Yet another memorable trip to Ardara

Some set out early Friday, some set out late, with the G8 summit in Loch Erne there was only 2 routes to go by and both were well used. Almost 100 players, coaches, parents (and grandparents) and siblings landed in the Nesbitt Arms on the Friday night and while we didn’t get everyone to bed that early we awoke on Saturday morning to the promise of a great days football ahead.

The Mick Herron Tournament has been a highlight for Syls U12 players for many a year and this year was no different. With a lot of players travelling and a couple of opposition teams pulling out, we entered 3 teams so that everyone would get maximum pitch time. While this meant that everyone played almost every minute of every game it also turned out to be our downfall as players ran out of steam late on the Saturday afternoon.

The Ardara is not all about football but football is a big part and while the A team were beaten after extra time in their final by a very good Oranmore side they had very good wins over Naomh Conaill and Gweedore.

The B team enjoyed a big win over the host club but were undone by Oranmore despite leading well at half time. The C team had 2 rip roaring wins over Buncrana and Naomh Conaill to set up a decider with Oranmore B. Unfortunately the strong wind which picked up in the second half compounded tired legs (we had no subs) and we were pipped late on. Despite that Scott Kane picked up the player of the tournament trophy.

Straight after it was back to the hotel for showers and then off to the Café for a meal courtesy of the host club. If the talent on the pitch was impressive it was nothing to that shown in the ballroom where a special edition of Malahide Has Talent was run while the parents enjoyed their meal. With the judges having done a runner to the Corner Bar the result was deemed a tie and a search party was sent out to obtain the prize!

Later that evening Ardara ran a quiz for the players with 2 Ardara players teaming up with 2 of our own, it was a great success especially as we all learned to say ‘No Bother’! Thanks to John McConnell, James McHugh and the rest of the Ardara club for their hospitality, they were as usual brilliant hosts and we invited them down in August for the All Ireland semi-finals, hopefully not against the Dubs.

After a long day many went to bed at a reasonable hour but there was still some who kept the sing song going until late in to the night (or early in to the morning!!). Sunday morning started early and after breakfast we hit the beach at Portnoo for the annual Lads v. Dads soccer match. Many availed of the beautiful weather to enjoy a swim and ease their aches and strains but before long it was time to bid a fond goodbye to the beautiful Donegal.

Thanks to all who supported the trip, helped with fundraising and sponsorship and those who joined us. Jonah Shinbach and Sharon Stone have uploaded a load of photos to Flickr……