National Féile Peil Finals in Derry
Our U14 footballers participated in the National Féile Peil Finals Derry at the weekend. Ballyboden St Enda’s were hosted by Padraig Pearse GAC Kilrea who are located in south Derry (Martin O’Neill, former Northern Ireland player and manager of Celtic, Aston Villa and Sunderland played underage football with Kilrea). The Féile parade on the Friday evening was a very enjoyable occasion with the participating teams parading through the streets of Derry starting from Celtic Park and ending at the University of Ulster (Magee).
Ballyboden’s opponents in the group stage were Kilrea, Eoghan Rua Coleraine and Dromore GFC (Co Tyrone Feile champions). Ballyboden St Enda’s won their group and proceeded to the semi-final stage where they were beaten by a very good Claregalway side who in turn went on to win the Féile beating the Derry champions, Bellaghy, in the final.
The Féile weekend was a truly remarkable experience. Ballyboden St Enda’s sincerely acknowledge the fantastic generosity of our hosts, Kilrea – they made Feile a fantastic occasion for both the players & their families. The club wish to also acknowledge the great work of the team mentors, Kevin Walsh, Paddy Patten, Joey Marrinan, Vivian Ruddy and Tony Wallace in preparing our team for Féile Peil Finals. The players are also to be commended for their huge efforts on the field of play. A special thanks also to those who travelled to support the team.
And for many of the players they must switch codes and do it all again at the All Ireland Féile na nGael in Limerick this coming weekend.