Aodh Ruadh take inaugural Sean Slevin title
2006 Sean Slevin Minor Tournament
24 February 2006
Aodh Ruadh 1-09
Erne Gaels 1-08
Report by John Hughes
The inaugural Sean Slevin Tournament took place last Saturday with a game between the 2006 minor teams of Aodh Ruadh and Erne Gaels in Munday's field. The 2006 tournament was carried over into 2007 after a number of attempts to run it in 2006 had foundered.
A downpour in the opening minutes of the match made underfoot conditions very tricky, but, happily, the rain held off after that and a large crowd was treated to as good a game of football as you will see anywhere this February. Erne Gaels made the most of playing down the hill in the first half going into the half-time break four points to the good.
Aodh Ruadh piled on the pressure in the second half, but a staunch Erne Gaels defence was yielding few clear cut opportunities. The game turned on a goal mid-way through the second half. A move down the centre saw the ball come to Jason Kane who neatly popped the ball up for Diarmuid McInerney. Still some distance out and a point looking the more likely, Diarmuid shot for goal and the ball rifled past a stunned Erne Gaels 'keeper. That score put Aodh Ruadh into a one point lead, but Belleek were in no mood to lie down A hard won point brought the Fermanagh side level.
With time slipping away the next score was likely to win the day, and that fell to Aodh Ruadh with David Dolan pointing to clinch in the inaugural Sean Slevin Shield on a score line of 1-09 to 1-08.
The presentations afterwards were an emotional occasion. There were speeches from Bord na nOg Chairman, Jim Kane, Aodh Ruadh Chairman, Terrence McShea, and Sean Slevin's widow, Patricia all making reference to the huge contribution Sean made to the club at every level, a contribution now sadly missed. It was agreed the quality, passion and spirit of the game did honour to Sean's memory. Afterwards Patricia made the presentation her son Ciaran who captained the victorious Aodh Ruadh team. Many thanks go to everyone who helped out on the day.
The Aodh Ruadh team that took part in the inaugural Sean Slevin Minor Tournament.
Back Row l-r Team manager Andrew McShea, Micheal Ward, Matthew 'Turkey' Thompson, Diarmuid McIntyre, Darren Drummond, Aiden Murray, Stephen McGrath, Jason McMenamin, Shane Roper, Christopher Goan and Team Trainer Josie 'Hunga, Hunga' Boyle.
Front Row l-r Brian McGrath, Diarmuid McInerney, Nicky Sheerin, Eunan McCosker, Jason Kane, David Dolan, P.J. Magee, Ciaran Slevin and Maurice Kane.
The Erne Gaels team that took part in the inaugural Sean Slevin Minor Tournament.
Sean Slevin's widow, Patricia, makes a speech before the presentation of medals and plaques.
The presentation the Sean Slevin plaque l-r Erne Gaels Captain X Slevin, Erne Gaels mentor and Sean's brother, Leo Slevin, Sean's father and Uachtaran of Aodh Ruadh, Sean Senior, Billy Cleary of the Abbey Garage, the tournament sponsors, Patricia Slevin, Sean's son and Aodh Ruadh Captain on the day, Ciaran Slevin, Sean's daughter, Shauna Slevin, Sean's sister, X and X.
Aodh Ruadh - Winners of the 2006 inaugural Sean Slevin Minor Tournament.
Billy Cleary of the Abbey Garage presents the Sean Slevin plaque to
Patricia Slevin and the Chairman of Bord na nÓg, Jim Kane.
Report Filed: 25 February 2007