A SOCCER tournament with an anti-drugs message held in Crumlin last month has been hailed as a great success.
The ‘Youth Against Drugs’ tournament took place in the newly refurbished astroturf pitch in Willie Pearse Park and was organized by Crumlin Sinn Féin.
Recently elected Dublin Lord Mayor, Christy Burke, attended the tournament to present winners and runners-up with their medals and trophies.
Three professional referees gave up their time to keep the youngsters aged from 7-13 in line and the weather held off for the two day event which has been deemed a great success.
Dublin South Central Sinn Féin TD, Aengus Ã?’Snodaigh, helped set up the tournament with local councilor Ray McHugh and local Sinn Fein activists back in 2002.
“We started this as a way to give young children the opportunity to get involved in something positive during the summer break when there was often little for them to do,
? he said.
Cllr McHugh said the tournament had become a very popular and established part of summer for the local Crumlin community.
“Every year since we set up the tournament, we’ve had the use of three professional referees taking part to ensure the games were fair, and they’ve always been marked by fantastic levels of sportsmanship and great competition between both the boys and girls of all ages taking part,
? he said.
“We would like to thank Brien McElroy funeral home in Crumlin Village for the sponsorhip of the trophies and Crumlin United for the use of the pitches and facilities.
“The aim of the event is just to give young children space for a bit of fun over the summer, but there’s also a serious message about providing alternatives and support to anyone who might be tempted to use drugs.
“We’re really grateful for the tremendous work of the volunteer organisers who put the event together every year and make sure everyone has a great time, and for the continued participation from local people.
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Funds raised from the tournament will be donated to a local drugs project.