Charity Football Comp

In aid of                                                     Kindly sponsored by

Tramore AFC Charity Blitz in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation.

Winning team posing for a photo early on. Kendos Boys.

On December 30th 2011, Tramore AFC hosted a charity football blitz to help former player Alan Corcoran raise money for the Irish Heart Foundation. Alan is preparing to run 35 consecutive marathons around Ireland this year and we as a club were more than happy to help contribute to this fantastic effort from the young lad. Alan Dooly from Doolys chipper was more than happy to sponsor the event also. Alan has helped Tramore AFC on many occasions and he knows how grateful we are towards his generousity.

(l-r) Tommy Griffin, Johnny Matthews, Milo Corcoran, Alan Corcoran, Deckie Howlett. Also above is Girl Power.

Organisers wanted to have the draw ready a few days before and this meant that some teams could not enter in time unfortunetly but time constraints meant that we had to put a deadline on the competition. In the end a huge interest was generated and 18 teams entered the competition. These were drawn into random groups and the top two from each group would qualify for the quarter finals. We kicked off at 12:30pm and Groups A & B played out all their games before the bigger groups (C & D) played throughout the late afternoon. Even though the emphasis of the competition was on fun, as soon as the first whistle blew there was a competitive element to the games as was expected.

Finalists Eddie Barrets team and Eddie and Niall Kennedy shaking hands prior to the final. Also pictured is final referee Marky Lucas.

Group A was hottly contested with four even teams but in the end it was Lee Quilty's team who won the group winning all three games. Gary Hunt's Seasiders finished second only just losing out to Lee Quilty in topping the group. Group B winners were the experienced Brendan Kavanaghs team winning the group on head to head over Alan Corcorans second team. Surprise casualties in this group were Adam Dunne's side who just fell short on the day. Group C winners were Playboys but not after some small confusion. They had to alter their side as it did not match the initial player restrictions. Hardly Athletic were the other team to come out of this group although there was some talking points in this group including a phantom goal awarded to the coaches side against The Hammers in a crucial group game! The final group saw Kendos boys and Eddie Barretts team progress to the last 8 although a special mention must go to the ladies side who did give a great account of themselves in this group.

Jim Kielty making a save down low and also the Coaches selection on the day.

Before the Quarter finals commenced we held a raffle for prizes kindly donated by many different people. Many thanks to everyone who donated a prize for the raffle as this help us bump up the amount raised for this great cause. The main prize on the night was two tickets to the next Irish interntaional game (Ireland v Czech Rep). Winner of these tickets was Mickey Condron. Well done to all other winners on the night and also everyone who bought a ticket for the raffle.

The hammers, made up of Tramore AFC players and Jonathans lads.

The quarters saw our first and only penalty shootout when Kav-Fest were beat when a rare John Power penalty miss saw Kendos boys progress to the semi final. At the same time Lee Quilty's side were knocked out by Hardly Athletic. After going behind, Lee's side had so many chances but could not find a way past an inspired Hardly keeper. The seasiders also fell from the competition against the playboys losing 3-1 after leading the game. The final team to reach the semis was Eddie Barrett who beat Alo's boys to set up a tie with Hardly Athletic.

Squad pictures for Zachs Army and also for Hardly Athletic. 

Both semi final games were played in great spirit and in the end the two winning sides were deserving of their place in the grand final. Kendos boys beating the Playboys and Eddie Barrett's team shading out Hardly Athletic. So the final would be between Niall Kennedy (Kendos Boys) and Eddie Barrett. The opening goal of the final was worthy of gracing any final, Aaron Coad hitting a full on volley into the top corner. This goal would later be voted goal of the tournament. Barretts lads equilised and it was 1-1 at the break. The second half was a different story as Kendos Lads bossed it and in the end ran out 3-1 winners and were crowned champions on the day. As told, Aaron Coad was the recipitent of the goal of the tournament award and his teammate Andy Phelan was awarded player of the tournament for putting in some hugely impressive performances throughout. Jonathan Kiely was awarded the Fair Play award, an award which was deserved for his approach to the game everytime he plays.

Pictured above is semi finalist the Playboys and BTID (Blues Til I Die).

Although this competition was a huge success, Tramore AFC could not have staged this event without the continued help of so many people on the day. A big thanks must go to the referees who gave up so much of their day to officiate games free of charge. Many thanks also to Noel Brown who took photos on the day. Noel is currently the FAI photographer of the year and he continues to help us whenever possible. It was also nice to see members of the schoolboy league and junior league present on the day. Many thanks also to anyone who brought food and drinks on the day as this kept all players, officials and fans happy. It was also great to see so many people coming to Graun Park on the day to watch this event as this was also about the spectators as much as it was about the playing aspect. After this success, this charity event could well now become an annual fixture in Tramore AFC's diary.

Aaron Coad, Jonathan Kiely and Andy Phelan being presented with their awards from Alan Dooly (Doolys Chipper).

Tramore AFC handing over a cheque for €2000 to Alan. Pictured is John Power, Alan Dooly, Alan Corcoran, Gary Hunt, Milo Corcoran & Stuart Kennedy. The second picture shows Milo Corcoran, Pat Kelly and John Power enjoying some refreshments throughout the day in Graun Park.

Some action here as first Sean Browne looks to take on an approaching Luke Middleton and also Sally Jacob getting to the ball first ahead of Jonathan Kiely.

Competition Schedule

Group A (Pitch 1)

• Seasiders
• Leesiders
• Teammates
• S Daly Group

Seasiders (G.Hunt) v Teammates (A.Corcoran 1)

Time: 12:30pm

Steven Daly Group (S.Daly) v Leesiders (L.Quilty)

Time: 12:50pm

Leesiders (L.Quilty) v Seasiders (G.Hunt)

Time: 1:10pm

Steven Daly Group (S.Daly) v Teammates (A.Corcoran 1)

Time: 1:30pm

Seasiders (G.Hunt) v Steven Daly Group (S.Daly)

Time: 1:50pm

Leesiders (L.Quilty) v Teammates (A.Corcoran 1)

Time: 2:10pm