Kilbeacanty was the place to be on the Bank Holiday Monday where the annual 7 aside hurling tournament took place and although spectators were exposed to torrential downpours early in proceedings it did not dampen the spirits of the hardy souls who turned up to witness what is now an integral part of the Galway hurling calendar.

This year the club celebrated the 130th anniversary since its foundation and also had the legendary Henry Shefflin present to perform the official opening of the recently redeveloped pitch. The hurling began with the Joe Gillane Juvenile Finals where the host's own Juvenile club Michael Cusacks came out on top in the shield final and Craughwell were victorious in the final itself.

The 7s tournament got underway with the hosts Kilbeacanty taking on current All Ireland Club Champions Ballyhale Shamrocks in what were challenging conditions due to the weather with the visitors coming out on top. Also competing on the day were Clarinbridge, Tubber, Ballinderreen and Tommy Larkins, with Beagh defeating Gort in the first semi final and St.Thomas' overcoming Ardrahan in the second semi. The rain eventually cleared and left way for what was undoubtedly the most enthralling final in the tournaments history as it took no less than two periods of extra time for a brilliant Beagh to finally see off the determined challenge of St. Thomas' on a scoreline of 0.25 to 3.15 with Padraig Landers landing the winning score. Eanna Burke from St. Thomas' received the player of the tournament award.

Special guest Henry Shefflin cut the ribbon and unveiled a plaque to mark the official opening of the clubs redeveloped pitch and ball wall facility after posing for photographs and signing autographs for the large numbers of children who turned out to meet him. Sean Walsh from Galway Bay FM who was master of ceremonies for the official opening was broadcasting live from Kilbeacanty in the Baycaster right throughout the day.

The club would like to thank the main sponsors of the tournament Heineken Ireland, Great National Hotels Lady Gregory Gort and Eamon and Terry Shiel New York, Joe Gillane Tournament sponsors B. Gillane & Co. Ltd. and all other sponsors who support the tournament each year. Great credit must also go to the volunteers who helped run the tournament especially the BBQ team.

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