Ballyfermot Echo
Thursday 15 August 2013
The Third Annual Ciaran McDonnell Memorial Cup saw friends and relatives turn out to remember their lost loved one on Saturday, writes Ben Blake.
Ciaran, known to most as ‘Kiwi’ passed away tragically after being struck by sudden cardiac death syndrome in Feburary 2010 and close friend Sharlene Kennedy founded the charity football match later that year in order to raise money for CRY – an organisation which raises awareness and offers support to he families of those affected by cardiac conditions – in his name.
The game sees Kingswood’s firsts, who begin their season in the LSL Division 1C Saturday against Earl Celtic this weekend face a ‘Dream Team’ of Ciaran’s friends and players from the community.
Having won the inaugural match, Kingswood lost out to thier opponents last year so were keen to reclaim the trophy this time out. And goals from Luke Halpin (hatrick), David Bracken, Andrew Bracken and Robbie Donohoe helped secure a 6-1 win at Ballymount Park while John O’Brien was on target for the Dream Team.
A post match reception was held in the Kingswood Lodge where the medals and trophy was presented and organiser Kennedy said: “It was another great turn-out this year, but it doesn’t come as a surprise as Ciaran still lives strong in all of our hearts.”