A RESPLENDENT Páirc Seán Ó Caoilte provided the perfect backdrop for the fifth staging of the Jarlath Carey Memorial Cup and Dundrum GAC Shield competitions, showcasing an excellent day of school football.
After several near attempts, Sacred Heart Primary School, Dundrum finally captured the Jarlath Carey Memorial Cup for the first time in their history. Meanwhile, St Joseph’s Primary School, Carnacaville emerged victorious in the Dundrum GAC Shield.
Six schools participated in this year’s competition: St Francis’ PS, Drumaroad; St Nicholas’ PS, Ardglass; St Mary’s PS, Newcastle; St Joseph’s PS, Carnacaville; Sacred Heart PS, Dundrum; and St Macartan’s PS, Loughinisland. Each team played one another in a round-robin format before progressing to placement matches, a fifth/sixth place play-off, the Shield final (third v fourth), and the Cup final (first v second).
Both finals delivered thrilling contests. In the Dundrum GAC Shield Final, St Joseph’s PS, Carnacaville edged past St Mary’s PS, Newcastle in a closely fought encounter, with a final score of 1-3 to 1-2.
The showpiece event, the Jarlath Carey Memorial Cup final, was equally tight, with Sacred Heart PS, Dundrum overcoming St Macartan’s PS, Loughinisland. The final score was 1-3 to 1-1, with a decisive moment coming in the form of a superb goal from Casey Rogan, which ultimately secured victory for the Dundrum side.
Special thanks are extended to the referees, Coran Clendenning, Nathan Stone, and Jack McMullan; Dundrum GAC for hosting the event; Eddie Campbell, Dundrum GAC President, for presenting the Shield; and the Carey family, particularly Martin Carey, for presenting the Jarlath Carey Memorial Cup.
This triumph marks a significant milestone for Sacred Heart PS, Dundrum. It is not only their first cup victory, but also their first appearance in the final. Congratulations to all players and especially to coach Ruairi McGuigan, whose dedication and hard work throughout the year has clearly paid dividends.
