Gaelic football proves the real winner in John Humphrey Memorial Blitz

By Stephen Leonard

THE annual John Humphrey Memorial Blitz for Under 10 footballers organised by St James Gaels\An Caislean GAA Club in the Iveagh Grounds, proved another major success.

Under 10 players from hosts St James Gaels, Whitehall Colmcilles, Templeogue\Synge Street, Parnells, Round Towers (Clondalkin); Thomas Davis and St Judes produced some great football in memory of John Humphrey, a young St James Gaels player, who died tragically in 1998.

The event is now run as a participative blitz in accordance with national GAA policy which places the emphasis on participation; skills development and fun.

Thus, the games are played under the structure of the “Go-games” Rules for Under 10s, producing some great football in a fun and relaxed setting.

Generously sponsored by John’s family, the annual blitz is a fitting tribute to the memory of a young boy for whom sport played such a major part in his short life.

Gaels Chairman Ross Mulvaney described the commemorative event, first played in 1999, as “the most special event in the club’s calendar.”

“The most important thing about this event is that everybody approaches it in a spirit that makes sport a winner.”

“All we ever hope for is that every child plays to the best of their own individual ability.

“Each and every child who does that will have had a good tournament irrespective of the scores” he added.

Money raised from the event goes to help the Children’s Hospital in Crumlin.

St James Gaels currently fields two men’s adult Gaelic football teams, a Ladies team and juvenile teams from Under 8 to Under 18 age levels for both boys and girls.

In addition, the club’s All-Stars Academy, for 5-8 year-olds introduces boys and girls to Gaelic football and hurling in a friendly and fun atmosphere.