U-10's Win Rasharkin Blitz

Swatragh U10’s were invited to take part in St. Mary’s GAC, Rasharkin 9-a-side football blitz held on Saturday 6th October. The competition was well organised with 8 Clubs taking part and each entering A, B & C teams. The format was such that 3 points were awarded for a victory, 2 for a draw, 1 for a defeat for any team A, B or C.

This meant that each team was of equal importance as we would find out. Swatragh defeated Portglenone in all games A, B & C and a Portglenone supporter was heard to say that “some of that Swatragh A team could get on our Senior team” ………and they were in the Antrim Senior County Final!

In the second group game we played Creggan and after a tough game we finished with wins for the A & C teams but with a defeat for our B squad. In our final group game we defeated Moneyglass in the A, B & C games, finished top of the group and faced the only other Derry team, Ballerin who were runners up in their group. Once again the boys played their hearts out and won all three games and these small but mighty Davitts were through to the final.

Creggan had qualified in the other semi-final and once again set up a thrilling encounter. The starting time of the games was slightly staggered so the A team came through with a victory. The B team fought hard and after a very tough game they were narrowly defeated. At the final whistle the boys collapsed with a mixture of disappointment and fatigue but lifted themselves when they realised that the overall result was now down to the C team.

What a performance these young lads put on as they fought for every ball and worked their socks off for every score. They never stopped and kept plugging away until the final whistle and they won the tournament for Swatragh. The standard of football played by all of our teams was excellent and matched the weather on the day. It was a fitting tribute to the boys at the presentation that Rasharkin spoke specifically about how the discipline of this group of players stood out, never mind their skill as footballers. Congratulations are due to all of these young lads and every effort must be made to ensure that, they get all the help and encouragement that we can provide to ensure a bright future for Michael Davitt GAC. Congratulations are also due to the mentors who have worked tirelessly through last winter into spring and summer for the benefit of this fine young group of players. Keep up the good work coaches.  We must also congratulate St. Mary’s Rasharkin for organising this excellent competition and we hope to be back next year to defend our title.

And finally congratulations to all of you parents who make the effort to bring your kids along to training and matches. Without you this would not be possible.

We will no doubt be back in the spring training again indoors after a well earned break and we would encourage as many parents as possible to become a part of this. Look at the photographs to see the enjoyment on the faces of the children and you will see how much they get out of achievements like this. You don’t need to have played Gaelic games to help coach teams as qualified coaches will be present but help is required and any offer of help will be very much appreciated.