On Saturday Naomh Padraig made the journey to the annual Seán Mellon Festival of Hurling in Ballyarnett Country Park on the outskirts of Derry City, home to Na Magha Hurling Club. A stunning venue befitting of a wonderful tournament with clubs from as far south as Cork to clubs from the very tip of the North Coast in County Antrim.
Seán was the driving force and a founding member of Na Magha Hurling club. His vocation in life was coaching children the skills of the national game. After his death in November 2021 the club wanted his work to continue and thought they could achieve this through an annual festival of hurling.
On Saturday they did just that as 16 clubs from the length and breadth of Ireland arrived in Derry. One of those clubs, Blackrock (Cork) had two members cycling 450km in a fundraising effort which allowed their players to attend. An inspiring effort which could make a lot of us sit up and take note of the length (pardon the pun) some are prepared to go to in helping the young players from their clubs have such a wonderful experience.
The hurling on the day was of the highest standard with clubs getting to play teams from a host of other counties. The discipline and behaviour of teams on display was exemplary – a real showpiece for the game. The sublime organisation of the tournament made this happen. Senior officials in charge of games, match programmes on offer, food and drinks supplied to all (free of charge), A band to start the day off with the players parading behind. What a memorable experience Na Magha have provided for 300 children, their mentors and families. Children will remember the day for the rest of their lives.
Of course, these tournaments are a hot topic of debate at the minute, some would argue controversially. Saturday’s experience is evidence that these tournaments, when ran in this manner, are a necessity on the annual club calendar. They allow clubs to escape the over familiarity of repeatedly playing their local rivals. Not an unfriendly word was spoken all day, no aggression from the side-lines. Parents and mentors mingled and shared lunch together. Volunteers running these tournaments are to be applauded not castigated.
On one occasion on the day a certain Derry team had a player injured. The opponent’s immediate reaction – they took off one of their own to make sure things were fair and even. These are the type of actions which should be noted. A small and insignificant gesture which sums up the spirit that these competitions are often played in.
From Naomh Padraig, a massive thank you to Gerry and all at Na Magha for such a wonderful experience. Gerry co-ordinating the day from his hospital bed tells you all you need to know about Na Magha and Hurling Tournaments!!
