New York U-14 girls celebrate their triumph at the John West Féile Peile na nÓg finals at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence at Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo on Sunday. CONOR MCKEOWN
There was unrestrained joy on the double for the boys and girls Gaelic footballers of New York at the John West Féile Peile na nÓg finals at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence at Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo on Sunday.
The boys of the Big Apple celebrated the capture of the Boys Division 1 Shield competition with a powerful victory over local club Parke/Keelogues/Crimlin, who raised just two flags throughout, on a 3-8 to 2-0 scoreline.
And there was triumph also for the visiting girls New York side on Sunday night, as they celebrated their victory in the Girls Division 2 Cup competition.
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They enjoyed a win over Antrim side Carryduff in the final, with a second goal proving decisive on a 2-3 to 1-3 scoreline.
New York girls travelled with a formidable reputation, after competing in three of the last four Division 2 Cup Finals, their sole victory coming in the 2015 final against Mungret St Paul’s of Limerick.
The John West Féile na nGael Under-14 Gaelic football finals took place over a hectic weekend of action across Connacht.
Mayo, Galway, Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo played host to over 850 games at 200 venues.
The weekend marked the biggest John West Féile ever with over 350 teams participating.
Boys and girls teams from all over Ireland competed regionally to win a coveted place at the finals weekend.
This is the fourth year that natural protein experts John West have sponsored the underage tournament, the biggest of its kind in Europe.
Throughout its sponsorship of Féile, John West has focused on encouraging children to participate in Gaelic Games while emphasising the importance natural protein plays in fuelling a young athlete.
The highly-anticipated competition gives up-and-coming GAA stars the chance to play in respective John West Féile tournaments (Divisions 1-13) at a level which suits their age and strengths.
Games were highly competitive with players showcasing great skill and determination.
All travelling teams were accommodated by host families, greatly enhancing the community spirit of the event.
