Our under 10 boys team travelled to Killucan this morning to gratefully except an invitation to the Ber Murtagh Memorial tournament. This annual tournament pays tribute to one of Killucan's most influential club chairmen who passed away suddenly in 2007. The tournament is a fitting tribute to a dedicated club and community member, as shown on the field of play by the many talented and committed under 10 boys participating in the event.

The tournament format consists of two groups of four 11-a-side teams with all teams playing in a final against their respective finishers in the opposing group. Clonard were accompanied in group A with Killucan Yellows, Milltownpass, and Mullingar Shamrocks. Their first game was against the hosts and Clonard started brilliantly to open up a three score lead, a lead which that they would never relinquish as scores were swapped for the remainder of the game, finishing 0-7 to 0-4 for a Clonard win. Up next was Milltownpass and once again the boys in blue and yellow performed valiantly and finished winners by a margin of eleven scores.

The excitement was building for these young boys as they now faced an unbeaten Mullingar Shamrocks team in their final group game. Once again the boys made a whirlwind start and raced to a four score lead inside five minutes. The Westmeath town team didn't throw in the towel though, as they faced a five score deficit at half time and battled back to level the game with just three minutes to go. However, Clonard showed their determination and immediately worked the ball in lenght of the pitch to finish a fine move and a deciding score to top the group with a 0-8 to 0-7 win. The young Clonard boys celebrated ecstatically knowing the significance of topping a very tough group and progressing to the cup final, with Shamrocks paired with Coralstown Kinnegad in the shield final. 

Their opposition from group B was to be The Downs who also topped their group unbeaten which consisted of Coralstown-Kinnegad, Killucan Whites, and Boardsmill. It was a very evenly matched game throughout but the Downs had the edge at half-time leading 0-5 to 0-3. The second half had more excellent football on display and it was Clonard who seem to have the edge as they battled back to level matters at 0-6 a-piece. However, this was tough opposition in the Downs, who finished the stronger in the final ten minutes and ran out deserving victors on a final scoreline of 0-11 to 0-7. Congratulations to them and their coaches.

The very disappointed young Clonard boys took plenty of consoling from their coaches who explained that their enjoyment of sport and their skills improvement was a joy to watch and is far more important than winning, and that so often in life it's the disappointments that drive you to future success. As they wipped away their tears they can be so proud of themselves, just like their their coaches and parents are so proud of them. Well done to all the boys, you did your club proud. 

A huge thank you Killucan GFC for a wonderfully organised tournament and post-match refreshments in their very impressive facilities. Ber Murtagh would be very proud. Also well done to Clonard under 10 coaches, David Campbell, David Hannon, Tracey Fahey, Patrick Gilsenan and Padraig Condon.

Players: Kian Campbell, Charlie Campbell, Thomas Condon, Cillian Doyle, Rory Fahey, Ben Gilsenan, Alan Hannon, Evan Joyce, Max Keoghan-Gray, Bradley Begley, Charlie O'Donnell, Matthew Orton, Jimmy Patrizi, Callum Quinn, Ryan Scott, Shane Walsh-Oxley, Daniel Ward, Kevin Whyte.

Players unavailable on the day: Kayden Plunkett, James Connolly, Evan L'Estrange, Ryan O'Carroll, Fionn Smith and Tony Hopkins.