John Kerins finals to take place next Saturday

The finals of the John Kerins Tournament take place on Saturday, June 13, at Páirc Uí Rinn, starting at 9.30am.

Now in its 21st year of games, this U11 football tournament is run by the gardaí in memory of their colleague and former Cork and St Finbarr’s goalkeeper John Kerins, who passed away at a young age.

John kept goal for St Finbarr’s for many years and also won two senior All-Ireland football medals with Cork in 1989 and 1990.

He was also a Cork minor selector for a number of years and his dedication to the game was second to none. Several years ago members of the gardaí decided to hold an annual U11 football tournament to honour his memory.

This year’s tournament was officially launched at St Finbarr’s Hurling and Football Club, Togher, recently.

The tournament takes place in two stages, with stage one taking place over the last few months.

From the group stages at several clubs around the city and county teams are now through to the quarter-finals of the cup and the semi-finals of the shield.

One of the organisers, Superintendent Mick Comyns, said they were looking forward to another great day’s football. “This tournament is now very popular among clubs and we would like to thank all sides who entered again this year,” said Mick, “I would like to wish all sides the best of luck for the day and I know we will see some great football played on Saturday next.

“I would also like to thank all those who help organise the tournament for all the work they do to ensure everything runs smoothly.

“Also our sponsors are vital and we would like to thank Stewart Philpott of St Paul’s Credit Union for their support and The Echo for their coverage of the games.

“Also to Rebel Óg for their co-operation in organising the games,” concluded Mick.

In the cup competition are Ballinora, Carrigaline, Fermoy, Inniscarra, Nemo Rangers, St Michael’s, Douglas and Na Piarsaigh. Whilst in the shield tournament are Crosshaven, Lee Gaels, Brian Dillons, and Passage West.

Up first are the cup quarter-finals, with proceedings under way at 9.30am.

Title holders Carrigaline are first in to action against Ballinora, a club not to feature too often in the finals.

This will be followed by Fermoy versus Inniscarra at 10am; Nemo Rangers v St Michael’s at 10.30am; and Douglas v Na Piarsaigh at 11am.

They will be followed by the shield semi-finals as Crosshaven face Lee Gaels at 11.30am and Brian Dillons play Passage West at noon.

The cup semi-finals are scheduled for 12.30pm and 1pm, with the shield final at 1.30pm.

All these games are 12 minutes a side as are the semi-finals.

The cup final is due to throw in at 2.15pm.

Both finals are 15 minutes a side.