Skerries Harps U16s Fly the Flag in Galicia at Inaugural Celtic Challenge Cup

By Joanne Kenny

Eleven players from our Skerries Harps U16 Football squad travelled to Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, recently to take part in the inaugural U17 Celtic Challenge Cup. They were accompanied by four coaches and a fantastic group of supportive parents, making it a memorable weekend both on and off the pitch.

The tournament marked a significant milestone for Galicia GAA, who organised this first-ever U17 competition, bringing together boys' and girls' teams from Dublin, Derry, Antrim, France, Spain and the host club of Galicia.

With temperatures forecast to exceed 35°C at the original venue on Saturday, the volunteer organisers made the difficult but sensible decision to relocate the entire tournament almost two hours north to Xove, where temperatures were a much more manageable 27–28°C. It was an impressive logistical effort and one that ensured the safety and enjoyment of everyone involved.

On Friday evening, two of our coaches attended the official welcome dinner alongside tournament organiser Alexandre, Chris Collins (GAA Europe), representatives from the participating clubs and tournament officials. Meanwhile, the rest of the squad settled into their centrally located hostel in Santiago, grabbing a few hours' sleep before an early 6.00am departure for the new tournament venue.

After arriving in Xove, the team had just 45 minutes to prepare before taking to the field against the France U17 Development Squad. With games consisting of just 12-minute halves, there was little time to ease into it - straight to warm up! After taking a few minutes to adjust to the humidity and conditions, the Harps lads quickly found their rhythm, producing some outstanding passages of football and securing an impressive opening victory.

A well-earned break followed, allowing players to cool down, rehydrate and enjoy some welcome ice pops before the next round of matches. Throughout the day there was a fantastic atmosphere around the venue, with players, coaches and parents supporting all the participating teams. Friendships were formed, encouragement flowed freely and the true spirit of the GAA was evident everywhere.

Our second group game saw us face the local Galicia selection, this time on the larger grass pitch and in even warmer afternoon conditions. Once again, every one of our eleven players contributed, displaying excellent teamwork, skill and determination. Their performance saw Skerries Harps top the group and book a place in the Cup Semi-Final.

The semi-final paired us with near neighbours St Sylvester's (Malahide), who had travelled with two squads and were able to rotate multiple substitutes throughout the game. Despite having just two substitutes available, our lads battled courageously from the first whistle to the last. They produced some excellent football, with fine scores from both play and placed balls, and never stopped working for one another. While the result ultimately went Syls's way, the Harps players could not have represented the club any better. They showed great character in defeat, displaying respect for the officials, the hosts and their opponents before reflecting on a fantastic day's football.

Saturday evening brought another highlight as everyone gathered for a meal with fellow participants. Strong friendships were forged with Na Piarsaigh (Derry), St Michael's (Belfast) and Kilmacud Crokes Ladies, adding to an unforgettable cultural and sporting experience. Afterwards it was back to the hostel for an early night—and, of course, to catch the World Cup action.

Before travelling to the airport on Sunday, the squad enjoyed some well-deserved time by the hotel pool, cooling off after an intense but hugely rewarding weekend in the Galician sunshine.

The coaches could not be prouder of the eleven players who made the journey. Every one of them represented themselves, their families and Skerries Harps with maturity, respect and pride throughout the weekend. The positive feedback received from organisers, officials and other clubs spoke volumes about the character of this group and the values they displayed while proudly wearing the Harps jersey.

A sincere thank you goes to Fleetplan Hire for their generous sponsorship of the players' and coaches' tops for the weekend. We would also like to thank all the parents who travelled to support the team, as well as those who made it possible for their sons to take part in what was an unforgettable experience.

Following the success of this year's trip, plans are already underway—and places are already beginning to fill—for what promises to be an eagerly anticipated return to Galicia in 2027.

Players: Alan Courell, Niall Connolly, Morgan Leonard, Seth Morgan, Calum Daly, Cillian McKenna, Fionn Larkin, Karl Foley, Oisín Kenny,  Aedan Shankey, Diarmuid Byrne

Coaches: Gordon Kehoe, David Daly, Gerry Connolly, Martin Kenny