GAA WEEK – RECREATIONAL FOOTBALL SUCCESS AT DAVITT PARK, LURGAN

All credit to Clan na Gael CLG, Lurgan and Diarmuid Marsden of the Ulster Council for a well-organised and co-ordinated ‘Recreational Football’ session held on Saturday night at Davitt Park, Lurgan. 

The event, held in conjunction with the Ulster Council, and forming part of North Armagh GAA week, saw 100+ over 35’s strut their stuff on the Gaelic field.  It turned out a beautiful summers evening and 5 clubs participated with Clan na Gael fielding two teams, Eire Og Craigavon, Ardboe of Tyrone, St Peters, Lurgan and Tir na nOg, Portadown.  With the pitch split in two, 9-a-side games and roll-on roll-off subs, the first pitch saw Clan na Gael win both their matches against both Tir na nOg and Ardboe.  The tension mounted for the game between the Portadown side and Ardboe as the match ended in a draw. The game went to a penalty kick out and Tir na nOg converted all three to gain the bragging rights. 

On the second pitch Clan na Gael scored well into injury time to steal the points from Eire Og with a one point win but the Craigavon club went on to contest a tight match against St Peters Over 35s.  The Craigavon club ran out eventual winners and continued on in the next match to score two goals in each 10 minute halfs to beat Ardboe by 3 points. 

At the end of the day the results for the recreational football was not what the day was about.  It was a great opportunity for the more ‘Veteran’ players to meet old acquaintances from both their own and other clubs and to burn off a few calories!  It was an enjoyable night for all involved and the football was played in good spirit with some superb scores throughout. 

Congratulations to all the clubs and players who got involved and a Special mention must go to the Clan na Gael club for organising the event and the hospitality extended by them to all the clubs present.