Din Friel Memorial 7 a-side Gaelic Football 2010 Comórtas Cuimhneacháin Din Ó Fríl –Peil Ghaelach Seacht a taobh

• Gaeil Fhanáda are holding the Din Friel memorial 7 a side Gaelic football tournament in Páirc Úi Shiadhail on Saturday the 13th March.

• The tournament is in memory of Din Friel, a true Gael who traveled the length and breadth of Donegal to follow the Gaeil Fhánada team. His support and presence was always appreciated by the senior players and the organising of the day is evidence of the great regard that the Gaeil Fhanada players and club held for Din Friel.

• On the day 8 teams representing Kerrykeel-Glenvar, Ballymagowan-Portsalon -Rosnakill, Doaghbeg, Araheera-Ballinacrick-Shannagh, Kinnalough-Ballylar, Ladden –Ballyheerin, Fanavolty–Sessiagh and the Minors will compete for the trophy.

• The blitz will take place in Tri a Locha beginning with registration at 11.00 and the first game at 11.30 sharp.

• A maximum of 4 senior team players are allowed on the field at any one time. It is hoped that as many reserves and new players will be in attendance.

• The players hope also that as many past players and supporters can attend to assist and support the team and the running of the day

• The games will begin at 11.30 sharp with games of 20 minutes duration (10 minutes each half) with the tournament concluding at 4.40. Each team will have a minimum of 4 games , 3 games in the group stages and 1 in the semi-final.

• The teams will compete in a round robin group stage in the morning with the top 2 teams in each group qualifying for the cup and the bottom two qualifying for the plate. Semi finals and finals of the plate and cup will take place following the group stages with penalties or extra time used if necessary.

• With the amount of games and intervals players are advised to bring warm training tops etc to wear in between games. Soup and sandwiches will be provided.

• To help cover come of the costs for the day we would appreciate if you could give €5 registration fee to your captain.

• We hope you accept this invitation to attend this tournament.

• If any other players/mentors not listed who are from the area would be interested in playing/ supporting please do not hesitate to contact any of the senior players.

• Please contact your captain by text or phonecall to confirm whether you will or will not be able to attend. All information is available on the Gaeil Fhanada website www.fanadgaels.com or contact your captain/vice captain with any queries.

Din Friel Memorial 7 a-side Gaelic Football Comórtas Cuimhneacháin Din Ó Fríl –Peil Ghaelach Seacht a taobh

Captains/ Contact Numbers

Kerrykeel-Glenvar Aidan mc Ateer (0877765540) `

Ballymagowan-Portsalon -Rosnakill Paddy Heraghty (0872719182) Oisin Blaney (0863956024) Doaghbeg Patrick Mc Conigley (0866000078)

Araheera-Ballinacrick- Shannagh Colin Talbot (0879854166)

Minor Team William Mc Ateer (0879864450)

Kinnalough-Ballylar Paddy Shiels (0879454060)

Ladden –Ballyheerin Fergal Friel (0861018949)

Fanavolty-Ballyhernan –Sessiagh Michael Mc Groarty (0879921247) Paul Coyle (0877963433)

Tháinig slua mór de mhuintir Fhánada le chéile Dé Sathairn 14ú Márta ar Thraigh a Locha i bhFánaid chun cuimhneamh a dhéanamh ar Iar- Uachtarán Gaeil Fhánada, Din Ó Fríl. Ócaid iontach a bhí ann don pharóiste teacht le chéile agus sult a bhaint as an pheil agus an craic a bhí ar fáil.

Le roinnt mí anuas bhí na himreoirí agus an choiste ghothach ag ullmhú fá choinne an lá agus a bhuíochas doibh, chuaigh achan rud go han mhaith ar an lá. Tá muid cinnte go mbeadh Din fior bhrodúil as an lá a bhí ann. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dilis.

With in the region of 90 players present on the day it was a great occasion for the parish of Fanad to illustrate the great sense of community that exists. Current senior and reserve team players showed up in force but the real success was the presence of the large amount of past players who returned for the day. Shaun Dorrian, Hughie Friel, Coleman Carr, Shaun Mc Elwaine, Eamon Callaghan,Shane Friel and Liam Mc Groarty all travelled long distances to be present on the day while James Martin, Michael Shiels, Ronan Mc Elwaine, Seamus Mc Elwaine, Barry Devlin, Aidan Sweeney and Niall and Liam Blaney all returned to play a part for their areas.

It was the favourites Doaghbeg who won the Din Friel Memorial Cup but they were pushed all the way by Rosnakill/Portsalon, Araheera and defeated finalists Ballylar. In the shield competition it was Kerrykeel who emerged victorious despite missing some key players. They overcame Sessiagh, the Minors and defeated finalists Ballyheerin to win the shield. The presence of a large number of Din’s family at the presentation marked a fitting end to this memorial competition as Din’s son Patrick presented the prizes to the winning captains. All in all, the day was an overwhelming success and this was in no small way thanks to the efforts of the many people who helped out.

The Gaeil Fhanada committee worked very hard to ensure that all matters related to the running of the tournament went according to plan. Special word of mention goes to Máire Ni Cheallacháin, Bríd Ni Chearáin, Fiona Shiels, Sean Meenan, Richard Carr, Eddie Sweeney, Emma Mc Ateer, John Mc Conigley and Margaretta Mc Conigley who were the main tournament officials. Many thanks to all the club members who assisted as match officials, helped with the collection of money etc and to the referees Paul Mc Govern, James Mc Ginley, Benny Trearty and Pat Curley. A special word of thanks to Brendan and Bríd in the Fanad Lodge for their generous sponsorship and refreshments, and to everyone who purchased tickets and came along to support on the day. Finally thanks to Pat Kelly Hardware Kerrykeel, Rosnakill hall, Tommy Gallagher (Physio), Patrick Sweeney(Fanad United), the Fás Workers, Senior and Reserve team members and the Community Centre Committee for their input towards the success of the day.