ESB GAA All Ireland football 7's

ITS are crowned ESB 7's Football Champions 2006

The gaelic footballers of ITS had a great win in the company's annual All- Ireland Football 7-a-side competition held in Páirc úi Chiáráin, Athlone on Saturday 9th September. A well-organised ITS unit defeated a tired Limerick side in the final by a score line of two goals and seven points to five points.

Player of the Competition and ITS captain Garvan Blake was outstanding for ITS and was wellsupported by Gary Martin, indeed it was a great team display from goalkeeper Michael Quigley, defenders Malcolm Dalton, Padraig McCaffrey, Tom Corrigan, midfielders Killian Geelan, Darren Russell and attackers Kevin Turley and Jody Gilhooley.

Limerick were well-served by goalkeeper and captain Martin Ryan as well as Shane White, Joe Laffan, Sean Kelly, John Galvin, Shane Kennedy, Mick Neville and James O'Shaughnessy. On their paths to the final ITS defeated Networks/Dundalk, Eirgrid, and ESBI, Limerick, accounted for ESBIE, ARM and Naas. A special thanks must go to all teams who participated in what was a most enjoyable and successful event.

Teams:
ITS - Michael Quigley, Jody Gilhooley, Tom Corrigan, Padraig McCaffrey, Killian Geelan, Malcolm Dalton, Garvan Blake (Capt.), Gary Martin, Darren Russell and Kevin Turley.

Limerick - Martin Ryan (Capt.) James O'Shaughnessy, John Galvin, Shane Kennedy, Shane White, Joe Laffan, Mick Neville, Sean Kelly, Willie Hickey and Kevin Devaney.

Cork Ladies win 2006 Football title

The ladies footballers of Cork, Networks (Finglas)/Eirgrid, ESBI and ITS played out a Round Robin series, with ESBI and Cork contesting the Final.

An outstanding display of football from Aine Green of Cork guaranteed her side the victory by a margin of two goals and ten points to one point.

All four participating teams produced exciting matches in ideal weather conditions at a splendid facility in Páirc úi Chiáráin, Athlone on Saturday 9th September. Teams:
Cork - Honor O'Brien, Aine Green, Majella McCarthy, Catriona O'Regan, Mairead Murphy, Martha Brennan, Rose O'Mahony, Debbie Duggan, Eileen McGrath and Carmel Geeney.

ESBI - Deirdre Newell, Lesley Murphy, Eileen Cleary, Ciara Dolan, Orlaith Harney, Niamh Holmes, Martina Kenny, Claire Mulholland, Deirdre Naughton, Deirdre Arthur and Sinead Treanor.

Thanks to the Athlone GAA Club whose grounds, Páirc úi Chiáráin, were in immaculate condition as were their dressing rooms and indeed all their facilities. At a presentation dinner later that evening in the splendid Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone, the winning teams were presented with the ESB Cup and magnificent trophies by ESB Club President Paddy Stapleton. ESB Chairman/Secretary Colum Grogan was master of ceremonies.

Sincere thanks also to Freida Murray, Manager ESB Equal Opportunities, who donated the Player of the Games Awards trophies which were won by Garvan Blake (ITS - Men) and Aine Green (Cork – Ladies).

Paddy Stapleton paid tribute to all participants and paid special thanks to the organising committee, Colum Grogan, John O'Riordan,Christy Goulding, Pat Maleady, Eddie Nally, Tony Heavin and Hugh Connaughton for making the occasion such an entertaining and enjoyable day and night event. He also expressed his gratitude to ESB Corporate Centre as without their sponsorship this annual event could not happen.

Both Finalists of the Mens Sevens will go forward to meet their Northern Ireland counterparts NIE Powerteam for the Annual Cross- Border 15 - aside Football Match. This year the event is to be held in Belfast on 14th October.