Kerins remembered in U11 event

THE memory of former Cork football goalkeeper John Kerins is to be perpetuated by the organisation of a youth tournament in the four Garda districts in Cork, culminating in a ‘Festival of Football’ in Páirc Uí Rinn on May 15.

The formal launch took place at the venue in the company of gardaí from the respective districts Gurranabraher, Togher, Anglesea Street and Mayfield, headed by Chief Supt Ray McAndrew and representatives of clubs which will be participating.

The tournament will be confined to the Under-11 age group and will comprise separate Cup and Shield competitions. These will start tomorrow and next Saturday, respectively.

Former Kerry goalkeeper Declan O'Keeffe is part of the organising committee, which involves members of the Garda Community Officer service liaising with the local clubs in their district.

"It will be all about participation and every player who takes part will get a medal," said O'Keeffe, who is attached to Anglesea Street. "We have eight teams competing for the Cup and four for the Shield. Cork County Board have given us Páirc Uí Rinn for the day and we are very grateful. The focus will be on football, the Under-11s and on John Kerins."

Kerins, who died nearly three years ago, was a detective based in Gurranabraher.

His career with Cork coincided with the county's most successful period ever at All-Ireland level and he distinguished himself as one of the outstanding 'keepers of his generation.

His wife Ann attended yesterday's launch with her two sons and daughter. The younger of the boys Paul will take part in the tournament, with St Finbarr's.