Crowds flock to Féile

Thousands flocked to Derry for the weekend’s Féile Peile na nÓg — the national festival of U14’s Gaelic Football for both girls and boys.

Trails of cars blocked the roads into the county on Friday night as Derry continues to celebrate its status as City of Culture with some style.

The mixed weather in the north-west failed to dampen the spirits of parent and players alike.

In the end, a home triumph was denied as Derry’s Bellaghy went down in the Division One final, 4-5 to 1-6, against Galway’s Claregalway.

In Division Two, Burren from Down were crowned champions following a 3-4 to 2-3 victory over Antrim’s O’Donovan Rossa.

Division Three honours went to Tipperary’s Clonmel Commercials thanks to a 5-9 to 5-4 win over Blessington from Wicklow.

It was a memorable weekend for London’s footballers as they qualified for a first ever Connacht final with victory over Leitrim at Dr Hyde Park on Sunday and in Derry, the South London team whitewashed Ennistymon from Clare, 2-10 to 0-0 in Division Four.

There was some local cheer in Division Five and Six. Watty Grahams were 4-6 to 3-8 winners against St Cailin’s from Leitrim and Drumsurn pipped St Rynagh’s of Offaly 1-4 to 0-6.

In the girls’ competition, Foxrock-Cabinteely from Dublin were victors by 5-3 to 1-5 against Galway’s Corofin in the Division One final.

Then, Kilkenny City posted a 3-2 to 1-1 success over Moyle Rovers of Tipperary in Division Two.

In Division Three, Laois side St Conleth’s were narrow 1-6 to 1-5 winners against Shelmaliers of Wexford.

Carryduff from Down won 5-12 to 1-2 against Moneymore of Derry.