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ARDARA June 14th 2014

The U12’s returned from Ardara in Donegal last Sunday after another very successful weekend. Ardara CLG as usual hosted a fantastic day of football with 10 teams from 6 clubs involved and over 4 hours of football played on a very warm day. The A team after defeating Naomh Chonaill in a very competitive opening game, were then narrowly beaten by a strong Bellagy side that went on to win the tournament.

There was nothing in this game and our lads were very unlucky not to progress to the final. Syls went on to beat Ardara in a Shield final so a good days work for all involved. Alex Smith, captain for the day led from the front and his team did not let him down. The quality of scores, support play and running were very impressive. Too many strong performances to name names but this team has a very promising future ahead.

The B team led by Luke Burke overcame Ardara and Naomh Chonaill in the group stages with the latter game in particular having a second half performance to grace any pitch. In the final Syls came up against our neighbours St Pats of Donabate and in a cracking game (with the Syls defence showing how to stop everything that came their way) Syls edged it in the second half to run out worthy winners. A special mention for Alex Devitt who came away with the ‘player of the B tournament’ award.

With 30 of our players involved, the travelling support (the Mamas and the Papas) also did Malahide proud with a steady roar from the line all the way through the tournament. In fact during the Bellaghy game and the B final their knowledgeable views and opinions could be heard up in Malin head!

A special word of thanks to John McConnell and all the team in Ardara CLG who run this tournament so well every year. The organisation and food provided on the day was superb (and just doesn’t run out). The evening events organised for the kids by John are also hugely appreciated. The kids all agreed it was one of the best experiences they have had in sport and they have certainly returned more of a team.

It was also a great social event with Ardara experiencing a financial boost as the parents and kids got to know each other in several hostelries and the sweet shop respectively. Two great nights had by all! Whatcha McCollums chip van also showed the power of a good location-that was a shocking number of bags of chips that were consumed.

A great weekend and an event Syls must continue to support every year. Just ask our kids………  

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