The Club hosted its first major football tournament over the Easter weekend. Taking part in the football action were our own Under 12 Premier, the DDSL Under 12 squad (minus our lads on the side), Hull City, Aberdeen, Coventry City and West Bromwich Albion.

Our Under 12 Premier Team sporting a replica of the 1^st SKB kit

Our Under 12s opened the competition with a game against a very strong Aberdeen side. The Saints suffered an early goal (something that happened to them throughout the tournament) and were 2-0 down within 10 minutes. They changed all that by half time as they pulled two goals back with excellent goals from Eoghan Stokes and Aaron Byrne.

The second half saw both sides try and win the game as play flowed from end to end but it was Aberdeen who recorded the first win of the tournament as they managed to score another two goals to finish 4-2.

As a game it was the perfect start to the Tournament and set the level for the games that were to follow.

Thankfully we weren’t disappointed as the DDSL overcame West Brom 3-1 in the next match and later on in the day they went down 5-2 to Coventry City.

West Bromwich Albion

The Saints second game saw them play Hull City and again they were behind within the first few minutes. Despite this setback they went on to win the game 4-1 with Jack Byrne equalizing from the penalty spot, Niall Doyle getting two and Pierce Hughes getting a fourth.

The next morning saw West Brom and Coventry record the first draw of the Tournament at 1-1 while Hull City overcame Aberdeen 2-0 (the only team to beat Aberdeen all weekend!).

This left the Tournament wide open with no team pulling away in the groups.

The semi finals pitted the Saints against the DDSL and Aberdeen against Coventry City. The Saints lost out 4-1 to the DDSL while Aberdeen won 2-0 in the other semi.

It was on the Super Soccer Sunday (as Sky TV would have billed it). The 5^th and 6^th place play off saw a hugely entertaining game between West Brom and Hull City finish 3-2 to West Brom.

Next up saw the Saints take on Coventry City in the 3^rd and 4^th place play off. The Saints looked the livelier team throughout and created a number of chances but Coventry defended well throughout the first half to see the teams level at 0-0.

The second half saw the Saints gain the upper hand but it took them until the 20^th minute to get the breakthrough that they deserved. A shot was deflected into the path of Pierce Hughes in the 6 yard box and he made no mistake from there to make it 1-0. Pierce added a second 3 minutes later. Niall Doyle did great work down the left but failed to get the shot in as the ball just ran away from him in the box. The Coventry centre half was caught in possession as he brought the ball out by Pierce Hughes who slotted the ball past the advancing keeper from 10 yards to make it 2-0.

The Saints had Aaron Moyles to thank for the clean sheet as he pulled off a superb save in the dying minutes low to his left to deny Coventry a consolation goal.

The teams wish each other luck before the final

On to the final and what a game it was. The Dublin & District Schoolboys League versus Aberdeen FC. Despite the fact that there were no goals scored during the 60 minute game the large crowd in attendance were entertained by a very skillfull game of football. Both sides created great chances but the defences were the real winners on the day.

The game was decided by penalties and Aberdeen ran out 4-2 winners with their goalkeeper saving one and seeing another hit the upright.

Aberdeen celebrate their victory

The Hard Work pays Off

Thanks to all the hard work by a huge number of volunteers the 50^th Football Tournament was a great success and plans are already afoot to repeat the event next year.

Long days were spent by all the volunteers ensuring that the events went smoothly. The Catering staff of Angela Daly, Martina Gavin, Carole Daly and our own “Gordon Ramsey” Pat Daly served up hot and cold food and drinks to the teams and officials over the three days. While in our coffee shop, Claire & Margaret were kept busy ensuring the crowds were well attended to throughout.

Decky O’Hara, Head of Security, makes a surprise choice as he appoints Cian Losty (aged 6) Deputy Head of Security

The Security for the Tournament was headed up by Decky O’Hara who took no nonsense during the events. Everyone was kept on their toes as Decky produced his finest display ever with a walkie talkie. On Sunday while Decky was off playing with the Senior Premier Team the task was passed over to Mick McCracken but it was Paul Smyth who shone with the walkie talkie as he kept us all up to date on his eating habits – yes we can confirm that tomato ketchup contains no meat! Was Paul the Catering area’s biggest customer over the weekend?

On Friday afternoon there was a serious security scare as Decky –Head of Security – misplaced (lost!!) his walkie talkie. There was some suggestion that he had actually worn it out. Thankfully it turned up eventually and the Security High Alert status was stood down!

Dave Furey took charge of the Shanowen Road gate as he used his usual charm to sell programmes and our 50^th book. Dave was also busy taking calls from Decky throughout who alleged that Dave was trying to hide two people in his jacket to save them buying a programme.

Dave Furey takes a light lunch back to his post

Our match officials for the weekend were Robert Harvey, James Connell and Paddy Dempsey who managed to referee the games with the minimum of fuss and ensured that the games were kept flowing throughout. Well done lads!!!

Our referees Paddy Dempsey, Robert Harvey and James Connell

Fourth officials were Paul Doody and Steph Walsh – who suffered the indignity of the misplacing of his glasses being announced over the walkie talkies to everyone amusement.

The UK teams were appointed Liasion Officers while they were here and Neil Fox, Dave Molly, John Ryan (who had a go at the linesman on WBAs behalf) and Jan Quinn carried out their duties admirably and ensured that our visitors were made welcome.

Running any kind of event takes months of planning and great credit must go to Ken Donohoe, Sharon Mitchell, Pat Daly, Alan Caffrey, Paddy Brady and the FAS team to name but a few for the endless hours of work put in to ensure that St Kevins Boys hosted a Tournament that will live in the memories of all those in attendance for a long time to come.

Presentation of Trophies

The presentation of trophies for the Tournament took place on the Sunday afternoon in the Clubhouse.

Club Chairman, Michael O’Callaghan, gave a brief history lesson of the Club to all in attendance to put some perspective on the importance of the Tournament. He went on to praise the teams for their exemplary displays both on and off the field of play and also the managers and coaches foe encouraging the teams to play football in the proper spirit.

Finally he thanked everyone, too numerous to mention, for all the work they had done to get the Tournament up and running and our sponsors, Fiat, Umbro, Proteam Sports, Powerade, AIB and Life Pharmacy for their generous support.

Each team player was called up individually to collect their commerative medal. Jake Mulraney of the DDSL collected the Leading Goalscorer Award while our own Jack Byrne deservedly collected the Player of the Tournament Award. Finally, winners Aberdeen collected their winners medals and trophy to a resounding applause before they went on to break into song while their cameras snapped into action.

Aberdeen unfurl the flag at the presentation