THURSDAY marked the return of the Brian Óg McKeever nine-a-side competition held at Steelstown Brian Ógs after a Covid-19 hit spell on the sidelines.

A hidden gem within the Schools GAA calendar, the competition is held in memory of Brian Óg McKeever, a former pupil of both St Brigid’s and St Columb’s Colleges in Derry City.

It was a true festival of football, friendship and volunteerism, with the Anglo Celt Cup in attendance. It ticked every box to represent the life and times of Brian Óg McKeever, whom, on the 8th November 2008 lost his courageous battle with Leukaemia at the age of 17.

Such was the impact of Brian Óg’s life both on and off the field, his beloved club retired his number five jersey and renamed the club Steelstown Brian Óg’s.

It was a fitting year to return this competition to the GAA calendar given that Brian Óg’s name rang out through Steelstown’s outstanding run to Croke Park, lifting the All-Ireland Intermediate Club title saw them named as Gaelic Life Club of the Year at the All-Stars Gala night in Armagh.

It came as no surprise to see Neil Forester, who spoke so passionately and eloquently about Brian Óg in his Croke Park acceptance speech, arriving to set up pitches. It stands as a reminder to the close connection Neil had with Brian Óg that he never misses this competition.

After a wonderful day of football, St Conor’s College emerged victorious in the A and B competitions, with captain Caomhan McNally receiving the Brian Óg’s Cup from Steelstown Chairman Paul O’ Hea.

Conor O’Neill of St Conor’s received the Player of the Tournament in the B competition after a tense final against Dominican Portstewart.

Although on the losing team in the A grade competition, Conor O’ Donnell of St Columb’s College was nominated Player of the tournament, receiving his award from Paul O’Heaand Gavin Hegarty referee of the A final.

Schools who participated in the 2019 Brian Óg 9’s:

St Patrick’s Dungiven A and B, Lumen Christi Derry, Dominican College Portstewart, St Brigid’s College  Derry, St Columb’s College  Derry, St Conor’s Clady/Kilrea A and B, St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s Claudy A and B.

CUP KINGS…The St Conor’s A team

DOUBLE JOY…St Conor’s also won the shield

STARRING ROLE…Conor O’Neill received his Player of the Tournament (B section) from Paul O’Hea and Gavin Hegarty

STAR MAN…Conor O’Donnell (St Columb’s Derry) was Player of the Tournament