The Niall and Jamie O’Brien memorial tournament, held on the 11th June 2022, lived up to expectation as an excellent tournament. It was a fantastic day full of memories and spectacular hurling for all in attendance. The day resembled a festival of hurling consisting of fifteen competitive matches played throughout the day. The prizes on offer were the Niall O’Brien tournament cup and the Jamie O’Brien player of the tournament trophy. Broadford GAA and our great community left no stone unturned in preparation for what was eagerly awaited by many as a day full of remembrance for Niall and Jamie. An 11 aside tournament was chosen as a fitting way to celebrate both Niall and Jamie’s contribution to Broadford Hurling Club. Their family, friends and clubmates were delighted with the opportunity to come together to remember them both.
Schedule of Matches
Schedule of Matches
The day got off to a great start setting the tone for the day. With one semi-final spot up for grabs from each group, which went as follows:
Group 1
O’Callaghans Mills A, Clonlara and Scariff all battled it out in Broadford to take the first semi-final place. Clonlara got off to a winning start with back to back victories over O’Callaghans Mills A and Scariff respectively. The final match of group 1 saw Scariff beat O’Callaghans Mills which left Clonlara preparing for a semi-final against the winner of group 2 later in the day.
Group 2
Group 2 was played in O’Callaghans Mills GAA pitch and led to well contested ties between Broadford A, O’Callaghans Mills B and Bodyke. The first match of the group saw Broadford win against home team O’Callaghan’s Mills. This match was followed closely by a well contested local derby between Bodyke and O’Callaghans Mills. Bodyke’s victory in this match meant that the prize for the final tie of the group between Broadford and Bodyke was a place in the semi-final. After a close contest, Broadford edged the victory, setting up a highly anticipated tie against Clonlara in the first semi-final.
Group 3
Broadford B faced our limerick visitors, Ahane B and Monaleen in group 3. The first match saw Broadford lose out to Ahane in a well fought contest. After Monaleen overcame Ahane in the second match of the group, Broadford faced Monaleen in the final tie. Monaleen topped the group with three wins and secured their place in the second semi-final against the winners of group 4.
Group 4
Group 4 was the only group of the day to rely on score difference to find a winner. Ahane set the pace early in this group beating Smith O’Brien’s before losing to Whitegate in the second tie. It was all to play for in the final match between Smith O’Brien’s and Whitegate. Smith O’Briens edged a win leaving every team in the group on 2 points and sending Whitegate to the Semi-finals after score difference.
Semi – Finals and Final
Group 1
O’Callaghans Mills A, Clonlara and Scariff all battled it out in Broadford to take the first semi-final place. Clonlara got off to a winning start with back to back victories over O’Callaghans Mills A and Scariff respectively. The final match of group 1 saw Scariff beat O’Callaghans Mills which left Clonlara preparing for a semi-final against the winner of group 2 later in the day.
Group 2
Group 2 was played in O’Callaghans Mills GAA pitch and led to well contested ties between Broadford A, O’Callaghans Mills B and Bodyke. The first match of the group saw Broadford win against home team O’Callaghan’s Mills. This match was followed closely by a well contested local derby between Bodyke and O’Callaghans Mills. Bodyke’s victory in this match meant that the prize for the final tie of the group between Broadford and Bodyke was a place in the semi-final. After a close contest, Broadford edged the victory, setting up a highly anticipated tie against Clonlara in the first semi-final.
Group 3
Broadford B faced our limerick visitors, Ahane B and Monaleen in group 3. The first match saw Broadford lose out to Ahane in a well fought contest. After Monaleen overcame Ahane in the second match of the group, Broadford faced Monaleen in the final tie. Monaleen topped the group with three wins and secured their place in the second semi-final against the winners of group 4.
Group 4
Group 4 was the only group of the day to rely on score difference to find a winner. Ahane set the pace early in this group beating Smith O’Brien’s before losing to Whitegate in the second tie. It was all to play for in the final match between Smith O’Brien’s and Whitegate. Smith O’Briens edged a win leaving every team in the group on 2 points and sending Whitegate to the Semi-finals after score difference.
Semi – Finals and Final
Broadford and Clonlara battled it out in a closely contested semi-final in Broadford. It took a late Clonlara goal to separate the sides and see Clonlara go through to the final. In the second semi-final, Whitegate overcame Monaleen which led to an all-Clare final between Clonlara and Whitegate.
The final did not disappoint in any way, producing great displays of hurling in a match that was hard fought to the end with both teams giving it everything. Clonlara were the eventual winners after a most entertaining day of hurling. There was very little between the sides in both the semi-finals and finals, they provided the many spectators that had gathered with some wonderful hurling displays.
At the end of a wonderful day, the Clonlara captain Ger Powell was presented with the Niall O’Brien Memorial Cup by Niall’s parents Mike and Anne. The Jamie O’Brien player of the tournament trophy was presented to Clonlara player Michael Clancy by Jamie’s sister Niamh. Mikey was awarded the player of the tournament for his impressive performances all throughout the day.
We would like to thank the referees for the day, Kevin Corry, Johnny Healy, Joe Mullins and our own Fergal O’Brien. We would also like to acknowledge and thank O’Callaghan’s Mills GAA for allowing us the use of their pitch for the day and especially for organising stewarding, catering and assistance throughout the day.
The Niall and Jamie tournament was a huge success for all involved. It was a great day of community spirit, hurling and remembrance for everyone in attendance. The Broadford community showed great endeavour in facilitating this great day. The organisation of the tournament, the catering, the stewarding, and the preparations required would not have been possible without the large amount of volunteers who selflessly gave their time. We would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed in any way to the success of the tournament
The final did not disappoint in any way, producing great displays of hurling in a match that was hard fought to the end with both teams giving it everything. Clonlara were the eventual winners after a most entertaining day of hurling. There was very little between the sides in both the semi-finals and finals, they provided the many spectators that had gathered with some wonderful hurling displays.
At the end of a wonderful day, the Clonlara captain Ger Powell was presented with the Niall O’Brien Memorial Cup by Niall’s parents Mike and Anne. The Jamie O’Brien player of the tournament trophy was presented to Clonlara player Michael Clancy by Jamie’s sister Niamh. Mikey was awarded the player of the tournament for his impressive performances all throughout the day.
We would like to thank the referees for the day, Kevin Corry, Johnny Healy, Joe Mullins and our own Fergal O’Brien. We would also like to acknowledge and thank O’Callaghan’s Mills GAA for allowing us the use of their pitch for the day and especially for organising stewarding, catering and assistance throughout the day.
The Niall and Jamie tournament was a huge success for all involved. It was a great day of community spirit, hurling and remembrance for everyone in attendance. The Broadford community showed great endeavour in facilitating this great day. The organisation of the tournament, the catering, the stewarding, and the preparations required would not have been possible without the large amount of volunteers who selflessly gave their time. We would like to sincerely thank everyone who contributed in any way to the success of the tournament