The fifth Annual Peter O’Keefe under-16 Connacht / Ulster tournament took place in Father Tierney Park and Páirc Aoidh Ruaidh on Saturday.
Organised by Ulster GAA and assisted by Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling Committee the day proved to be a great success. This tournament was organised to honour the memory of the late Peter O’Keefe who was a tireless worker for underage hurling in Aodh Ruadh, Donegal and Ulster.
Four teams took part in this year’s event, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo and Donegal, with Donegal emerging victorious after defeating Mayo in the final. Aodh Ruadh were delighted to have two representatives on the team Conall Sweeney and Brian McHenry.
Chairman of Aodh Ruadh Juvenile Hurling John Rooney acted as master of ceremonies for the presentation. He welcomed Rosaleen O’Keefe, Peter’s wife, and their two sons Peadar and Donie to the presentation, he also welcomed Kevin Kelly from Ulster GAA and Jason Ewing, Chairman of the Donegal Hurling Board and thanked them for coming to the tournament. He thanked all the teams who had come and thanked all those who had helped on the day and the Aodh Ruadh club for the use of their facilities.
He spoke of the late Peter and how much this tournament meant to Aodh Ruadh before calling on Jason Ewing to speak. Jason congratulated all who had put so much work into organising a great day’s hurling, he thanked all the teams for the fine exhibition of hurling they had put on all day and he thanked all the referees who had done a great job.
Rosaleen O’Keefe then spoke on behalf of the O’Keefe family, she spoke of how proud they were of this tournament and of seeing Peter being remembered in such a fashion, she thanked all who all who had put so much work into making the day such a success. Peadar O’Keefe then presented the Corn Pheadair Ui Chaoimh to Donegal’s inspirational captain Ryan Hilferty of Saint Eunan’s.
