Council Chair hosts reception for Éire Óg Carrickmore Féile na nGael Champions

Recently the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District, Councillor Barry McElduff, hosted a reception to recognise Éire Óg Carrickmore’s success in the All Ireland Féile na nGael under 15 boys competition.

The following is a copy of the speech which was delivered at the reception:

Councillors, Ladies and gentlemen,

As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am delighted to welcome you all to the The Grange, Omagh this evening for this reception to honour the success of Éire Óg Carrickmore’s Under 15 Boys team in the All Ireland Féile na nGael.

I would like to extend a particularly warm welcome to the Team, Managers and Coaches in whose honour this reception is being held.

Your journey in the All Ireland Féile na nGael competition began on 27 April 2022 when you played in the Tyrone Féile with your first match against Tulach Óg which you went on to win.

This was followed by a match against Eohgan Ruadh which you unfortunately lost, however, you still finished second in your Group.

In the Tyrone Féile semi final you faced Fintona Pearses GAC which you won earning you a place in the final where you once again played Eoghan Ruadh.  This was a closely fought match, however, with great team work and a desire to win you emerged as the winners and earning the title of Tyrone Féile Champions for the first time since 2007.

With a full schedule of games in between, all roads lead to Broadsmill, County Meath for the All Ireland Féile on 25 June 2022.

Your first match as against New York which you won 13 points to 6 points.  In your second match your opponents were Longford Slashers which you won with another impressive score line of 2-8 to 1-4.  With two wins you were top of the Group securing a place in the semi final against Carrick Hurling Club from County Leitrim.  This match ended 5-6 to 2-2 earning you a well deserved place in the final.

Your opponents in the final were Sean MacCumhails from Donegal.  I understand this was a very close match, however, you all dug deep in the second half to win the match 1-6 to 1-2 and be the first Éire Óg Carrickmore Team to win an All Ireland Féile title.

I would like to congratulate each and every member of the team for the part you played in this superb triumph and commend you on your hard work and commitment to training, which can be difficult alongside your school work.

I would also like to commend the Managers and Coaches of the Team for your hard work and commitment to encourage the boys and enable them to succeed.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the families of the boys for your commitment to take the boys to and from training and the various matches.

As well learning the skills of hurling, being part of a team teaches you many valuable life skills such as dedication, teamwork, listening, communicating effectively and supporting each other.  These are key skills which you can also transfer to your school work and, in the future, the workplace to enable you to succeed.

On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to once again congratulate you all, you have done your family, friends, Club and the District proud. I wish you and the Club every success for the future.

Thank you.