Sigersons host Peter Duffy memorial tournament

STRABANE Sigersons hosted the Peter Duffy Under 12.5 Cup and Shield Tournament at Páirc Mhíc Sioghair.

The day was a huge success with six travelling clubs in attendance including Owen Roes, Greencastle, Gortin, Castlederg, Drumragh, Clann na nGael and Sigersons had two teams.

The tournament was split into two groups, Strabane ‘One’ and Clann na nGael emerged from group one with Strabane winning two of their games and a draw against Castlederg.

Clann na nGael defeated Castlederg in the final group game to qualify for the cup semi-final. Castlederg and Owen Roes qualified for the semi-finals of the shield competition.

In group two, Greencastle and Gortin qualified for the semi-finals of the cup with both teams unbeaten as they played out hard fought draw in the final group game.

Drumragh and Strabane ‘Two' qualified for the shield semi-finals.

Drumragh won the shield competition after beating Owen Roes in a semi-final and Castlederg defeated Strabane ‘Two’ in the other semi-final.

The shield final between Drumragh and Castlederg was a brilliant game with Drumragh just edging it at the end.

In the Cup competition, Greencastle defeated Strabane ‘One’ by four points in the semi-final and Clann na nGael put in an excellent performance to beat Gortin setting up a Clann na nGael and Greencastle final.

Greencastle stormed into a big lead at half-time but Clann na nGael fought right to the end, but it wasn’t to be for them as Greencastle claimed victory.

During the presentation, club chairperson, Liam Sweeney, thanked all teams for attending and noted on the high standard of football throughout the tournament.

He urged all young players there to keep playing Gaelic for their clubs and to progress onto senior football.

Liam then called on Drumragh who were presented with the shield by club president, John McCrory and Peter Duffy’s, mother Anne.

Liam Sweeney then named Drumragh player Conor Murray the best player of the shield competition.

Next, Liam called upon deserving cup winners Greencastle to come forward and get their medals and receive the Peter Duffy Cup trophy from John McCrory and Anne Duffy.

Greencastle player Fionn Harte was named player of the tournament.

To conclude, Marty 'George' Devine presented flowers to Peter’s mum Anne as a token of appreciation for her family's support to the club down the years.

A club spokesperson said: "We would like to thank all the clubs who attended, all the players, parents and coaches for making it a very enjoyable morning of football in memory of the late Peter Duffy a past player of Sigersons who died tragically 37 years ago.

"We are proud that his memory always lives on in our club.

"Thanks to the referees, Stephen Patton, Eamon McGowan, Eugene Kelly, Cadhla McCrossan and to all those who assisted with umpiring in the games.

"Thanks to James O’Reilly who coordinated the tournament and to everyone who helped with refreshments for the players, parents and coaches.

"Thanks to A&J Photography for the great pictures.

"Finally, a huge well done to Marty ‘George’ Devine and Johnny McHugh for getting this great tournament going again after Covid had stopped it for a few years.

"This is special tournament for many in the club and it is a credit to the two boys for the organisation side of this."