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FOOTBALL stars of the future will get their moment to shine at the sixth Colm Cooper Invitational Tournament. It will be hosted on Saturday, September 23, by the Dr Crokes GAA Club at Lewis Road.

The games commence at 11.40am and the tournament is scheduled to be completed by 6.30pm. “I really enjoy these games as the players are very honest and the skill levels seem to improve every year,” said Colm Cooper.

Teams competing this year are, Dr Crokes, Skerries Harps, Dublin (holders), Wolfe Tones, Clare, and Bantry Blues, Cork, Cork, St Colmcille's Meath, St James, Galway, Kilmurry/Ibrickane, Clare, and St Finbarr’s, Cork.
Winners in previous years include Corofin Galway, Bishopstown Cork and Sherries Harps Dublin. Teams have previously travelled from Meath, Down, Mayo, Scotland, Dublin, Galway, Clare and Cork to take part. “This tournament provides us with the opportunity to honour Colm Cooper, one of our, and Kerry’s, greatest ever footballers,” said chairman of the organising committee John O’Shea.

“Add to this the opportunity for the clubs U-13 players to compete with their counterparts from all over the country. Teams will play in groups to qualify for the cup and plate semi-finals and finals.”

The tournament trophies and medals are kindly sponsored by the Coffey family in memory of the late Denis Coffey, RIP, a former player and officer with Dr Crokes. “Apart from being a memorable occasion for the young players, it is a wonderful day for the club to honour Colm and his family,” said John.