A Garda/KDYS blitz not short on poignancy
THIS year’s Garda/KDYS Soccer Blitz had everything its televised counterpart, the FIFA World Cup, has on an ongoing basis these days.
Hairstyles, multi-coloured boots and characters, close shaves, great goals, the pain of losing, the joy of winning.
And there was a poignancy to the event that was almost tangible, emotion that was visible.
This was the first occasion in the 18-year history of the blitz that Georgie O’Callaghan wasn’t up to his neck in the preparation of the pitch and whatever else smoothed the running of the event. This was also the last year on which event founder Sgt John O’Mahony will officiate in uniform as he retires after almost four decades of service to An Garda Siochána.
There was a perpetual cup in Georgie’s honour and a most fitting statuette presentation to Sgt O’Mahony.
And people there were delighted to see Georgie’s twin brother, Jamesie, there to present the cup.
In her role as co-organiser, KDYS Youth Justice Worker Helena Falvey made the presentation to Sgt O’Mahony, and she thanked him for his leadership and availability for the running of the event since he founded it back in 2003.
In turn, Sgt O’Mahony thanked the KDYS for its ongoing partnership with the event, and he remembered Georgie O’Callaghan as the first Castleisland man to extend the hand of welcome to him when he arrived here in the early 2000s.
“Georgie”, he said, “took me to my first soccer game in England as a grown man. His ability to organise tickets and everything to do with the annual tour to Manchester was incredible.
“He was a sound man, and I’m delighted to see that this cup will be played for in his honour in the years to come. I hope that which ever team wins it will treat it with respect and bring it back here next year,” an emotional Sgt O’Mahony added.
A statement from the KDYS confirmed its delight at how the events turned out this year:
“The Kerry Diocesan Youth Service (KDYS) in partnership with the Castleisland Garda Síochána ran their annual soccer tournament at Castleisland Soccer Field, Limerick Road, on Thursday, June 28. The event was a great success, with 10 teams and around 90 players taking part. This year there were three categories: Primary School section; an Under-15s and an Under-18s competition.
“The primary school competition had three teams taking part. It was run with each team playing each other and top two teams through to the final.
“In the end it came down to a final between ‘Gamers FC’ and ‘ The Grenade Launchers’. The final was a thrilling match with ‘Gamers FC’ winning on a score line of 4-0. Gamers FC members were delighted to win the trophy and victory brought huge celebrations.
“Two teams battled it out in the U-15s event. The final was between the ‘ Agri Spec’ and ‘ The Foxes’. The game ended 2-2, with an exciting penalty shoot-out resulting in the Agri Spec team being victorious.
“This year saw us without one of our most dedicated supporters. Last April we were all saddened to hear of the passing of Georgie O’Callaghan. Georgie was a huge support in helping with the running the blitz every year.
“Georgie was very dedicated to the youth in Castleisland AFC, and...we felt it was only fitting to name the U-15 cup in his memory. The Georgie O’ Callaghan Memorial Cup was kindly sponsored by Vincent Murphy and on the night was presented to captain James Kenny of ‘Agri Spec’ by Georgie’s twin brother, Jamesie O’ Callaghan.
“Many of the young people taking part have fond memories of Georgie, and on the night they played their hearts out as he always would have encouraged them to do. There were five teams in the Under-18s competition. This was great to see, so many teams at this age level, and really showed how this blitz is held in such high regard with the these boys who have been playing all the way up through the age levels.
“The final was a great game of soccer and was played out in a great spirit, and in the end ‘ The Buzz Bee Babes’.
“In each competition, there were also awards handed out to individuals for Player of the Tournament.
“In the Primary game, Rory Burke from ‘Gamers FC’ received the award. In the Under-15 category, Hubert Turkiewiez from ‘ The Foxes’ received the award. Jamie Heffernan from ‘Buzz Bee Babes’ received the award for the Under-18 category.
“Once again Sgt John O’Mahony, alongside Helena Falvey, Youth Justice Worker, Key Service, KDYS, co-ordinated the competition.
“The KDYS/Garda Soccer Blitz was founded by Sgt John O’Mahony in 2003 and has gone from strength to strength and [is] being enjoyed by participants and spectators alike.
“For the young people who participate it is one of the highlights of the year.
“After many years of dedication, this is Sgt O’Mahony’s last year being involved. A presentation was made to him by Helena Falvey on the night, in recognition of his contribution and his commitment year in, year out. We wish him the best of luck on his retirement and with his new ventures.
“The event depends on the support and help of many local volunteers. The KDYS and Castleisland Garda Siochana would like to take this opportunity to thank the following people: Vincent Murphy Sports, who provided medals and engraving and the Georgie O’Callaghan Memorial Cup; Tom Stewart of EBS, for sponsorship of medals and plaques; Castleisland AFC and Jamesie O’Callaghan, for use of and preparation of the grounds; Jim O’Connor and Jerry Falvey, who did an outstanding job refereeing the games; Tim Nolan, KDYS for all his help on the run up to the event and on the night.
“Thanks also to all the team organisers, players and everyone else who supported the event. It was great to see young lads who once played in the blitz now coaching teams and coming to support the event.
“We look forward to seeing you again next year. The Key Service is funded by the Ireland EU Structural and Investment Fund and the European Social Fund through the Irish Youth Justice Service.”