Fun Day goes down a treat for Fermanagh SuperCupNI teams

An action-packed day included activities for families of all ages including bouncy castles, various football-related games, face painting, tuck shop and ice cream van, with the fine weather drawing in a large crowd in Enniskillen.

There was plenty of football for attendees to watch with the inaugural Gaby Maguire Cup first up on show as Fermanagh supporter clubs of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Leeds United battled it out before a selection of familiar faces competed in the Fermanagh and Western All-Star game.

In the opening round of the Gaby Maguire Cup, the Leeds and Liverpool sides drew 0-0 before Arsenal defeated United 4-1.

Liverpool went on to win the competition with a 1-0 win over Arsenal followed by a 2-0 victory against United to become the competition’s first winners.

Jimmy McGrath and Harry McConkey led the showpiece event, going head-to-head in the All-Star game as McGrath’s side prevailed with a final score of 5-2.

Enniskillen Town’s Frank Wallace opened the scoring for McConkey’s side as he found space to find the net after a flowing team move.

Aidy McCaffrey equalised from the penalty spot before McGrath’s side edged out in front as the clinical Mark Connolly netted twice in 10 minutes to make it 3-1.

However, McConkey’s side weren’t done just yet as Chris Crilly swivelled and fired in a superb half-volley to make it an interesting finish.

McGrath’s side went on to seal the win via an own goal and a low-driven effort from Ryan Hanna before the final whistle.

The victorious manager James McGrath said it was a thoroughly enjoyable occasion looking back: “I really enjoyed the day personally. Harry and I go back a long way, so when I was asked to help out, I didn't hesitate.

"It was great to see so much talent past and present on show, with some excellent football played at times during the game.

"It was fantastic to see these players give up their time for a worthy cause. I'd like to pay tribute to the coaches who helped my team out on the day, especially Andy Parkinson who provided invaluable assistance.

"I'm just delighted to be in a position to give something back to the game and help the youth coming forward in our little county, which has produced loads of top-quality footballers in the past.

"I'd like to pass on my congratulations to the fun day organisers, especially young Óisín Mag Uidhir who headed up the tournament organisation. I have always enjoyed this management lark.

"You meet some great people and football is a great leveller. Sunday showed just that, with lads from so many clubs coming together for a bit of craic.”

Opposition manager Harry McConkey also gave credit to this year’s tournament organiser and expressed his joy at being involved.

“It was a privilege to be part of a fantastic day, for the excellent cause of supporting two young Fermanagh squads on their journey to the North Coast for SuperCupNI 2024,” McConkey said.

“It was lovely to share a touchline with my former Lisbellaw United teammate James McGrath, whom I played alongside in the 70s. It was great to see so many current and former players give up their time to play in the ‘Familiar Faces’ fixture and have the craic before, during and after the game.

"There was also some excellent football on show from both teams and great goals scored. It was brilliant to see and undoubtedly entertained those who came down to support the event. It was a superb community day.

"A massive congratulations goes out to tournament organiser Óisín Mag Uidhir, the Fermanagh SuperCupNI committee, coaches, parents and all the young players who made the day possible.

"Finally, a shout-out also to my backroom team who combined their coaching and playing duties on the afternoon. A fantastic day all round!”

Chairperson Ernie Conlon oversaw yesterday’s event and lauded the efforts of everyone who made the first ever ‘Fermanagh Fun Day' the overwhelming success that it was: “On behalf of the association, I would like to pay tribute to all who helped support our first annual Co. Fermanagh Fun Day.

"From the local businesses who provided food, drinks, snacks and raffle prizes for the day, to the Fermanagh and Western FA for the use of their match kits for our Familiar Faces fixture and the Fermanagh and Western Referees Association who supplied match officials for the fixture.

"This event would not have been possible without the work of our team of volunteers. I'd like to thank our Junior coach Óisín Mag Uidhir for coordinating and managing the event.

"Supporting Óisín were our committee who manned the Tuck Shop and all the Junior and Premier players, coaches and parents who fulfilled a variety of roles on the day to ensure the safe and successful running of the event.

"We were delighted to announce that we raised a grand total of £2100 from the Fun Day, which will help support our Co. Fermanagh teams as they take to the global stage at SuperCupNI 2024.

"This was made possible through local cross-community support and representation from clubs across the county, including some of our former Co. Fermanagh graduates. The costs associated with sending two teams to the North Coast each year are ever-increasing, so to see such generous support from across the local community is greatly appreciated by us all.

"We hope to make this an annual occurrence and look forward to bringing the event back next year, even bigger and better! Thank you to everyone for your support.”