Successful Love Football Hate Racism Cup

Ógra Shinn Féin were delighted to take part in the ‘Love Football Hate Racism’ 7-a-side football tournament in Grosvenor Park , Belfast this weekend.

Despite torrential rain, the assembled players would not be deterred, and a carnival atmosphere was in the air with music and food being provided by the Filipino community.

The Ógra Hawks, which became the Ógra Harps due to an administrative error, shared their skills with players from across Ireland and beyond in the highly enjoyable tournament. Teams from Belfast, Dublin and Italy battled it out with Ógra in the quest for glory.

The Harps impressed all about with some magnificent passing and fast paced counter-attacks, however in the end were ‘pipped’ to the post, as they failed to advance from the first round group stage. ‘Narrowly’ losing all 3 games, 4-0, 10-0; and 6-0.

However, there was some stand out performances.Most notably Ógra’s Neilly McDonnell who performed immensely when asked to referee a game in another group. Clarity and decisiveness at its best.

Ógra Ulster Organiser Fra Cochrane ran endlessly throughout, often round in circles; while Dundalk ’s Colum Jarvis provided fantastic support as he cheered on from the sidelines. Ógra's Councillor Johnny 'ankles' McGibbon was by far the star of the team, buoyed up by his mandate, he glided across the pitch putting in breath taking performces akin to Georgie Best in his hay day. All in all, Ógra put in a valiant team effort.

In the end the tournament finalists where The Mac and Clonard Boys who joined forces, and went on to play an African Select team in a challenge game to bring the event to a close.

Ógra would like to thank Dixie and all those involved in organising the event. Events like this, bringing people of various different backgrounds together, will go some way to stamping out racism in Ireland. A hugely important and enjoyable day all round, that can only be added to in the year’s ahead.