Kilmacud Crokes 2012 Boys Festival Of Football Sunday May 15th UCD
It was a day of immense pride for the Kilmacud Crokes 2012 Boys as we hosted our first ever Festival of Football in UCD on May 15th.
Nine visiting clubs; Portlaoise of Laois, St Brigids of Roscommon, Moynalvey, St Colmcilles, Dunshaughlin, Donaghmore Asbourne of Meath, Sarsfields of Kildare, Náomh Eanna of Wexford, Bray Emmets of Wicklow.
The sun shone on what was a fantastic display of football across all the teams.
An enormous volunteering effort was put in by parents, coaches and the lead coordination group.
Every single task was mapped out and planned to precision.
From the set up and management of pitches, to car park coordinators, piper, first aid, catering (super star Mums and Dads - led by Katy and Catherine keeping over 400 people fed and watered ) team managers, referees, photographers.
Everyone worked tirelessly to make it the success it was. We can’t thank every single volunteer enough.
Particular mention to parents who helped with monetary donations. Your incredibly generous donations really helped to fund the event.
The display of football and heart on the day from all the boys was so impressive. All the coaches and parents felt an immense sense of pride as our boys represented Kilmacud in the best possible light, playing fairly, but with great skill and determination. The bond we saw amongst all the players sitting pitch side eating sambos is what our community is all about - building friendships and having fun.
The connections we have formed with the visiting clubs is one we hope we will build on over the next few years. Players and management who joined us on the day from around Ireland were so friendly and happy to be a part of our special day. We couldn’t have been luckier with our invited teams.
A sample of the feedback from one of the clubs is captured below;
‘’On behalf of St. Brigids we would like to thank everyone in KC for a fantastic day of football for all the boys.
This quote sums it up I think.
Dad: 'How did today go'
Son 'Best day of Gaelic ever'
Thats what its all about I think.
Again well done to all and thanks.’’
Special thanks to UCD for opening their pitches and student centre and allowing us to use the facilities like it was our own. The event wouldn’t have been a success anywhere else so we are hugely grateful for their support.
To acknowledge the contribution from every club, Darren Maher kindly sponsored a remembrance plaque to mark the occasion. Two of the Kilmacud Crokes Senior football team; Shane Horan & James Murphy presented the plaques to each club along with fantastic words of encouragement which I’m sure will live long in these young boy’s memories. A super end to a perfect day.
Finally, to Darren Maher, Mark Regan, Kevin Bannon Seán Kinsella, Pam Rabbitte & Alan Mullane. None of this would have been either possible or successful without the enormous effort and professionalism you put into every aspect of this event. The planning and attention to detail was phenomenal. There wasn’t one hiccup on the day and that was down to the fantastic organisation.
Onwards to our Festival of Hurling in October
