There was unrestrained Banner joy on the double for the boys of St Joseph’s Doora/Barefield and the girls of An Bratach at the John West Féile Peile na nÓg finals at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence at Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo on Sunday.
The Clare club celebrated the capture of the Boys Division 3 Shield competition with a powerful victory over Roscommon’s St Dominic’s, who raised just a solitary flag throughout, on a 3-6 to 1-0 scoreline.
And there was more joy for the Banner County on Sunday evening as An Bratach celebrated their triumph in the Girls Division 2 Shield competition.
A triple goal salvo ensured a 3-9 to 2-2 win over Armagh’s Killeavy St Moninna’s.
The John West Féile na nGael Under-14 Gaelic football finals took place over a hectic weekend of action across Connacht.
Mayo, Galway, Leitrim, Roscommon and Sligo played host to over 850 games at 200 venues.
The weekend marked the biggest John West Féile ever with over 350 teams participating.
Boys’ and girls’ teams from all over Ireland competed regionally to win a coveted place at the finals weekend.
This is the fourth year that natural protein experts John West have sponsored the underage tournament, the biggest of its kind in Europe.
Throughout its sponsorship of the Féile, John West has focused on encouraging children to participate in Gaelic Games while emphasising the importance natural protein plays in fuelling a young athlete.
The highly-anticipated competition gives up-and-coming GAA stars the chance to play in respective John West Féile tournaments (Divisions 1-13) at a level which suits their age and strengths.
Games were highly competitive with players showcasing great skill and determination.
All travelling teams were accommodated by host families, greatly enhancing the community spirit of the event.