Last weekend saw record crowds through the gates at Drom as the seventh annual Umbro Galway Cup tournament came to a close; with more than 20 games played over four pitches to determine each category winner. Some 1,100 players and coaches attended the four day event, which in the past has seen many young Irish hopefuls succeed all the way to international and professional level.
There were home wins with Salthill Devon claiming the 1994 Boys Cup and Mervue United taking the 1994 Boys Plate. In one of the most exciting games of the tournament, Glasgow Celtic beat FAI Emerging Talent on penalties to win the 1996 Elite category, sponsored by Xbox for Kinect 360. Sligo/Leitrim took the 1996 Boys Club title which was sponsored by Supermac’s, with Kildare named 1998 Boys Elite Cup winners,with Fáilte Ireland providing the sponsorship. Larne Youth were named 1998 Boys Club winners, a category sponsored by Smyths Toys.
Commenting after the event, tournament director Denis Burke said: “Once again, the Umbro Galway Cup welcomed a wealth of emerging soccer talent from all over the world. We were delighted to welcome all 49 teams to Galway and congratulate the winners of each category. We would like to thank all the sponsors involved Xbox for Kinect 360, Fáilte Ireland, Supermacs, Smyths, and our title sponsor Umbro.”
The Umbro Galway Cup is not only regarded as a significant contributor to the promotion of sports in Ireland; the economic benefits to the city of Galway are notably substantial. Organisers of the event have estimated the tournament is worth €2.2 million to the local economy.
For more information on the Umbro Galway Cup, log on to www.galway cup.com
