Record number of teams take to the field for annual soccer blitz
THE Annual Easter soccer blitz held in Wicklow town was a huge success, with over 50 teams helping to raise funds for Wicklow Cancer Support.
Fifty-three teams, ranging from under-8s to under-14s, brought their skills to the playing fields to whip up some top class soccer entertainment for their supporters on the sidelines.
The blitz was the brainchild of Adele and Tony ‘Butch’ Doran, who, having experienced cancer in their own family, wanted to do something to give a boost to Wicklow Cancer Support. Sadly, Adele passed away three years ago but Butch and his team of helpers have kept the event running as a tribute to Adele.
Good Friday saw the largest blitz yet take place at the Whitegates pitches in Wicklow town, with over 500 kids involved. There were teams from Wicklow town, Avoca, Arklow, Rathdrum, Shillelagh, Coolboy, Newtownmountkennedy, Ashford, Enniskerry, Roundwood, Greystones and Rathnew. In fact, such was the long list of people wanted to take part that senior teams togged out for their own tournament on Saturday.
‘A great day was had by all,’ said Eileen Earls, Chairperson of Wicklow Cancer Support.
‘We had teams taking part who were never involved before. It was the first time taking part for one team from Greystones and at the end of the blitz they went up to ‘Butch’ to say they couldn’t wait for next year’s event. Two shops operated on the day and every player received a medal at the end of the tournament sponsored by Centra in Ashford.
‘We at Wicklow Cancer Support would like to acknowledge the trojan work put into organising this by ‘Butch’ Doran and his amazing team of supporters. There were so many people doing their bit to make the event so successful. They are too numerous to name but they know who they are,’ Eileen said.
Its not yet clear how much was raised at this year’s event but, since the first blitz in 2013, some €31,500 has been raised for this very worthy cause. Thanks have been extended to Wicklow Town AFC and Wicklow Rovers AFC for lending assistance in organising the event and ensuring the pitches were ready.