Cobh Garda District Soccer Blitz – 5th/6th/7th August

The miserable weather was never going to be an attraction at this year’s Cobh Garda District Soccer Blitz. Instead it was the talent of hundreds of local kids that shone through over this year’s three-day event, which was run by local Community Garda Eric McCarthy, colleagues and volunteers, in conjunction with local soccer clubs.

Approximately four hundred children and teenagers between the ages of eight to eighteen took part in what is becoming an increasingly popular annual Cobh soccer event with medals and trophies awarded to winners and runners-up in each of the several age groups, as well as best players in each age group. Garda McCarthy (unfortunately an Everton & Cork City supporter himself) spoke of the great ‘sense of Community during the event’. ‘Once again this year, I find myself, with the help of colleagues and volunteers, to be in such a fortunate position to organise the event. Numbers of players are up again this time around, with 140 players on Friday, 170 on Saturday and 70 today for the U18’s tournament’ he said.

‘Some of the soccer skills on display again this year were terrific and I can see a few who will undoubtedly go on to bigger and better playing fields to perform at the highest level.’ Garda McCarthy concluded by thanking everyone who took part in and supported the event.

Former Cobh Ramblers player, now in his third season with Cork City, Davin O’Neill was once again on hand to present medals and trophies to the U12 players on Saturday afternoon.

Visit the Cobh Edition Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cobhedition to see plenty of more photographs

U12 Best Female Player Courtney Manley Histon with Cork City's Davin O'Neill

U12 Best Male Player Sean Hilliard with Cork City's Davin O'NeiUnder 16 Winners

U12 Winners

Under 16 Winners

Under 16 Runners-up

Under 18 Runners-up 'German Bagpipes'Under 18 Winners 'Lenny Doody's'

Garda Eric McCarthy presents Kevin Allen with the 'Best u18 Player' award