An Srath Bán, Cumann Mhic Sioghair, C.L.G. (Strabane Sigersons G.A.A.) hosted a very enjoyable and successful Peter Duffy Under 12 Memorial Boy's Tournament at Páirc Mhic Sioghair last Saturday with clubs from Tyrone, Derry and Donegal in attendance. The clubs involved were; Strabane, Glenelly, Newtownstewart, Limavady (Derry), Doire Trasna (Derry) and Robert Emmett's (Donegal) with several of the clubs also fielding a second side.

The Tournament now in its 28th year is held annually in memory of a young Strabane Sigersons club player (Peter Duffy) who sadly lost his life in a road accident and this year it was very kindly sponsored by the local Lisnafin Ardnalee Trust Cross Community Development Association to whom the Strabane club are extremely grateful to and indeed also for their ongoing help and support within the local community.

A feast of football was played during the sectional stages with each team guaranteed a minimum of three games with the top two sides in each section then going through to the semi-final stages.

Strabane saw off Derry City side Doire Trasna to book their place in the Cup final against Donegal side Robert Emmett's (Castlefin) who had defeated Glenelly to reach the decider.

In the Shield section, Newtownstewart and Derry side Limavady Wolfhounds met in the decider following semi-final wins over Limavady and Strabane B sides respectively.

The finals were both keenly contested affairs with Tyrone sides Strabane claiming the Cup title and Newtonstewart securing the Shield title at the expense of the Donegal and Derry sides that both performed admirably.

Following the Tournament finals, the presentations took place with the clubs Youth Officer and the main organiser Jason Foley paying tribute to everyone involved in its huge success. He thanked all the teams and their mentors, the referees (Kieran O'Kane, Ryan McElroy, Eunan Harkin and Arán McGowan), the umpires, club coaches and officials, Lisnafin Ardnalee Trust Cross Community Development Association for their kind sponsorship and not forgetting the parents and club members who kindly provided the very welcome refreshments for everyone.

The Under 12 boys management team of Dean Molloy, Mark Walsh, Mickey Quigg and Sean Barkley also deserve a special word of mention for their hard work and contribution not just last Saturday but throughout the season.

A special tribute was then made to Mrs Anne Duffy for her ever presence and support of the event with Jason handing over a bouquet of flowers to her as a token of appreciation by the club.

The winning captains, Oisín McGillion (Strabane) and Conal McConomy (Newtownstewart) were presented with the Cup and Shield respectively by Mrs Anne Duffy, Jason Foley and Sigersons Club President John McCrory whilst the players from each club received their winning medals.

The Strabane club extends a hearty Go raibh míle maith agaibh to everyone who contributed to the outstanding success of the Tournament especially so to all the clubs and players who travelled from throughout the North West area to make it one of the best Youth Tournaments around.

Several more club tournaments are scheduled for the coming weeks for both boys and girls with an invitation to clubs wishing to take part free to all interested.

Aodhán Harkin

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