Watty Graham's win PJ Roper tournament

A well drilled Maghera outfit gave an assured display of football to win the PJ Roper under 16 tournament run by Aodh Ruadh last Saturday.

The tournament opened with Aodh Ruadh taking on Crossmaglen Rangers. Aodh Ruadh scored a quick goal from James Kelly and didn't look back after that, finishing 1-5 to 0-2 winners in the opening contest of the day.

The next game saw Aodh Ruadh back in action, this time taking on Derry side Watty Graham's, Glen Maghera. Glen were first onto the score board, reeling off three points in succession before James Kelly leveled matters with a goal. The Derry men replied with a point, but David McGurrin hit another Aodh Ruadh goal to give the homesters the lead before another run of Maghera scores saw them edge out winners on a score line of 2-1 to 0-8.

That meant that destination of the PJ Roper was still in the final balance in the final game of the tournament. Crossmaglen improved on their opening performance to give Glen a good run for their money in what was a scrappy and ill-tempered affair. It was the Oak Leaf lads who claimed the PJ Roper with a 3-7 to 2-1 win in their final game.

Aras Aoidh Ruaidh was the venue for the presentations and Aodh Ruadh Bord na nÓg Chairman, Paddy Kelly, was master of ceremonies. He thanked all the teams for attending, the match officials and everyone who helped out with the food, before calling upon Brian Roper to present the trophy for player of the tournament to Crossmaglen's Stephen Feeley. Stephen was rugged and played with a never-say-die attitude and was well worthy of his award. Brian Roper presented the runners up medals to the Aodh Ruadh side before, Mary Roper, PJ's wife, presented the PJ Roper trophy to the victorious Watty Graham's Glen Maghera captain, Paul Gunning.

Aodh Ruadh would like to extend their sincere thanks to the participating teams, to those who officiated the matches, those who provided the refreshments, the stewards and to all those who gave of their time and effort to make the event such a success.

Round Robin table