Kilmacud Crokes Ladies Football Chill Insurance All Ireland U14 7-A-Side

The 15^th Kilmacud Crokes Chill Insurance All Ireland U14 Ladies Football 7s took place on Saturday the 15th September, 32 teams arrived from around the country, Donegal to Kerry and Mayo to Dublin and further afield. We welcomed Tir Chonaill Gaels from London who was their first time to attend the event. After an early start all roads lead to Dublin with some teams becoming acquainted the night before while staying over in local hotels.

 

With warm ups and team talks completed the U14 7s kicked off at 10am in Glenalbyn, Silverpark and Naomh Olaf with eight groups of four teams in each. With group games completed, first and second teams moved on to play for All Ireland title. Third and fourth teams went on to compete in Plate competition. The competitive spirit was evident, with teams giving it their all. After a very competitive and enjoyable days football St. Ergnats Moneyglass, Antrim and Kilcullen, Kildare qualified for the Cup final with Templemore, Tipperary and St. Mochuas/Derrynoose, Armagh qualified for the Plate final. The spectators were treated to all-star performances from all four teams with

St. Ergnats coming out on top and winning the Cup by a single point of 5-5, 5-4 with Templemore winning the Plate in yet another very close game of 5-2, 3-7.

 

Teams where led onto the pitch for the finals by a Piper just before throw in for the cup final. A minute silence was observed for the late Chris O’ Grady, RIP who refereed at our U14 7s last year and passed away shortly afterwards.

 

John Sheridan, Chairperson for the 7s thanked Chill Insurance for their continued support of the U14 All Ireland 7s. He also thanked the contribution of the referees, Red Cross and all club members who helped out in any capacity in the successful running of the competition.

 

Ursula Grogan, from Chill Insurance, presented the teams with cups and medals and complimented all the 320 players who had partaken in the Chill Insurance All Ireland U14 7s and remarked how fantastic it is that there is such an increase in LGFA players with the number continuously on the rise and how delighted Chill Insurance are to sponsoring such a wonderful tournament.

 

Player of the tournament was awarded to Maria O’Neill the no. 6 for St Ergnats who had impressed referees throughout the competition.

 

The teams went away feeling invigorated, happy and tired. Some faced long journeys home, and others stayed over for the TG4 All Ireland Finals in Croke Park on Sunday and were part of the 50,141 outstanding attendance on the day.