Sligo’s first ever under age soccer tournament, North West Cup, took place in august 2009 at the recently refurbished strandhill community park. It saw eight teams and over 140 players compete for glory. FAI emerging talent director for the country, Niall Harrison, also attended the event.
The tournament was won by the hosts, Strand Celtic, who overcame a very strong cliffoney-grange team by a goal to nil in the final. The final was a close game and came at the end of five games over the day for both sides. Kealan McCabe grabbed the winner at the end of a really tight first half finishing after a through ball from Mark McCallion. Goalkeeper Kevin Kelly was the hero when he made a superb penalty save from Kieran Gilsean in the final minute. The penalty came after a great break from the Cliffoney midfielder.
The North West Plate was won by Manorhamilton Rangers who saw off sligo side, Ballisodare United, in the final by five goals to one. Manorhamilton had impressive performers in Conor Dolan and Conor Hurd and some late goals gave them an impressive victory in the Shield final.
The event saw teams from Roscommon, Leitrim, Sligo and Mayo battle it out for the inaugural North West Cup. From Sligo the local side, Strand Celtic, took part with Ballisodare United and Cliffoney/Grange. Mayo was represented by Ballina Town while Roscommon was represented by champions Castlerea Celtic and Boyle Celtic.
The competition was very even with the eventual winners, Strand Celtic, only qualifying for the cup competition as a result of two late goals against Ballina Town. Group A was a tight affair with Manorhamilton and Strand Celtic sharing the spoils in the first game on a 1-1 scoreline. Boyle Celtic saw off Ballina Town with two goals. Strand Celtic then turned in an impressive performance to beat Boyle Celtic by two goals to nil. Manorhamilton Rangers and Ballina Town drew their game. The final games saw Strand Celtic beat Ballina Town, courtesy of two late goals, and Boyle Celtic edged past Manorhamilton Rangers.
Group B was also close with Cliffoney-Grange emerging winners thanks to a one goal difference over Castlerea Celtic. Castlerea Celtic, who were impressive throughout the tournament, had victories over Carrick Town and Ballisodare United while Cliffoney-Grange drew with CAstlerea Celitc and beat Carrick Town and Ballisodare United. Conor Watters scored the goal of the tournament with a cracking free kick.
The cup semi-finals saw Strand Celtic overcome Castlerea Celtic by two goals to nil with a fine performance while in the other semi-final Cliffoney-Grange won against Boyle Celtic. The Plate semi-finals were won by Ballisodare United and Manorhamilton Rangers.
Player of the tournament, as voted by the match officials, was presented to Strand Celtics Jamie Gillen by Sligo Rovers captain, Conor O’Grady.
The presentation of prizes was done buy Sligo Rovers captain, Conor O’Grady. The tournament are grateful to Conor for his support as ever of the event. Tournament Director, Marcus White, was delighted that the event ran so smoothly and acknowledged the support of Sligo Rovers, Sligo-Leitrim and District Youth and Schoolboys League and the FAI Emerging Talent Programme.