Sunday 22nd June saw the 2009 boys hit the road very early in the morning & head towards the townland of Rathcrogue in Co. Carlow. That was the destination in the satnav for the annual South East Sevens Football tournament hosted by Tinryland GAA club. The club hosts seven-a-side football competition for a variety of age groups across a number of weekends in both June and July each year, for both male and female teams.

The u16 boys tournament started with a parade at 9.30am and the Cuala banner was raised high amongst 16 participating teams arriving from all over Leinster and beyond, including the football stronghold of Crossmaglen GAA in Co. Armagh. The 7-a-side format was completely new to the boys but they quickly absorbed the intensity and physical demands required for the non-stop action. Shorter picthes and shorter games were a complete ruse! It was tough.

The lads lost their opening game but won their next two to qualify for the Cup competition. In the Cup they were to lose out to a very strong Naas team who went on to win the overall tournament and were really impressive in every game they played. No shame going out to that team. The lads did their club proud on the day and really adapted to the tactics involved in sevens extremely quickly.

The host club put on a splendid tournament. The facilities and organisation on the day was first class and is a credit to all their club volunteers. Their tournament motto is ‘Where friendships are born’ and that appears very apt reflecting back on the day. Thanks to all the parents who travelled to support the 2009 boys on the day.