Aaron Devlin Memorial Tournament 2024
Aaron Devlin Memorial Tournament 2024 -CONGRATUALTIONS & THANK YOU
We were delighted to host our 7th Annual Aaron Devlin Tournament today. The whole Derrychrin school community and the Ballinderry community, come together along with schools from Derry and Tyrone to celebrate a festival of football in memory of Aaron.
Our P6 pupil and Aaron's nephew Mattie began proceedings today by playing a rendition of our national anthem, Amhrán na bhFiann on the tin whistle. Mattie you were fantastic!
The early morning rain certainly didn't dampen the spirits of the children and everyone in attendance as the standard of football on show was excellent - matched by the terrific sportsmanship, desire and passion shown by all teams, their teachers, and mentors.
Thank you to all the schools who attended and participated. It was brilliant to have 17 boys’ teams and 14 girls’ teams resulting in 95 games being played and over 350 children representing their schools today in a wonderful festival of Gaelic Football.
Thank you to all participating schools who donated £20 for the nominated charity ‘Meningitis NOW’. Derrychrin PS will present the donation to the charity at a special assembly next week.
Huge thank you must go to Ballinderry Shamrocks GAC for hosting the event and for providing super facilities as always. We are truly indebted to the club for continuing to support our school in every possible way possible epitomising the strong school club links.
To all the club members, coaches and playing members who helped in so many roles on the day. A big thank you to our referees, umpires, and scorecard runners. Huge appreciation again must go to Killian Conlon in his role as main co-ordinator, along with Aine, Gavin and Enda today and ensuring everything ran smoothly as always. The enthusiasm and willingness from everyone in assisting the school organise today is always very much appreciated. Thank you to Maureen McKinless for providing the Community Hub and also, to Gemma ’68 Bakes’ for providing tea and refreshments for all spectators.
Many thanks to all the Teaching and Non-Teaching staff who assisted in many roles both in school and at the club to ensure the tournament was a massive success.
Thank you to John O’Neill who captured so many wonderful photographs and memories for all the schools and pupils. Please click on the click to view and purchase photos.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=sperrinsphotography&set=a.980545510738871
It was lovely to have the Devlin Family in attendance, presenting The Aaron Devlin Cups and Shields to the winning teams and medals to the runners up in each competition.
In the boys’ competitions;
St. Trea's PS, Ballymaguigan beat an excellent Holy Family PS, Magherafelt in the final of the Cup.
In the final of the Shield, Holy Trinity PS, Cookstown defeated St. Patrick’s PS, The Loup.
In the girls’ competitions;
Derrychrin PS beat a gallant St. Canice’s PS, Dungiven to secure the Cup.
Lissan PS overcome St. Peter's PS, Moortown to record victory in the Shield Final.
Congratulations to all the winning schools for 2024
Boys Cup 2024 – St. Trea's PS, Ballymaguigan
Boys Shield 2024– Holy Trinity PS, Cookstown
Girls Cup 2024 – Derrychrin PS
Girls Shield 2024 -Lissan PS
Congratulations also to the Player of the Tournament in both the girls and boys sections.
Player of the Tournament ‘Girls’ – Jessica Wilson (Derrychrin PS)
Player of the Tournament ‘Boys’ – Conor Short (St. Trea's PS, Ballymaguigan)
We hope that everyone had a great day, and we are already looking forward to next year's tournament. Take care everyone and we would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Summer.
Kind Regards
Ciaran McElroy
Principal
