Naomh Mearnóg – St. Sylvester’s capture the A
- Sep 28,2008
On a sun socked evening, 27th September 2008 to be exact.A Dublin club finally captured the Senior All Ireland Sevens Title. The closest a Dublin team had come to taking this title was the mighty Portobello finished runner up to Padraig Pearses of Roscommon in 1999. The sevens tournament has been running since 1985, which is the curtain raiser for the All Ireland county finals the following day in Croke Park. The tournament was hosted this year by Naomh Mearnóg & St. Sylvester’s from the parishes of Portmarnock & Malahide. The clubs are close neighbours and play as amalgamated team in Dublin competitions. This Naomh Mearnóg – St. Sylvester’s team have tasted All Ireland success before when in 2006 they won the Intermediate club championship.
Naomh Mearnóg – St. Sylvester’s played Clann Eireann of Armagh in a trilling final with the host clubs narrowly prevailing by 2 points 2-7 to 2-5. A hugh crowd assembled for the final as the news quickly spread that Naomh Mearnóg – St. Sylvester’s had reached the final and they were not disappointed as they were treated to a gripping game of octane skilful football.
While in the Shield Senior Final another Dublin club Na Fianna was successful, again this particular title had eluded Dublin Clubs since 1985. So it was a good day for
Dub’s when capturing the two Senior Titles that were on offer. Na Fianna in the group stages were paired with Ballymacarabry of Waterford who were seeking a three in a row for Sevens All Ireland Title winners.
Uachtaran, Cumman Peil Gael na mBan Geraldine Giles. Was on hand to present the cup to Naomh Mearnóg – St. Sylvester’s captain and Dublin goalkeeper Cliodhna OConnor.
The event itself as usual was run like clockwork considering the logistics with over 900 players, 40 referees, and spectators to cater for. Geraldine Giles thanked the many persons who worked behind the scenes and to the organising committees and members of Naomh Mearnóg & St. Sylvester’s, for the use of their wonderful facilities and cooperation to run the tournament.
