JIM POWER U-14 INTER-CO. FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT

The countdown is very much on to one of the biggest dates in the Juvenile GAA calender as the Jim Power Under-14 Inter-Co. football tournament takes centre stage on Saturday August 12th across four different Waterford venues which are Bushy Park (Brickey Rangers GAA Grounds), Bohadoon (Kilgobinet GAA Grounds), Leamybrien and Stradbally with the first games getting underway at 11am.

Teams have already had a qualifying day which was held last month and so it’s all focus on the Finals day next weekend with some great games in prospect, all support would be welcome in particular for the two Waterford teams who will be based in Bushy Park for the plate section. Waterford Blue will face Limerick Green while Waterford White take on Offaly Gold (both games underway at 11am). The winners from both these games will advance to the plate semi-final while the losers go into the trophy section.

The tournament was recently launched at Lawlor’s Hotel, Dungarvan where members of the Power family, Kilmacthomas, Déise Óg staff, members of Bord na nÓg Portláirge along with representatives from the Waterford panel and management team were all present.

Waterford GAA Interim Games Manager John Quinn opened the launch by welcoming everybody and paid a special welcome to Teresa Power along with members of the Power family who continue to support and promote the prestigious tournament which is a big date and a popular day each season. The tournament is in memory of the late Jim Power who thrived on the GAA field himself as a player. He had an-all round love for the game where he had a particular passion for football winning numerous titles at all levels where he donned the Stradbally and Kilmacthomas jerseys with great pride and distinction. Jim also took great pride in following the fortunes of all Waterford teams and the Power family continue to do so, after his passing the family decided to dedicate a football tournament in his memory. Teresa Power addressed those present and reiterated Jim’s passion for football and the love he had of seeing the younger generations going on to achieve success and represent their county. Teresa thanked all her family members who are wonderful ambassadors for the tournament and wished everyone well on the Finals day, particularly both Waterford teams, she touched on the huge positivity to have two Déise teams at Under-14 level which can hopefully augur well for the future.

Other speakers at the launch night included Bord na nÓg Cathaoirleach Eric Furlong and Manager of the U-14 Development Squad, Brendan Kearney from Butlerstown. Brendan spoke of the huge commitment that all the players have given since late last year, they have displayed a wonderful attitude and are a real credit to their clubs and families, here’s hoping to see plenty of support for them on the day! Brendan also thanked his fellow mentors for all their work behind the scenes in terms of getting the panel prepared, the Déise backroom team consists of Vinny Murray (Rathgormack), Thomas Moloney (Gaultier), Niall Byrne (De La Salle), Brendan Breen (Stradbally), and Gavin Whelan (Colligan).

We look forward to a feast of Football on the 12th of August across the four West Waterford venues, good luck to everyone involved, including players, their mentors, Referee’s, match officials and anyone who will play their part, great day of action in store. Both Cup and Shield Finals will be played at 2pm in Stradbally GAA Grounds, the Plate final will take place in Bushy Park (2pm) while that’s also the start time for the Trophy Final which will be in Kilgobinet.