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Seven shades of sleet
By Tony Tighe
Breathnachs prevail in the cold as TCG and Heston Gaels are the pick of
the British teams.
FOR the second time in three years a Galway side emerged victorious in
the Tir Chonaill Gaels Easter Seven-a-Side tournament as Michael Breathnachs
braved the arctic-like conditions to bring home the trophy.
Despite travelling over with just eight players the Galway side proved
too strong for Donegal’s Glenswilly in the final winning by 1-6
to 0-4.
Heston Gaels and Tir Chonaill Gaels were the best performers from London
with both sides reaching the semi-finals. Round Towers also qualified
from their group but were defeated in the quarter-finals.
The tightest group was Group B where Saint Pauls, All Saints, Tir Chonaill
Gaels and St. Kiernans all finished on level points with All Saints and
Tir Chonaill progressing by virtue of a superior points difference.
Five teams in total made the journey over from Ireland and they all qualified
from their groups with teams from the rest of Britain all falling at the
first hurdle. Unfortunately the Irish sides brought the weather with them
as hail and snow fell throughout the day.
“It really affected the attendance,” said Tir Chonaill’s
PRO Stevie Keane. “We’ve attracted big crowds over the last
few years but this year it was well down. The pitches took a serious battering
and it was tough for the officials too.
“The best of all the London teams were Heston Gaels. They topped
their group and also beat Michael Breathnachs.”
Michael Breatnachs exacted some revenge in the semi-final beating Heston
courtesy of a late goal while Glenswilly looked set to bring the cup back
to Donegal for the second year in a row after a convincing win over Tir
Chonaill Gaels.
“I actually thought Glenswilly would have won it,” said Keane.
“It was a bit of a surprise because Michael Breathnachs only travelled
over with eight players, and one of those was injured. He could only come
on when one of the players needed a break so that shows their strength.”
Joe Conroy of Michael Brethnachs was awarded the Player-of-the-tournament
while Brian Keane, Gavin McEvoy and Shaun Burke also shone. |
