Armagh City Football Club host Youth Festival of Football in memory of former club player.
The Dingle Daly Festival of Football kicked off last weekend May 9, in Armagh’s Holm Park grounds and continues this weekend.
The tournament is set to host over 155 teams over six days with 1,600 kids anticipated to take part.
The festival is in memory of Sean ‘Dingle’ Daly, a former Armagh FC player who sadly passed away in January 2023. Sean was a key player for Armagh FC. first joining the squad in early 1970s making nearly 300 appearances for the club in his time. A talented player and leader, he also managed many of the younger FC teams in his later years.
Alongside the Festival of Youth tournament, the seated stand at Holm Park is also named in his memory.
Nichola Daly, Shauna Daly and grandson Ruairí Doherty.
The Festival of Football event is being organised by Michael McKenzie who speaking to Armagh I said: “Its our first time ever running the Dingle Daly Tournament and so far everything has ran really effiently and more importantly everyone has had a great time. For the last few years I have always thought about starting up a tournament in some way so when Dingle passed, I wanted to honour him by naming the tournament after him.
“The event has definitely snowballed. We’re half way through and it has grown even more in the last few days. We already had a waiting list for teams looking to join but this week we received more and more demand so we’re thinking about extending the tournament this weekend and letting more teams play.
“Teams are coming from all over to play. On Sunday we had winners from Derry, but others travelled from Dundalk, Drogheda, Belfast, Fermanagh and Eniskillen.
“It started with the u10s and now this weekend will see our older teams playing. Ages range from u7s up to u13s boys and girls. These teams play competitively each weekend but they play against teams from their own area so it’s great that the kids are getting to test their skills against others teams they previously wouldn’t have met before.
The Daly Family and Devlin Family
“The support we have had has been mental. The weather has really helped and been on our side. We’ve also had great support on social media from teams involved who are mentioning the tournament in posts online which is helping raise more awareness. The family atmosphere has been incredible but it would be great to see more people up to support the kids this weekend as the crowds really drive them on to play.”
The tournament has received great support from the Daly family who have paid thanks to the club for continuing Sean’s legacy.
The Daly family said: “Armagh City Football Club played a significant role in our father’s life. By having this annual tournament in his memory is a deeply touching tribute to his contribution to the club.
“Within Armagh City FC “Dingle Daly” was a vital figure; and his passion for football, along with his dedication to nurturing young talent lives on and continues to inspire future generations through this tournament.
“To the Daly family, he was a beloved father and grandfather who we miss greatly. We are truly delighted that his legacy continues, and we know he would be immensely proud to be posthumously associated with Armagh City Football. We look forward to the tournament and would like to thank Armagh City Football Club for honouring dad’s memory in such a meaningful way.”
Pictures by JL Sports Photography
