McDermott's complete third win in five years

GUERNSEY Gaels' quest for a hat-trick of victories fell just short as McDermott's of Belfast won the final of the Simply Ireland International Sevens Tournament.

It was the third win in five years for the northern irish side.

'The standard of play was so high throughout the weekend,' said Gerry Mackle of the Guernsey Gaels.

'We had so many people telling us that they enjoyed themselves and saying that they would be back next year. We have been lucky to have had so much media coverage and news of the weekend is spreading quickly by word of mouth.'

Guernsey started the tournament well, beating old rivals Jersey by double scores in the first match of the round-robin-structured group A.

Next up was the first Irish-based team, Carrick Emmets, who were considered one of the favourites.

Again Guernsey came out on top, playing some excellent football on the way to scoring four goals and five points with an excellent performance from Phil Drain. He would go on to be voted player of the tournament.

To ensure their place in the semi-finals, the Gaels had to beat McDermott's of Belfast B, which they did again quite convincingly. Darragh Duffy was the main scorer.

Guernsey A were joined in the semi-finals by Jersey, with the other two group A teams going into the plate competition.

Meanwhile, in group B, McDermott's A won all three of their games against Rennes, Guernsey B and finally St Farnan's of Sligo, who joined them in the semi-finals.

Guernsey A were up against a very spirited young team from St Farnan's in the semi, but the Gaels' fitness told and with some brilliant goal-keeping by Barry Moroney they ran out winners 6-3 to earn a place in the final.

McDermott's A beat Jersey in a very strong semi-final performance to make it a repeat of the 2002 final.

Guernsey started the half in fine form and with a well-taken John Payne goal they went into the interval with a four-point lead.

But McDermott's came out for the second half looking very determined and with an early goal they began to assert their dominance.

Despite ferocious defending from the Guernsey backs, the superior fitness and match sharpness of the Belfast team came through in the end with the final score 1-10 to 1-6 in favour of the visitors.

McDermott's B made it a successful all-round day for the club by winning the plate competition.

The Slattery D'cor-sponsored Guernsey Gaels Ladies also played their first competitive match in the island against a European select team, winning 1-3 to 0-2 points.

They late went head-to-head with a select team drawn from the plate competition teams and earned a very creditable draw, 1-2 to 1-2.

And so to the Simply Ireland Hurling Tourn-ament on the Sunday, a popular addition to the weekend.

Guernsey, Jersey, McDermott's and Carrick Emmets took part in this competition, with the two Irish sides contesting the final after a round-robin event of a standard not seen in Guernsey before.

After a very competitive final, Carrick Emmets came out on top by 2-8 to 1-5.

The two days were about more than just the competition on the pitches, however, as the Gaels welcomed back many of their old friends.

Two regulars making a return were the referees, Billy Reid and Jim Murray. Both fully-qualified GAA officials, this was their fifth tournament.

In the sun at Port Soif, the spectators made full use of Rovers AC's facilities and the sociable atmosphere continued into the evenings at The Drunken Duck and the Carlton Hotel, both of which helped sponsor the weekend.

'Next for the Guernsey ladies and men's football teams is the annual Luxembourg tournament at the end of May,' said Mackle.

'We're always looking for more players, men or women. Anyone of any age interested in playing Gaelic football is more than welcome to join training.'

The Gaels train every Tuesday and Thursday evening at the Grammar school playing fields. There will also be coaching sessions for juniors.