Ballyraine FC win inaugural Andy O'Boyle Cup

Perhaps it was only fitting that Ballyraine FC won the Andy O'Boyle Cup, which concluded on Sunday following two great days of great football.

The inaugural cup played at U-17 level and saw Bonagee United being joined by Top of the Hill Celtic from Derry, Neilston Whites Youths from Glasgow and Ballyraine. A good crowd over the two days were treated to some excellent football at the Letterkenny Community Centre.

The O'Boyle family in attendance for Andy's memorial competition

The opening game on Saturday saw Ballyraine overcome Top of the Hill Celtic 4-0, before Neilston Whites came out the right side of a seven-goal thriller against Top Of The Hill Celtic, winning 4 – 3. Ballyraine then played neighbours Bonagee in a game that finished 1-1 with both teams having chances to win it. The final match on Saturday saw Neilston Whites from beat Bonagee United 3 -1.

Ballyraine FC captain Mark Patterson accepts the Andy O'Boyle Cup on behalf of his team

Sunday opened with Top of the Hill Celtic playing out another exciting game in a match that finished 3-3 with Bonagee United. Ballyraine then took to the field versus Neilston Whites in a winner takes all game and came out on the right side winning 4-0.

Ballyraine’s Shay Maloney picking up the player of the tournament award from referee Liam McLaughlin

The final round of matches meant that Ballyraine FC were winners of the Andy O'Boyle Cup with Ballyraine’s Shay Maloney picking up the player of the tournament award. Bonagee United’s Caolan Mc Garrigle finished top scorer.

The Bonagee United team who took part in the Andy O'Boyle Cup

Chairman Enda Nicholls thanked all the teams who took part for making it an exciting couple of days of football and thanked the match officials Liam McLaughlin and Marty McGarrigle for their professional approach as always. Enda went on to pay tribute to Andy and the legacy he has left in the county: "A wonderful man was remembered for a wonderful weekend of football.”