Leinster Feile 2011

Written by Seamus Hunt Monday, 06 June 2011 19:03

Portarlington was one of eight venues in Laois / Offaly to host the Leinster Under 14 Feile 2011. On Saturday 4th June 8 teams contested Section 4 in McCann Park Portarlington and the event turned out to be hugely successful.  Shamrocks (Offaly), Trim (Meath), Na Fianna (Offaly), Naomh Mairtin (Louth), Park-Rathneiska (Laois), St. Broughans (Offaly), Ballymahon (Longford) and Portarlington provided a very entertaining and competitive tournament which was deservedly won by the host team. On a very warm day Port had to win four tough matches. In round 1 Port defeated Shamrocks 1-8 to 1-3 and in round 2 accounted for Naomh Mairtin on a 5-10 to 3-2 scoreline. This got Port to the semi-final where they were drawn to meet Shamrocks again. The Offaly side were intent on revenge for their first round defeat and at half time they led by four points. However a storming second half performance from the Port lads saw them emerge victorious 3-6 to 3-3. Port then faced Park-Rathneiska in the final who had accounted for a very classy Trim team in the other semi-final. Having qualified for the final the Port lads were not going to let the trophy slip and established a firm grip on the game from the throw in. Despite the inevitable fatigue Port were always in control and won out by 1-10 to 1-1 against a gallant Park-Rathneiska side.

Congratulations first and foremost to all the players for their oustanding performances on the day. Also to the team mentors for their excellent work with this very talented squad.

The organization of the event was an outstanding success for the club and is due to the hard work and co-operation of all involved - the Juvenile Club, The Ladies and all the helpers on the day and the preceeding days. It has been noted by the Feile Committee and Leinster Council how wonderful the organization and hospitality of the Port venue was. Congratulations again to all involved. It is now certain that Portarlington will be one of the main venues for the All Ireland Feile to be held in Laois-Offaly in 2012 and we look forward to an even bigger and better event next year.

Most importantly the football was a success and this is what it is all about and our own teams victory provided the perfect icing on the cake.