Pairc Naomh Micéal was a hive of activity in the cooler September temperatures on Sunday for the 2nd Dylan Vallely Minor 7-A-side Memorial Tournament. As applause rang out in respect of those no longer with us, Kieran McGeeney's words of last year remained as relevant as ever. He coined Dylan's hardwork, dedication and loyalty to club as the qualities which made him such an asset to St. Michael's. Qualities which our esteemed Chairperson, Magee also held in abundance, and it was in their memory that everyone rallied together to get the show on the road.
We thank the many people who made it possible:
We thank the many people who made it possible:
- Paul Carragher, who planned the Tournament meticulously.
- St. Michael's Committee & Senior team for the preparations & assistance on the day, as well as the Carpark & grounds stewards.
- Claragh Lenaghan, Dylan's friend for singing the National Anthem & James Toner, Dylan's uncle, who accompanied her on drums, to mark the beginning of the day so poignantly.
- Our Ladies Committee, for organising, providing & serving the food for the teams and officials.
- Underage girls, who manned the tuck shop & sold the Raffle Tickets.
- Swiftys Restaurant for providing the hot food for the teams & officials.
- Martin McQuillan of Orchard Fresh for sponsoring pitch side refreshments for the teams.
- All teams who took part & their coaches.
- Match officials, umpires, pitch co-ordinators and referees, Ollie Hearty, David Loughran, Kevin Byrne & Paul Graham.
- The first aid & physio on site.
- Armagh GAA for the provision of goal posts.
- St Michael's P.S. Newtownhamilton for use of their sound system.
- The many people who donated generously to the Raffle, and those who purchased tickets.
- Kevin Kelly Photography & Patsy Finnegan, for capturing the action shots.
- Brewtown Coffee & Aidan O'Rourke for providing the much needed coffee & BBQ.
- The Road Ahead Support Group for joining us & their continuing work.
- Newtownhamilton Community Association & Playr-fit for the use of their gazebos.
- The representatives from our parish neighbours, Dorsey Emmets GAC & St. Patrick's Cullyhanna for assisting in the background.
- Molly Rae of Elevated Events for the class balloon displays.
To all the Supporters who joined us on Sunday to get behind the players and add to the buzz around the club.
To Shane, Catherine, Sophia & Amelia, and their wider family circle, we are indebted to their continued support of this Tournament in memory of Dylan. They kindly provided soup for the officials, and lent a hand throughout the preparations. Hopefully seeing the support of the local community provided some comfort.
For anyone not mentioned, please take this as a huge thank you to anyone who contributed.
The sheer pride in the jersey that was displayed by each player & supporter was all we could have hoped for. It's what connects us as a GAA community and keeps us all going, regardless of the crest. So until next year, it's with heavy but proud hearts we say, up the mighty blues.
(Check out Facebook for more action shots 📷)
To Shane, Catherine, Sophia & Amelia, and their wider family circle, we are indebted to their continued support of this Tournament in memory of Dylan. They kindly provided soup for the officials, and lent a hand throughout the preparations. Hopefully seeing the support of the local community provided some comfort.
For anyone not mentioned, please take this as a huge thank you to anyone who contributed.
The sheer pride in the jersey that was displayed by each player & supporter was all we could have hoped for. It's what connects us as a GAA community and keeps us all going, regardless of the crest. So until next year, it's with heavy but proud hearts we say, up the mighty blues.
(Check out Facebook for more action shots 📷)
