Annual NERL finals kick-off in fine style

Plenty of gripping action promised over the weekend

Anybody seeking some highly entertaining football could have found it today at the MDL as the first batch of North East Regional League (NERL) finals were played out.

The finals will be concluded tomorrow.

Teams from a variety of clubs including Parkvilla, Johnstown, Navan Town Cosmos, Duleek, Athboy Celtic, Kells Celtic Youths, Parkceltic Summerhill, Boyne Rovers, Torro Utd, Trim Celtic, Enfield Celtic, Bohermeen Celtic, Drogheda Marsh Crescent, Robinstown and Drogheda Girls FC are taking part over the weekend.

These are occasions to be savoured by players and mentors - even for those who lose out. After all the teams have emerged through difficult campaigns to get to the finals.

The games can be full of drama too. Take today's u-12 Elrich Paulo Caputo Cup final that went to extra-time with Duleek eventually overcoming their rivals Parkvilla - but only after a penalty shootout.

Preparations for the finals kicked-off months ago. They ramped up on Friday when a team of people including NERL official Jonathan Purvis along with Eddie Starrs, Ciara Kelly, Eamonn Kelly, Kieran McMahon and Richard Meehan were at the MDL carrying out various tasks.

On Saturday others such as NERL chairman Peter Glynn as well as Noel Hand, Paul Lynch and Niall Taaffe were in attendance to ensure everything ran smoothly - along with the MDL groundstaff.

Jonathan Purvis pointed out that last year at the NERL finals (or the NECSL as the organisation was then known) a sum of €3,200 was raised for charity.

This year the NERL are hoping to generate more.

As well as the players and mentors a large contingent of match officials were in attendance at the MDL on a special occasion for all concerned.

"All the effort is about ensuring the kids are happy - after all it is their day," added Jonathan Purvis.

* See this week's Meath Chronicle for more.