Ballisodare ready for Atlantic Cup

EIGHT U14 teams from Dublin, Galway, Mayo, Donegal, Fermanagh and Sligo take part in The 2017 Atlantic Cup in Ballisodare this Saturday.

Ballisodare United hold their annual one day tournament for 14 year olds this coming Saturday 15th July in Young’s Quarry, Ballisodare.

There are 8 teams in the Atlantic Cup with Sligo sides Ballisodare United and Merville United been joined by Mervue United (Galway), Ballinamallard United (Fermanagh), Palmerstown (Dublin), Bonagee United (Donegal), Ballina Town and Castlebar Celtic (both Mayo).

The exciting tournament format will pit sides from various regions in Ireland against one another. Galway side Mervue United will undoubtedly be one of the pre-tournament favourites, Palmerstown FC who currently sit top of the Major 1 league in the DDSL travel down from Dublin with high hopes and Fermanagh side Ballinamallard United have high standards and quality at every level.

Bonagee United from just outside Letterkenny have had a strong season and are expected to trouble all teams.

Mayo sides Castlebar Celtic and Ballina Town both in the top division of a strong Mayo league. Castlebar are current Atlantic Cup holders, beating Cherry Orchard last year and will not want to give up their title easily while Ballina Town reached the Connacht Cup semi-final at this age group and have quality throughout their side.

Local business Apex Controls Ltd are sponsoring the tournament which will feature two groups of 4 teams. Each team will play the other three teams in their group in 30 minute games in 11 aside games with rolling subs. The top two of each group go into Cup semi-finals while the bottom two of each group go into Plate semi-finals. Two full size pitches and full size goals will be used – games will run off at the same time.

Ballisodare United FC Club Secretary Stephen Healy said. “These types of fixtures will not happen often due to the clubs geographical locations.

“We hope to deliver another exciting Atlantic Cup given the spread of teams and uncountable talent on show. It’s fascinating and we’re all excited to see how the tournament unfolds on Saturday.”

Fixtures will be available on Ballisodare United’s official Facebook page in the coming days with the first games due to start at 11am.

Refreshments, hot food and tea and coffee will be available on the day. Entry to the tournament is free of charge. All welcome