Pictures: Second year for U10 football tournament in Mayfield a ‘huge success’

MAYFIELD GAA Club held a very successful football tournament in their club grounds on Saturday, September 2.

Over 160 U10 footballers from eight GAA clubs participated in the annual Joe Mullane Memorial Tournament.

Chairperson of Mayfield Juvenile GAA Club Mike Sheehan said the event was a huge success.

“We started this tournament last year just as an U10 football tournament as there were none around for the kids. We got it up and running. This was the second year it was held.

“The tournament was a huge success, and it was a mighty day. The sun shone and there was a great atmosphere,” he said.

A total of eight teams participated in the tournament. They comprised of Mayfield, St Vincent’s, Carrignavar, Whites Cross, Passage West, Cobh, Brian Dillons and Delanys.

The club official said the “skill” levels displayed on the day were very impressive. “They are all local sized clubs which makes it nice and competitive. There was a great crowd there and we had over 160 kids playing throughout the day.

“The skill levels were so impressive. We had food provided for the players, mentors, and parents. There was a great buzz. The players were led on to the pitch by a piper which was a lovely feature.

“We used one pitch during the day. We divided the pitch into four quarters to ensure there were games constantly on. The games were played for a duration of 20 minutes.

“St Vincent’s won the shield while Mayfield won the cup. Players enjoy it, they improve their skills, and they make new friends. At the end of the day, it is not all about winning, it is about enjoyment. Every child got a medal and they all left with a smile on their face,” he added.

“The late Joe Mullane did fierce work for the juvenile side of the club,” the club chair said.

“He passed away a few years ago. We decided it was fitting to name a memorial tournament after Joe. He did a lot of work in the Mayfield community. It is a nice way to remember him. We hope this event will become an annual event.”

Mr Sheehan who took over as the juvenile chairperson earlier this year said Mayfield GAA Club is always looking to recruit new members at all ages who can learn new skills and develop with their local GAA club.

“Mayfield GAA Club does a lot of good work in the community. We are proud to play our part. We are always looking to recruit players, boys, and girls at all ages. We have very good facilities and coaches who are doing great work with players of all ages. There is a great spirit in the GAA club.

“The club is a community-based club. It is a club for everyone in the community. There is a role for everybody. People can get involved in a playing or refereeing capacity, or in a coaching or administrative role. We are always looking to improve. We want to help players to progress, develop and improve as players.”