Pat Sheehan was born on 6th March 1928 into a well-known Belfast GAA family. His father Harry Sheehan played for Antrim in the All-Ireland Finals of 1911 & 1912. The ‘Sheehans’ have had associations with St Galls GAC going back to its foundation in 1910. Pat had a passion for Gaelic games but was particularly interested in fostering an interest in hurling at a time when it’s popularity was dwindling. He would be immensely proud that this tournament, now one of the biggest under age hurling tournaments in Ulster, was started in his memory and that it is organised by some of the ‘young boys’ who he helped introduce to the game – including his son David Sheehan.
After a two-year break due to covid we had the return of Naomh Galls Pat Sheehan Memorial tournament at De La Salle park – U11 Hurling.
This tournament provides a fun and competitive platform for the kids to showcase their skill and passion for hurling and it didn’t disappoint. It was a feast of hurling and a day our young hurlers won’t forget.
19 teams were competing this year from around Ulster, the tournament began with the group stages with teams jockeying for positions before they were seeded into the Cup/Shield/Plate knockout stages. The level of hurling on show was fantastic and it was great to see so many younger hurlers enjoying the game.
Credit must go to Naomh Gall and all the volunteers for running a superb tournament, which was very well organised. Looking forward to next year already.
Cup Winners – Ballygalget
Shield Winners – Patrick Sarsfields
Plate Winners – Naomh Brigid’s
A big shout out to Joe Carberry for his brilliant photos. You can view the full gallery at