Futsal Finale in Ballymun
An U14 Girls Futsal Tournament was held at the fabulous BRL Umbro Arena on Friday last (27th March 2009). The Schools Blitz was the first major Futsal tournament to be held at the newly built Arena in Ballymun.
FAI Football Development Officer, Jamie Wilson and Trinity Comprehensive School PE Teacher, Ann Murray, invited schools to take part in this competitive competition and managed to secure 13 teams to participate from Ballymun, Finglas, Beaumont, Inchicore, Whitehall, Milltown, Glasnevin and Coolock.
The Tournament kicked off at 10am and the competition was hotting up with St Mary’s from Killester, Alexandra College from Milltown and Our Lady of Mercy School from Inchicore leading the qualifying groups with comprehensive wins.
However, semi final places were decided by the winners of the groups, Trinity Comprehensive, Alexandra College, St. Mary’s from Killester, with the surprise of St. Mary’s from Glasnevin pipping Our Lady of Mercy School from Inchicore for the last semi-final spot.
Alexandra College conceded their first goal and more importantly their first defeat in their semi final against Trinity Comprehensive and St. Mary’s Killester grabbed a late winner against St. Mary’s Glasnevin.
The 3rd/4th place play off was decided by St. Mary’s Glasnevin beating Alexandra College 1-0 with an early goal only to survive the onslaught from Alexandra College to collect the bronze medal.
The final was a hotly contested affair. St Mary’s Killester got an early lead but Trinity Comprehensive did not sit back, only for the goalkeeping skills of St. Mary’s net minder which would make the legendary Packie Bonner proud.
St. Mary’s were hanging on to their lead until seconds from the final whistle they managed to seal their win with a second goal. You could see the delight and relief from both players and teachers after a long day of competitive futsal.
Sue Ronan, Unit Manager of the Women’s Department at the FAI and U19 Women’s Manager was on hand to present the prizes and trophy.
Irish Women’s Legend Sharon Boyle also FAI Football Development Officer was in attendance to referee many of the games with Emma Martin FAI Women’s Development Officer taking on the role of score and time keeper.
PE Teacher Ann Murray commented on the day’s events, “Fantastic day and great to see so many girls playing football in the new facility. Having spoken to many of the teachers, the girls really enjoyed it and we have been asked to put on more tournaments to cater all age groups and also for the boys as well”.
FAI Development Officer Jamie Wilson commented on the events, “We had a fantastic response from schools all over Dublin though a number couldn’t make it today as it clashed with other sporting activities however I was absolutely delighted with the turn-out for today’s tournament and the tournament was a showcase of skills and there were some cracking goalkeeping on display. It was a fantastic opportunity for the girls to compete in the new BRL Umbro Arena for the first time and hopefully first of many. Trinity Comprehensive were very kind in letting us use their facilities and in providing so many students to assist in looking after the teams and even referee the games”
END