Over 1,400 children set to take part in Carlow football tournament this summer

This year the annual tournament run by Tinryland GFC in Co Carlow will welcome around 1,400 children from across the country to participate in a football tournament that will run over three weekends.

This year the tournament will be held on the weekends of June 22, 23, 29 and 30 and July 6 and 7, and will see boys and girls ranging in ages from under 12s to under 16s go head-to-head as they compete to be crowned winners of their age groups.

Tournament Organiser, Peter Scully, explained that the tournament attracts young football players from across the country.

"This year’s tournament is its third year and has grown from strength to strength during this time. It is the only tournament of its size in County Carlow and attracts players from as far away as Louth, Tipperary, Waterford and Dublin.

“I’m delighted to say we have 1,400 children participating this year, which is a 500 increase on the numbers who participated in 2023.

“We are delighted with the really positive feedback from clubs the length and breadth of the country and for the opportunity it gives young boys and girls to play with their compatriots from other counties.”

Peter added: “This year we will host around 2,000 people, including players, their families, and coaches over three weekends, in what we hope will be a fun, competitive and energetic weekend of football.

“I would really encourage any club to reach out to us, there are still a few places available across all the weekends, but to be quick as they are filling up,” concluded Peter.

The under 16s tournament will be held on the weekend of June 22 and 23, the under 14s are scheduled to play on the weekend of June 29 and 30, and on the final weekend of July 6 and 7, the under 12s will take to the pitch.

Each weekend the girls will play on the Saturday and the boys will play on the Sunday.