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Benny Connolly and Eamon McElroy Tournament 2010.

The format of this competition for 2010 had to change due to an objection by Monaghan County Board to the format of previous years being used again this year. There was something about U15s getting too much football and having to play for schools and clubs. The decision was appealed to the Ulster Council and a new format was agreed. For my observation this new format spoiled the competition and reduced the interest in it.
However on the opening day teams played in a league type basis and from that two semi-finals in the Benny Connolly Tournament and two semi-finals in the Eamon McElroy Tournament were reached and all of these plus the finals of both had to be played on the second day, which was Saturday, Nov 6th. It was unbelievable but the weather was dry and though a bit cold the ladies made sure that our insides were warmed with plenty of hot soup and the players were fed with chicken curry and rice and soup too if they wanted it.
Both Tournaments provided good competition and close games with all eight teams giving committed performances and a hunger to win. Emyvale and Eglish made it in to the Benny Connolly final and Monaghan Harps and Scotstown were in the McElroy final. Emyvale were proving the better side but then faded and allowed Eglish to capture victory. The Harps were a strong side and Scotstown were equal to the challenge and in the end held out to win. Well done to all concerned both on and off the field. Members of the Connolly and McElroy families were present to present the cups to the winners, who also received a beautifully hand carved wooden replica of the Donagh Cross produced by local artist Marc Kelly. This Tournament was sponsored by Sean McKenna of AutoMac, Emyvale.