like Martina Farrelly, Karen Hopkins, Noelle Comyn, Sorcha Timmon, and Louise Kelly back on the playing turf of Ballyboden. Some of the players brought along their now biggest fans to see their mums tog out for the first time. Baby Oisin O’Regan made his debut on the sideline as a supporter for the game. Afterwards Legends team captain Karen Hopkins was again presented with the real All Ireland winning Club Cup which was on loan for the day. The event rounded of with the presentations and the medals and Trophies were presented by Karen and Aisling Farrelly Congratulations to the following girls who received awards on the day.
Winner of Skill Competition : Under 11 Megan O’Brien, Under 12 Orla Hannon, Under 13 Emma O’Riordan, Under 14 Bronagh Lynn, Under 16 Hannah Hyland.
Player of the Tournament : Under 11 Hannah Byrne, Under 12 Ciara Lynch, Under 13 Olivia Meagher, Under 14 Eva Cunningham, Under 16 Amy Cunningham.
A Tribute to Our Sponsors:
The Ladies Football Committee would like to thank Ken O’Toole Store Manager, Super Valu , Knocklyon and Denis Daly, Rathfarnham Dental Practice for coming on board as our Sponsors on the day. I should also mention again Boden Drama Group who also supported us with their production of Siapan Summer a few weeks ago. All this support contributed to last Saturday’s tournament been a great success.