Matt Slevin memorial tournament a great success
A legacy of dedication and great foresight was honoured at the Matt Slevin memorial tournament in Moynihan Park, Ballynacagry, on Saturday morning.
Persistent drizzle failed to quell the enthusiasm of young boys and girls from Caulry, Bunbrosna, Millmore Gaels, Shandonagh and Milltown, who joined the hosts for a memorable blitz in honour of a great Gael. Westmeath GAA County Committee chairman, Frank Mescall, recalled how, back in the early 1960s, Matt Slevin’s foresight saw him acquire Moynihan Park, a facility that has given great service to several generations since.
“Matt Slevin’s input was vital in securing Moynihan Park and today we see the great benefit of the facility and what it has given the local community here, and indeed the Westmeath GAA community in general. When we see how the facility has been developed over the years, we realise the contribution of Matt Slevin, a legendary figure in this club, and we remember him each time we come to the venue,” he said.
Mr Mescall reserved special praise for the Slevin family who run a very professional event each year in honour of Matt. The Matt Slevin Cup and the Paschal Slevin Shield have been specially commissioned for the tournament and all participants receive medals, with the clear emphasis on enjoyment and developing the skills of the game.
The late Matt Slevin played a significant role in keeping underage football alive in the club for many years.
The teams played each other in mini-games over the course of the morning and it was a great celebration of all that is good about the GAA. Members of the Westmeath U20 football side who won this year’s All-Ireland ‘B’ title were in attendance with the trophy, accompanied by manager Kenny McKinley and the host club was grateful for their presence. The teams were led on a parade to get proceedings underway with military piper David Kelly, 6th Infantry Battalion, Athlone, making a valued contribution. Afterwards, the young stars were treated to ice cream cones.
The referees were Brendan Kenna, Shane Maher, Paul McCaughey and Mick Gordon, who kept the games flowing superbly over the course of the morning. MC was Robbie Wilson and a hooter system was in place to keep all games running smoothly.
Matty Scanlon, chairman, and Robbie Wilson, secretary of the Ballynacargy GAA Club’s Underage Committee put in great work behind the scenes, as did the club’s vice-chairman, Jason Wallace, with the vital support of chairman Aidan Lyons, secretary Aisling Penrose, and the club executive.