Spa GAA are already planning a second Killarney Club 7s for next year after the success of the inaugural competition.

CRAIC:Johnny Brosnan Seanie Kelliher and Derry Healy at the Killarney Club 7s. Photo Anne Holland

UNDERCOVER:Brian Lynch Paddy B Lynch and Dave Herlihy at the Killarney Club 7s. Photo: Anne Holland

ORGANISERS: Killarney Club 7s Organising Committee: Deirdre O'Sullivan Darcy Conor Gleeson Katie O'Brien Evan Cronin Shane Cronin Andrew Garnett Michael O'Donoghue Ivor Flynn and Cian Tobin. Photo: Anne Holland.

FUN TIMES: Spa GAA Volunteers Saoirse Holland and Susan Waters at the Killarney Club 7s. Photo Anne Holland.

The club hosted the first such competition to take place in Killarney over the June Bank Holiday weekend.

“With months of preparation, and incredible support and help from the local community, as well as a gigantic effort from our wonderful volunteers, the club welcomed thousands of people from across Ireland and beyond to Spa GAA Club over the two days,” said club PRO Deirdre O’Sullivan-Darcy.

The 7-a-side games were played across two playing pitches, alternating throughout the weekend between ladies and mens fixtures on each field.

In the Ladies competition, Southern Gaels LGFA defeated Castlemahon Feohanagh LGFA in the Shield Final while it was an all-Cork affair in the Cup Final as Clonakilty LGFA defeated Valley Rovers LGFA.

In the Mens competition, Dublin teams Cuala GAA and Lucan Sarsfields GAA met in the Shield Final with Cuala coming out on top, and in the Cup Final, Mitchelstown GAA edged out Eire Óg.

"Well done to all teams, players, mentors and supporters who travelled to Spa and took part," added Deirdre. 

“Our thanks also to the GAA and LGFA referees who officiated over the weekend; Brendan Griffin, Seamus Mulvihill, Grainne Sands, Ciara Gilroy, Eddie Walsh and Padraig O’Sullivan."

The Rockshore marquee was rocking all weekend with the live music starting from 12noon each day and finishing at 10pm with a DJ both nights.

Acts over the weekend included Super Céilí, The Rising, Derry and Rosie, Brian Murphy and The Stars. Spa GAA juvenile set dancers also took to the stage on Saturday afternoon.

“The support from near and far has been incredible, and huge credit to our volunteers and the support of the local community. With the event itself taking months of planning, over the past number of weeks the effort to get the club and grounds ready to host thousands of people over the weekend has been monumental,” said Deirdre.

“Míle Buíochas to the amazing hard working committee who organised the Rockshore Killarney Club 7s tournament: Shane Cronin, Conor Gleeson, Michael O’Donoghue, Andrew Garnett, Evan Cronin, Cian Tobin, Ivor Flynn and Katie Gleeson. They spearheaded this super event and brought the whole community together with hundreds of volunteers, enabling it to take place.

“Thanks to everyone who participated, supported, sponsored, volunteered or donated to make this fundraiser possible for our great club. A huge thank you to one and all, roll on next year.”