‘Huge success’ - Gardaí take to the field in Dundalk soccer tournament

A number of Gardaí took part in the Dundalk Annual Youth Reach Soccer Blitz last week.

The event was held at the Sports Centre in Muirhevnamor for the first time.

More than 80 people took part in the event, many of whom hailed from five Youth Reach programmes across Louth and Meath.

Youth Reach from Dundalk, Dundalk Magnet, Ardee, Ashbourne and Navan, who brought two teams, were represented.

Six teams took part in soccer games with each team playing five competitive matches in front of supporters and staff across three pitches that were constantly occupied.

All the games featured great sportsmanship and effort by the young players and the Gardaí who were on their teams.

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Dundalk Garda Station’s Juvenile Liaison Officer (JLO), Paul Burke, said he was very pleased with the way the day had gone.

He said: “Even with no prizes and no first places, this competition has always been about participation and good fun.

“With great weather last Wednesday and a feel good factor, this was another huge success.”

Garda Burke hailed the event’s ability to bring people together from across the community.

“As always at this annual event, great connections are made between the Youth Reach centres and the participating Gardai sprinkled across the teams.

“As long as we’ve been running this event which is more than 12 years now, probationary Gardaí always get involved and talk about their experiences, getting to know young people in their communities.”

He concluded by thanking the Gardaí who took part, as well as the Irish Red Cross who were there to help out if needed.

Garda Burke was part of the committee that organised the event, which also included the FAI’s Mick Neville and Liam Burns.