ST Colman’s Park in Drumaness recently hosted the inaugural Peter Noade memorial blitz.
Hosts Drumaness, who fielded three teams, were joined by neighbours St John’s, Teconnaught, Loughinisland, Liatroim, Dromara and Ballynahinch.
With so many seasoned campaigners making comebacks, banter flowed better than the actual football at times.
That was early on, however, and what followed was a feast of fantastic football.
After exciting group games, it was on to the semi-finals, where Loughinisland defeated the home side by the narrowest of margins, before Liatroim overcame a battling Ballynahinch side.
The final between the Fontenoys and the Island was highly competitive.
Niall McCarthy bagged two finely executed goals early on, to give the Blues strong momentum.
However, player of the tournament JP Owens swiftly grabbed a brace himself to level the match.
The effervescent PP McCartan and Conor O’Toole then exchanged points, before Ryan Stranney surged forward to score the point of the game and edge the Island ahead once again.
The Fontenoys, who had Aiden Brown, Chris Clarke, Darren Owens and Down veteran star Miceal Doyle in fine form, caused the Blues a multitude of problems, but Brendan Ward, Nicholas O’Neill, Damien Mason and Joe Doran held their defensive shape to hold out the Fontenoys’ forays and get over the winning line.
Donal Bell’s brave, ambitious point from way out on the right wing early in the tournament was arguably the day’s best point, while John Clarke, Philip Rogan and Fintan McGreevy also scored scintillating goals.
To enhance the entertainment value even further, Brendan Blaney almost scored the greatest of own goals, dinking the ball over Patrick Rice and clipping the post.
That so many players came out of lengthy retirement for this tournament is testament to the gentleman and Gael that Peter Noade was.
Peter Withnell was his hero. To see the double All-Ireland star linking up with the likes of Darren Harris, the Rogan brothers, Patrick Rice, Gerard Toman and Mark Domican for one last dance would have been something he’d have loved and cherished, with George Taylor directing proceedings on the line.
However, he may have given Drumaness’ top scorer of all time, his old friend Willie Megoran, a hard time for deciding to line out in the Drumnaquoile colours.
No doubt it was an emotional day for many, in particular Peter’s family.
It was poignant, however, that the day was festive and celebratory, a truly joyous occasion that summed up the great man himself.
Well done to the organising committee, led by Neil McAleenan.
The GAA president, Jarlath Burns, sent his own special message, stating: “Peter Noade was one of your greatest ever Gaels. What a wonderful and fitting tribute to name a memorial cup in his honour.”