The Salthill-Knocknacarra GAA club are already ‘geared up’ and eagerly looking forward to their annual sevens competition, which is to be held at Arus Bóthar na Trá on St Stephen’s Day.
This is the 15th consecutive running of the tournament, held each year in honour of former Salthill-Knocknacarra and Galway football star John Joyce, who passed away on December 14th 1997, aged just 29 years.
John Joyce, who was a prodigious underage talent, captained Galway to All-Ireland Minor success in 1986 over Cork, alongside the likes of former All-Stars Kevin Walsh, Tomás Mannion, and current Galway senior manager Alan Mulholland.
Joyce went on to shine for both club and county at senior level in the years which immediately followed that minor success, before he emigrated to London.
The Sevens run in his honour is a major part of the Salthill club’s calendar year, offering a chance for adult footballers of all abilities to gather and celebrate the life of a club great.
The event is open to all, and provides an opportunity for a run-out and a bit of fun for all those involved.
Supermac’s of Salthill has long sponsored the event, and proprietor Anthony O’Reilly is delighted to be involved with the occasion.
“The Sevens is a real institution. John Joyce holds a special place in the club’s history, as is demonstrated by the huge numbers that tog out to honour him each year,” he said. “Like all clubs, many of our members live abroad, and they get a real kick out of coming home for Christmas, dusting down the boots and reliving their glory days. The whole place looks forward to it.”
Food and refreshments will be provided on the day, and presentations will be made to the winning team and the player of the tournament in Ward’s Hotel, Salthill, from 5.30 pm. Players are to gather at Arus Bóthar na Trá at 10.30 am .
Registration is €10 and includes a team t-shirt, with proceeds to charity.
If you are interested in playing contact Anthony Donelan on 086 1516501 or Niall Conroy on 087 2264823.
All updates can be found on Facebook under “SKGAA John Joyce Sevens”, on Twitter @skgaa, or at www.skgaa.ie
