BLITZ: Pictured at theKillarney Garda National School 7-a-side Football Blitz in Fitzgerald Stadium on Wednesday were: Front l-r were: Liam Cronin, Oisin O'Sullivan, Jed Switzer and Daire Murphy. Back l-r were: Aidan O'Mahony, Michael O'Riordan, Garda Eddie Walsh, David Clifford, Colm O'Sullivan and Inspector Paul Ahern. Photo: Michelle Crean

By Michelle Crean

Lissivigeen National School emerged victorious against Duagh National School in what was a tense final in Fitzgerald Stadium on Wednesday – during the 15^thannual Killarney Garda National School 7-a-side Football Blitz.

18 teams, including Faha, Lissivigeen, Tiernaboul, Coolick, Loughatane, The Mon, Kenmare, Glenbeigh, Cullina, Gneeveguilla, Boherbee, Gael Scoil, Fossa, Duagh, Barraduff, Anablah, Rathmore and St Oliver’s, took part in the popular annual event playing a total of 52 games on the day, which is organised by local Garda Eddie Walsh.

Schools arrived at the stadium just after 9am, where they met Kerry Senior Footballer David Clifford, and Aidan O’Mahony after being led onto the field by piper Mike Milner. There were also emotional tributes to talented football player Niall McGillicuddy (16), who passed away last year.

The event, which began in 2005 by Garda Eddie Walsh from Killarney Garda Station, and Detective Pat Kelliher who is now retired, has to date seen over 2,400 play in the blitz, including some who went on to win minor and senior All-Ireland medals.

“The day went very well,” Eddie told the Killarney Advertiser.

“It was a tremendous success. We had a total of 52 games and Lissivigeen won well, although it was a passionate final.”

He added that Niall McGillicuddy’s parents, Daithi and Sheila, and his sister Ellen were also in attendance on the day, although it was an emotional occasion for them.

“All school’s showed dignity and respect for the minute’s silence. They’re a credit to their parents, teachers and clubs.”

Joint Player of the Tournament for the girls went to Shona Colleran from Fossa School and Shola O’Donovan from Glenbeigh, while Joint Player of the Tournament for the boys went to Tom Benson from The Mon and Padraig Moynihan from Rathmore.

And Eddie added that he’d like to say thanks to David Clifford and Aidan O’Mahony, Vice-Principal of St Brendan’s College Hugh Rudden, and Principal of The Mon Colm O’Sullivan, Enda Walsh and Tommy Galvin from Legion, John C O’Shea who took photos with the drone and also to the Gardai and others who helped on the day.

Photos: Michelle Crean

[caption id="attachment_26967" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] BLITZ: Members of the Gardai, footballers David Clifford and Aidan O'Mahony, with pupils from The Mon and others pictured just before the 15th annual Garda Football Blitz in Fitzgerald Stadium on Wednesday.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_26965" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Pictured at the blitz in Fitzgerald Stadium on Wednesday were: Front l-r were: Liam Cronin, Oisin O'Sullivan, Jed Switzer and Daire Murphy. Back l-r were: Aidan O'Mahony, Michael O'Riordan, Garda Eddie Walsh, David Clifford, Colm O'Sullivan and Inspector Paul Ahern.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_26964" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] The Gaelscoil Faithleann team pictured with teachers Tomás Ó Murchú and Treasa Uí Scannláin.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_26963" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] The Duagh team pictured with Karl Dillon (Teacher), Garda Martina Desmond and Liz Twomey.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_26962" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Boherbue National School team pictured with Marie Casey (Principal), Mary O'Leary (staff) and Garda Tom Moynihan and Garda Eddie Walsh.[/caption]