Kanturk welcomes l Feile multitudes with huge parade and party
GAELIC football fever gripped the South West as the John West Féile Peile na nÓg convened on Kerry, West Limerick, North and Mid Cork. The national festival of U14 Football for boys and girls allowed
256 teams from all over Ireland, Britain, Europe and USA participate in a bumper programme of activity.
On the playing field, a strong Cork line were involved in hectic competition with success recorded for Duarigle Gaels and White’s Cross.
Duarigle Gaels drawn from Millstreet and Cullen emerged from the stage in Group 7 Boys to better Kilmurry, Dreadnots (Louth) and St. Pats (Limerick) to collect the Shield.
For their part, White’s Cross collected the Boys Division 8 Shield on overcoming fellow finalists Cordal/Scartiglen. Elsewhere Rathvilly (Carlow) bettered Buttevant in the Division 4 Boys Final while Passage West took runner up to Rathmore (Kerry) in the Ladies Division 1 Shield decider.
An institution in the GAA calendar, the largest-ever Feile Peile na nOg operated like clockwork, central to the theme of the tournament is promoting a philosophy whereby every player has the opportunity to participate and play in their respective grade a level commensurate to their age, skills and strengths.
Given the continued growth of Feile from its inception in 1982, the majority of teams were based in Kerry though Cork and Limerick clubs on request lent invaluable support to the staging on hosting teams and providing playing facilities to allow the completion of a full programme.
Apart from the competitive element, colourful parades in Carrigaline and Kanturk attracted hundreds of patrons, the social aspect was equally important on host clubs opening their doors to diverse activity that’s sure to foster friendships for years to come and of course, the staging allowed a first glimpse of the stars of the future to parade their skill.
In boys, Cork clubs involved were Aghabullogue, Ballincollig, Ballinora, Buttevant, Carrigaline, Clondrohid, Clyda Rovers, Donoghmore, Douglas, Duarigle Gaels, Eire Óg, Fermoy, Glanmire, Ibane Gaels, Inniscarra, Kilmurray, Kilshannig, Mallow, Nemo Rangers, White’s Cross and Wolfe Tones.
The ladies were well represented per Eire Og, Banteer, Carrigaline, Douglas, Ballinora, Mallow, Knocknagree, Mourneabbey, Kanturk, Passage West and Kilshannig.