On Sunday, September 7, 2008 the ISYL was proud and honored once again to host the Sean Farrell Memorial Tournament at the Irish Cultural Centre in Canton, MA. Sean Farrell was an avid football lover even at the young age of 6 years old. He would come out to Canton and practice with the U8 players and enjoy every minute of it. Unfortunately he did have the opportunity to play longer. Sean was tragically killed on July 12, 2005 by a car that was accidentally dislodged while vacationing in Ireland with his family. The ISYL holds this tournament to remember a special little boy who touched so many hearts for such a short time.

After a week of rain the day was gorgeous. The sun was out and the weather could not have been more perfect. The tournament began with Mass celebrated by Fr. Dan Finn from St. Mark’s Parish in Dorchester at the Irish Cultural Centre. Fr. Dan gave a very touching sermon in which he spoke of when he used to play our Gaelic games and how much the games meant to him. He reminded all the children about the friendships they have made because of these games and how lucky they are to have these games in their lives and to continue our Irish heritage

Once Mass was over it was onto the matches. This year it was decided our tournament would be a celebration of our season and would be the finale for our Inter League games. Each age group had their finals and received medals for their season of hard work. The winning team also received a championship cup. It was a touching moment when John and Bridget Farrell handed out all the medals and cups to the ISYL players.

The big event of the day was the Parent/Coaches match versus our U16 & U18 players. What a match it was. Who would have thought some of the coaches could still move so quickly. It was a fantastic game. The best part was when Referee John Griffin yellow carded Chipper Bannon and then in the second half he was red carded. It was a priceless moment full of laughs. The match ended up into overtime with the parents/coaches prevailing in the end but only because they needed 20 players on the field to beat the younger squad.

The Irish Sports Youth League would like to thank everyone who helped make this day a great success. A special thanks to all the parents who brought food and volunteered to organize the day. We also would like to thank the Farrell Family for allowing us to host such a memorable day.

To all the families who brought their children out this season to learn our games for the first time or to just come back for another season, we truly appreciate it. The ISYL is a great organization and it all because of our coaches, board members and most especially our players and families. We would also thank the Irish Cultural Centre for the use of their facilities all season. What better place to hold our games and the Northeast Divisional Board for their continued support of the ISYL. Finally, the Irish Emigrant for helping promote our games each week in their newspaper.

Our season is over for the moment but we will be back into the swing of things right after the holidays.

For more information on the Irish Sports Youth League please check out our website www.isylboston.com or contact Ann Marie McDonagh at 617-966-8074

y Goalie Sean McDonagh trys to kick the ball out before opposing player Seth Morris gets it.

ISYL Coaches on the attack.

L U12 players and Coaches Sean Davoren, Joe McTavish and Paddy Duffy

 ISYL U8 players and Coaches Mike Moylan, Chipper Bannon and Seamus O'Doherty

 

Parents, Coaches and Players from the big finale at the Sean Farrell Tournament.

Rachel O'Driscoll trys to block Chris Smith kick

 Sean and Bridget Farrell present Cole O'Flaherty with the U10 championship cup.

U6 players in action.