Newry Mitchels GAC, Co. Down, will host their annual underage football blitz tournament at Derryleckagh playing fields, on Saturday 4th June 2016, commencing at 9.45am when all participating teams will parade behind Mayobridge Band.
With clubs from sixteen different counties having secured places at this year’s tournament, underage teams are expected from Derry, Donegal, Dublin, Meath, Laois, Kildare, Offaly and Roscommon.
This highly regarded tournament offers a unique opportunity for boys and girls of varying ability to participate and compete in one of Ulster’s most esteemed underage competitions.
As always, entrants to this hugely successful event will compete for the prestigious John Mitchel Cup, as well as, the John McAleavey Shield. Last year’s winners were Burren of Down and Clann na nGael from Roscommon. Kyle Conway from Clann na nGael won the player of the tournament accolade – definitely one to watch in future.
The Newry Mitchels club pride themselves on providing a FUN…FAMILY…FESTIVAL of football and this year will be no exception. With catering and first aid available throughout the day, the Newry Mitchels GFC Under12 football blitz represents an exciting sporting venture for our heroes of tomorrow.
Club Chair Malachy McKevitt is looking forward to welcoming all visiting clubs to Newry this Saturday. He said, “The Newry Mitchels annual underage blitz gives young people from different backgrounds the chance to compete at an inter-county level. I am extremely proud of our club and all club members who help each year to make our tournament a continued success.”
The ‘Mitchels Blitz’ has been a mainstay in the County Down GAA calendar since its inception in the late 1980s and was changed from under 10 to under 12 level in 2010. The tournament has played host to club teams such as the mighty Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh), Lavey (Derry), St. Brigid’s (Antrim) and St. Peregrine’s (Dublin) to name but a few. Many of today’s inter-county stars from Ulster and Leinster have participated and as such its standing as one of the most prestigious underage tournaments in Ulster is unquestionable.
Tournament coordinator Seána Talbot said, “This year promises to be the biggest ever, with 48 teams from sixteen counties booked to attend. Thankfully, the weather forecast looks good. We are looking forward to welcoming hundreds of young players, their mentors and families to what we believe is the best underage tournament in Ireland.”
Newry Mitchels club is proud of their contribution to advancing the aims of the GAA and supporting the development of our young people.
Go raibh an bua leis an fhoireann is fear.
Schedule.
The stars of tomorrow will descend on Derryleckagh playing fields from 9.00am (some leaving home at 6.00am) and competing teams can expect a warm welcome from the Newry Mitchels club members.
9.45 am Following registration there will be a Welcome Parade with the award-winning Mayobridge Band.
10.00am Opening round of games.
Played over eight mini-pitches at the Derryleckagh playing fields complex, teams will compete in a group league format, each team playing other teams in their group once.
3.00pm Quarter finals
4.00pm (approx.) Finals
4.30pm Presentation
Teams will compete on an eleven-a-side basis over a twenty minute period (ten minutes each half). Games will be administered by official County Board referees.
For teams entered – 2016 – go to,
[Team list is available in word or excel format on request.
For photos of last year’s tournament are available at:
www.facebook.com/NewryMitchelsTournament
For all enquiries please contact:
Declan Carolan, Club Secretary – 07780314778/:[email protected]”
Seána Talbot, Tournament coordinator – 07855473439 /
