Aaron Devlin Memorial Tournament 2023 - CONGRATULATIONS & THANK YOU!

Aaron Devlin Memorial Tournament 2023 -THANK YOU

 We were delighted to host our 6^th Annual Aaron Devlin Tournament today. Aaron’s tournament is a tribute to not only a hugely talented footballer, he was a past pupil of our school at Derrychrin PS and a former player to the Ballinderry Shamrocks Club. Most importantly Aaron was a son, brother, uncle, and friend to many. Aaron was so full of life and lived each day the way we all should. It was off the field he left his mark on so many and he epitomised everything that is good in life. His positive impact will be felt by future generations who will represent the Ballinderry Club. The excellent 4G pitch and the skills wall, named after Aaron, bears two iconic images of Aaron and his playing roll of honour. 

The Ballinderry Community will never forget Aaron and his memory will shine brightly for many years to come.

Thank you to all the schools who attended and participated. It was brilliant to have 18 boys’ teams and 16 girls’ teams represent their schools today in a wonderful festival of Gaelic Football in the glorious weather. The standard of football on show was excellent - matched by the terrific sportsmanship, desire and passion shown by all teams, their teachers, and mentors.

Thank you to all participating schools who donated £20 for the nominated charity ‘Meningitis NOW’. We aim to invite the Devlin Family to Derrychrin to present the donation to the charity before the end of the school year.

Huge thank you must go to Ballinderry Shamrocks GAC for hosting the event and for providing super facilities as always. We are truly indebted to the club for continuing to support our school in every possible way possible epitomising the strong school club links.

To all the club members, coaches and playing members who helped in so many roles on the day. A big thank you to our referees, umpires, and scorecard runners. Special mention to Pat McGuckin for having the pitches in wonderful condition especially during the recent testing hot weather conditions. Huge appreciation again must go to Killian Conlon in his role as main co-ordinator today and ensuring everything ran smoothly as always. Killian’s enthusiasm and willingness in assisting myself organise today is always very much appreciated. Thank you to Maureen McKinless for providing the Community Hub.

Many thanks to all the Teaching and Non-Teaching staff who assisted in many roles both in school and at the club to ensure the tournament was a massive success.

Thank you to John O’Neill who captured so many wonderful photographs and memories for all the schools and pupils. John will upload the photos in due course for everyone to view. Please click on the click to view all photos.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=sperrinsphotography&set=a.732807702179321

Thank you to Margaret and our school canteen staff who provided lovely refreshments and lunch for all the teachers, mentors and officials. Also, to Gemma ’68 Bakes’ for providing tea and refreshments for all spectators.

It was lovely to have the Devlin Family in attendance, especially Carmel, Ronan, Colin, Jude and Matty for presenting The Aaron Devlin Cups and Shields to the winning teams and medals to the runners up in each competition. Thank you to Carmel, Ronan, Colin, Jude and Ma

In the boys’ competitions;

New Rows PS, Castledawson beat an excellent Holy Trinity PS, Cookstown in the final of the Cup.

In the final of the Shield, St. Patrick’s PS, The Loup defeated Holy Family PS, Magherafelt.

In the girls’ competitions;

Derrychrin PS beat a gallant St. Canice’s PS, Dungiven to secure the Cup.

Lissan PS overcome Ballylifford PS to record victory in the Shield Final.

Congratulations to all the winning schools for 2023

Boys Cup 2023 – New Row PS, Castledawson

Boys Shield 2023– St. Patrick’s PS, The Loup

Girls Cup 2023 – Derrychrin PS

Girls Shield 2023 -Lissan PS

Congratulations also to the Player of the Tournament in both the girls and boys sections.

Player of the Tournament ‘Girls’ – Casey Musgrave (Derrychrin PS)

Player of the Tournament ‘Boys’ – Jake Mulligan (Holy Trinity PS, Cookstown)

We hope that everyone had a great day, and we are already looking forward to next year's tournament. Take care everyone and we would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Summer.

Kind Regards

Ciaran McElroy

Principal