Salthill-Knocknacarra GAA is gearing up for this year’s John Joyce Memorial Sevens to be held at Arus Bóthar na Trá on St Stephen’s Day.
Now in its 11th year, the tournament honours former Salthill-Knocknacarra and Galway star John Joyce, who passed away in 1997 aged 29 years.
John most famously captained Galway to All-Ireland minor success in 1986 alongside the likes of Kevin Walsh and Tomas Mannion, and went on to star for both his club and county seniors into the late eighties before emigrating to London.
The John Joyce Sevens is now a well-established and integral part of the club’s calendar year. The day offers a chance for adult footballers of all abilities, shapes and sizes (and their guests ) to gather socially in honour of one of the club’s greats.
Anthony O’Reilly of sponsors Supermacs, Salthill said: “We are thrilled to be associated with the John Joyce Sevens. The club has gone from strength to strength over the years and it is initiatives and social occasions such as these that form such strong bonds between the people of the community. We were delighted to help honour John’s memory in any way we could. He holds a special place within the history of Salthill-Knocknacarra GAA.”
As requested by the Joyce family, this year will see proceeds raised from player participation fees and other on-the-day fundraising go to the St Vincent de Paul flood relief appeal.
Live music, food and refreshments will be available throughout the day, with presentations made to the winning team and Player of the Tournament. The club will also present its Players’ Player of the Year 2009 awards at senior, junior A and junior C levels.
Registration for players is €10, which includes a team t-shirt and a beverage voucher. For further information contact David Burke 087-202 3447 or Brian Fitzpatrick 086-258 4937 or via the club website www.skgaa.ie
