Scintillating sevens!

THE best of the beautiful game was the reward for football fans following the month-long event at the annual Killarney Athletic 7-a-side tournament. This is the club’s summer showpiece as children from U10 right up to senior level embody all that’s great about grass roots soccer.

And there was even a new American style penalty system that went down a treat this year.

Sponsored by Killarney Credit Union, the tournament is easily one of Killarney’s premier soccer events – there’s no shortage of action, and there’s definitely no shortage of enthusiasm across all age levels. Fáilte Legends – who had a strong Killarney Celtic contingent in their ranks – took the Premier Cup when seeing off a game Liebherr side, winning 3-2.

The exploits of Harry Kane aside, this Golden Boot award went to Fáilte Legend Matt Keane for his deadly goal tally of 14 goals in the tournament.

Staying with Fáilte, Chris O’Leary scooped the Senior Player of the Tournament. Chris was chosen by the referees for his stand out performances, and he was presented with the Kieran Cahillane Memorial Perpetual Cup by James Cahillane.

There was also an award this year for the best supporter which went to John O’Brien – or ‘Soccer John’ as he’s better known in Killarney.

Leane’s Tool Hire took the Over 35 final with a 1-0 win against Tim Jones & Sons Butchers. In a final, billed as a cut above the rest, the Barbers’ Under 16 final went the way of Boru Barbers who notched a 2-0 win over Steve’s Barbers.

Sandra Heffernan presented The Johnny Heffernan Memorial Shield to Terry Sparling for his Player of the Tournament accolade.

Chairman of Killarney Credit Union Pat Sheehan said the club is proud to sponsor an event that goes from strength to strength, while tournament organiser and club member, Colette Casey, said the very fact the tournament is getting better every year is testament to its popularity, and is also attributed to people who volunteer to make it possible.

“It’s retained its popularity over the years, and the whole of Killarney’s soccer community enjoy it. We’re also very grateful to Killarney Credit Union for their sponsorship. There’s a real summer feel to it in Killarney and everyone looks forward to playing in what is a great tournament,” Colette said.

James Cahillane (second from left) presenting the Kieran Cahillane Top Goal Scorer Cup to Chris O’Leary with (left) Don O’Donoghue and Michael O’Shea Chairman at the Killarney Athletic FC/Killarney Credit Union 7 A Side Tournament Premier final at...

Killarney Credit Union Financial Controller Stephen Darmody (front fourth from left) presenting the winning medals and trophy to JR Spares team Jack Leader, Dylan Roche, Evan Lucey, Ian Roche, Eoghan Kelly, Michael Dennehy, Michael McSweeney, Jack...

Sandra Heffernan presenting the Johnny Heffernan Memorial Trophy to the U16 Player of the Tournament Terry Sparling with (right) Don O’Donoghue at the Killarney Athletic FC/Killarney Credit Union 7 A Side tournament on Thursday.

ALL PHOTOS BY MICHELLE COOPER GALVIN Brian and Niamh O’Reilly with their children Cian, Fia, Doireann and Sadhbh at the Killarney Athletic FC/Killarney Credit Union 7 A Side Tournament Over 35 final on Wednesday evening at Woodlawn Killarney on Thursday.

Don O’Donoghue (left) presenting the Golden Boot sponsored by Brian James to winner Matt Keane who scored 14 goals over the tournament, with Killarney Athletic FC Michael O’Shea at Woodlawn Killarney on Thursday.

John O’Brien awarded ‘Best Supporter’ at the Killarney Athletic FC/Killarney Credit Union 7 A Side Tournament finals at Woodlawn Killarney on Thursday.