Belfast Festival of Gaelic Games

The Belfast Festival of Gaelic Games ended on Saturday 14th August with a blitz for U13 Boys Football & U15 Girls 7’s at Woodlands playing fields.

Teams participating at the event included Sean McDermotts, Michael Davitts, O’Donovan Rossa, St Galls, Creggan Kickams, Carryduff, St Pauls and also the 2010 Galway U14 ladies championship winners Ballinasloe.

A scorching hot day provided conditions for some excellent games of football in both codes. The U13 boys event was ran under the basis that each team played each other team once and emphasis was placed on player development and having fun rather than winning. In the ladies section however things were a little more competitive as the girls showed off their skills and ability to play good 7’s football. St Pauls and Ballinasloe competed in what was seen as the final game with St Pauls showing their class and running out winners by 5 points. As the games finished, the festival sponsors O’Neills Sportswear gave out various jerseys and merchandise which was greatly appreciated by all involved.

Karen McEvoy from O’Neills Sportswear commented on the festival “O’Neills have been extremely happy with the way that the festival has progressed over the last few months and would like to thank Shane McCann and Ulster GAA as well as the Belfast Urban Committee for helping to build this partnership for the festival and we look forward to working with everyone again.”

Shane McCann, Regional Development Officer for Antrim & Down and the Co-ordinator of the festival, was happy with how the festival ran: “Overall I think the festival ran fairly well, it can be difficult during the summer for club mentors to get teams together due to holidays etc. but not everyone gets the chance to head away and therefore there are lots of kids throughout the city of Belfast who need games and the opportunity to showcase their skills. This initiative came to life through the Belfast Urban Committee and we will review how things went and if it is to run again next year how we might be able to improve on this year.”