No walkovers in soccer tournament

OVER 80 players took part in a special walking football tournament held recently in Dublin 15 in memory of former Verona FC chairman, Tommy Fogarty.

Ten teams contested for the Tommy Fogarty Memorial Cup for Walking Football on the club’s ground on Saturday, July 27.

The tournament was organised through a partnership between the FAI, Fingal County Council and Verona FC.

Teams that took part were from the Kildare Walking Football League, Huntstown Hartstown FC, Coolock Walking Football group, Verona FC, Corduff FC, the Abbotstown Walking Football Group, Celbridge, Kildare WFL and Mucklagh from the Midlands.

Walking Football, as the name suggests, is a game of soccer with no running, no contact and it’s aimed at those aged over 50.

 “It’s not exclusively for over 50s as we have many players playing under the age threshold, who may have been advised by their doctor to take part in moderate exercise or who just want to be involved with the group,” said Paul Breen, FAI/Fingal County Council Development Officer.

“The aim of this tournament was to promote Walking Football, to get more people involved and in particular to try get more clubs involved.

“This is the first time a club has hosted such a tournament in Fingal and we are very grateful to Verona FC for providing their facilities and the refreshments.”

Breen paid tribute to the PRO of Verona FC, Tracy Gleeson, for her work in coordinating the tournament.

“It really has been a great success and the feedback received from the participants has been very positive,” he said.

“Verona FC has expressed an interest in making this an annual event in memory of their former chairman Tommy Fogarty.”

The Fogarty family were present on the day and were delighted with the event with Tommy’s grandson, Sean, refereeing and presenting the cup and medals to the winning teams in the club bar.

Aidan McQueeny of the Corduff team spoke about the tournament.

“It’s great to get together with all the lads again that I have played football with over the years and have that bit of craic and a laugh,” he said.

Fran Feane of the winning team said the tournament was very special for him.

“I am 65 years of age and this is the first medal or trophy I have ever won in football and that is great to be able to say,” he explained.

Walking Football is played every Wednesday morning in Abbotstown Indoor Arena and in Huntstown Hartstown FC every Thursday evening.

New players are always welcome. For more information contact FAI Development Officer Paul Breen on 083-8793692 or email [email protected].