MERP five a side football

Following their successful tournaments over the previous two years, the 2008 MERP 5 A-Side soccer tournament took place on the December 10th. The tournament was held on a cold but dry, wintry evening in the Doora/ Barefield GAA Club astro pitches just outside Ennis.

Nine teams in total took to the field including teams from ESB Head Office, Moneypoint Station, ESBI site team with the remaining teams being made up from a range of contractors currently employed on the MERP site. The ESBI Site Team who were victorious in 2007, made a valiant attempt to retain their trophy in 2008. Their efforts, however, came up short as they became unstuck in a semi-final penalty shoot out with Mercury Engineering.

Moneypoint Station also made a gallant effort by advancing to the semi final where they were outplayed by a crafty Johnston's team.

The Tournament final was a close encounter between Mercury Engineering and Johnson's. It was a 'robust' game with a number of committed tackles from two teams who were determined to come out on top. At the end of this hard fought game when referee Martin Sweeney sounded the final whistle (the first time the whistle was heard during the final!), Johnson's, a general services contractor on the MERP site, emerged the winners on a 2-0 score line.

After the final all teams and mentors assembled in the Grove Inn for some much needed warm food and for the presentation of the prizes. The origins of this Tournament emerged from a desire to take a much needed break from the demands associated with a large scale construction site and to raise much needed funds for local charities. This year's recipient, Clare 250 Cancer Centre was presented with a cheque for over €1,000.

The Clare 250 Cancer Centre is raising funds to build a Respite centre for people undergoing cancer treatment. The centre is currently under construction and is located in Ballygriffey just outside Ennis. It also organises a yearly pilgrimage to Lourdes for people and families affected by cancer. This Tournament has contributed almost €5,000 to local charities in its three years which is a marvellous achievement by all those involved.

A special word of thanks goes to John Kelly, ESBI Resident Site Civil Engineer.