A feast of Mini-Sevens Gaelic Games

IN association with generous sponsor Allianz and Cumann na mBunscol, Gaillimh the I.N.T.O. and G.A.A. Mini-Sevens are the first competitions of the school year. Due to harsh weather, many of the preliminary rounds had to be postponed to the new year. Over 100 schools took part in each discipline: girls' football, boys' football, camogie and hurling. Every year this competition proves to be very popular among large and small schools, as it provides a level playing field due to graded age limits.[private] The finals started with Boys Football at Claregalway GAA pitches. Thirteen schools took part including Belclare N.S., Kilconnell N.S., Monivea N.S., G.S. Mhic Amhlaigh, Bullaun N.S., Brierhill N.S., Clonberne N.S., Corrandulla N.S., Letterfrack N.S./ Leenane N.S., Craughwell N.S., Ballygar N.S., Killeeneen N.S. and Oughterard N.S. After some great games of football, G.S. Mhic Amhlaigh, Brierhill N.S. and Killeeneen N.S. came through to a three-way play-off with Brierhill N.S. coming out on top. Thanks to Claregalway G.A.A. Club for hosting and to Pat Coen for co-ordinating. Thanks also to referees Pat Hansberry, Vinnie Judge, Tom Naughton and Pádraig O' Connell. The Girls Football finals took place at Annaghdown GAA pitches. Cummer N.S., Claregalway N.S., Kilkerrin N.S., Ballaghlea N.S., Duniry N.S., Corrandulla N.S., Capptaggle N.S., Barna N.S., Craughwell N.S. and Tully N.S./ Eagles Nest N.S. took part in these finals. There was a great display of football on the day with Cummer N.S. and Cappataggle N.S. going through to the final. After a great battle Cappataggle N.S. took home the honours. The Sharon Creaven Memorial Cup was presented to the winning Cappataggle captain by Rose and Jarlath Creaven. Thanks to Annaghdown G.A.A. Club for the use of their facilities; to Billy Farragher, co-ordinating the matches, and to referees Tom Naughton, Claire Burke and Tomás Ó Neachtain. The Hurling and Camogie finals were played at sunny Carrabane. Ten teams qualified for the hurling finals: Duniry N.S., Killeeneen N.S., Lackagh N.S., Ballygar N.S., Oranmore N.S., Eyrecourt N.S., Athenry B.N.S., Craughwell N.S., G.S. Mhic Amhlaigh and Kilchreest N.S. Some fine hurling was played on the day, with Killeeneen N.S. emerging champions, while Athenry B.N.S. and Craughwell N.S. filled the runners-up spots. Thank you to the Greaney family who presented the Niall Greaney Memorial Cup to the victorious Killeeneen captain. Eight schools reached the Camogie finals including Maree N.S.,Kilchreest N.S., Mountbellew N.S., G.S. Mhic Amhlaigh, Cappataggle N.S., Carnmore N.S.,New Inn N.S. and Tiernascragh N.S. Maree and New Inn emerged from their groups and contested the final. After a great game, New Inn were victorious. Thanks to referees Peter Murphy, Peter Campbell and Christy Browne, and umpires from Carrabane N.S., to Kilconieron G.A.A. Club for their wonderful facilities and Carrabane N.S. Parents Committee for providing refreshments on the day. Also the co-ordinators Francis O'Connor and Colm McGuinness for organising the events on the day, and to photographers Michael and Tony O'Hehir for their excellent work at all venues. Allianz Cumann na mBunscol, Gaillimh Championships will commence after Easter, culminating in finals in early June. www.scoilsportg.ie for all info. â€â€ C.M. [/private]