John Brady U10 Tournament

What a day of football Saturday was! The day kicked off with the John Brady memorial tournament with 12 teams participating from all over the tri state area. Rockland GAA were the hosts and well done to the hosts for again turning in a great show catering for everyone in attendance with pizza and juice. With 29 games of football the event was a real memorable one the sunny weather making the day very enjoyable for parents and kids alike.

There was plenty of great football on display with 98 young footballers playing nearly two hours of football each . The parents seemed nearly more tired watching the kids than the players themselves! In the C final Rockland and Barnanbas played out the most exciting game of the day with Rockland launching a huge comeback in the second half to bring the game to overtime. Rockland scored a late goal in the second five minutes of overtime but the drama wasnt finished yet with Barnabas awarded a late free 15 yards out to tie the game with the hooter gone. Unfortunately for Barnabas they hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced off the line to the enormous relief of the Rockland faithful and the scheduling committee!!

In the B football the Celtics showed no tiredness from the previous nights festivities to bring the trophy back over the bridge. With some superb football from the lads the Celtics breezed through the group stages and semi finals before edging out Shannon Gaels in the final. Roared on by Tommy Traynor who had just received a life time achievment award for his contribution to the Celtics club the boys played the best football of the day much to the delight of manager Lawrence Mc Grath.

Barnabas made amends for their disappointment in the fall league by defeating the Rangers in a thrilling encounter in the A final. This was a real grudge match with the two big rivals going at it hammer and tongs over the 20 minutes with Barnabas just edging out a determined Rangers outfit to take the bragging rights back to the bronx!

Many thanks to our referees and parents for all their help on the day and especially to Tom and Dave for all their help in coordinating and scheduling the big day.