Fermoy and St Val’s off to flyer

FÉILE 2011 began with a bang yesterday as young footballers from around the country strutted their stuff at a host of venues in county Cork.

64 girls teams opened their campaigns at 32 different locations in four separate divisions. With sides from all over Ireland and beyond competing, this was expected to be a great advertisement for the game of football and credit to all the girls who took part as they did not disappoint.

In Division One there were wins for Clare side The Banner, local favourites Fermoy and St Vals of Kilmurry as well as Dublin outfit Kilmacud Crokes who defeated a Mallow side that battled hard all the way to the finish. Éire Óg also took the honours in their top-flight clash with Sarsfields of Kildare, Douglas, and last year’s Division One winners Claregalway all recording emphatic victories.

Division Two kicked into life with wins for Boherbue, Emyvale (Monaghan), Errigal Ciarán (Tyrone) and St Michael’s. The second tier also produced wins for Ferbane, Cahir, St Judes and St Martin’s.

Meanwhile there were impressive victories for Thomastown, Lurgan of Cavan and St Paul’s in Division Three which also saw Glanmire, Nemo Rangers, Kanturk and Midleton recording wins. The game between Valley Rovers and Moate finished all square at 2-2 apiece.

The final grade in this year’s competition for the girls was Division Four and it saw wins for the tournament’s most distant club New York (who travelled with over 50 players) as well as The Glen (of Derry), Dungarvan and Bandon who saw off London in their tie. Sean O’Heslins, Glyde Rovers and Ballypehane also took the honours in what turned out to be a real feast of sport throughout the rebel county.

The competition ramps up a gear today with 72 games down for decision in the girls section before the finalists from all four divisions take to the field on Saturday.