Under-10 Blitz: A Superb DFay's Football

The Under-10 Blitz took place in Springfield on Sunday. It was an early start for Tom and Willie and our under-age officials as they assembled at 8.30 to prepare the pitches and put the goalposts in place for what was a hectic day of football in the glorious sunshine. The catering volunteers were in place from 9.30 and prepared lunch packs for the 150+ footballers who descended on Springfield from across Leinster and beyond. Teas, coffees and all sorts of goodies were available for the mentors and coaches

The teams began to arrive after 9.30 for their 10.00pm briefing (the player fouled was required to  kick the free, for example, in this 10-a-side competition) and the first matches began at 10.30.

It was a major organisational challenge for the club as referees, co-coordinators, umpires, scoreboard operators, runners, tea and sandwich makers, etc, etc are essential to the smooth running of the competition. For many of those involved it proved to be a 10-hour marathon contribution of time and effort. This competition had set the organisational bar at a very high level for the last couple of years but on this occasion, it was elevated several more notches.

The following clubs entered the 16-team tournament: Mullahoran, Mullingar Shamrocks (x2), Erin’s Isle, St Jude’s, St Joseph’s-Kilbeggan, Navan O’Mahoneys, Baltinglass, Celbridge, Killoe Emmett’s, Killucan, Maynooth, St Loman’s, St. Colmcille’s (x2).

At the end of the day’s play Maynooth emerged as the winners after a tremendous final game with St Jude’s. These were the only teams to beat Mullingar Shamrocks Green and White teams in their respective group and the Mullingar boys responded brilliantly to qualify for the Trophy Final where most appropriately a draw was the final result. The Shield Final was won by Mullahoran whilst Killoe Emmett's emerged as the Plate winners. The real winners were the young footballers from the 16 participating clubs who enjoyed  a wonerful day's sport and entertainement in the glorious sunshine of Springfield.

The exercise will be repeated on Sunday, next 25 June when the Under-11 Blitz will be staged.