Comórtas Corn Gerard Lawlor 2014.

Gaelscoil Éanna hosted the second annual Gerard Lawlor Tournament on the 7^th March 2014; as part of their Seachtain na Gaelige festivities.

he event was attended by no fewer than 8 local primary schools who competed in a thrilling spectacle of Gaelic football. Each and every one of the children from Gaelscoil Éanna; Our Lady of Lourdes; St Bernards; St Mary’s on the Hill; St Patrick’s; Holy Cross; Bunscoil Bheann Mhadagain; and Sacred Heart  done their schools proud in a most competitively contested tournament. 

Most of the schools fielded players who are memenrs of Naomh Éanna in a competiton established in the memory of much loved club member, late Gerard Lawlor.

The football competition was founded in 2013 in honour of Gerard Lawlor RIP. Gerard played football and hurling for his local club and contributed greatly to the social life of the club.

On Sunday 21st July 2002 Gerard was named to play at mid-field in a league game against Sarsfields, a role that suited him perfectly due to his physical strength and work ethic. It happened that there was no match that day, due to a timing error, but the senior team had a slog of a training session instead. After training the players assembled in the club-house to watch the All-Ireland football quarter finals and to enjoy a lovely Summer’s evening.

Just after midnight on the morning of July 22nd, as he walked home on Floral road, Gerard was shot by pro-British forces. He died on the spot. He was a father to Josh, a son, brother and friend to his friends and family. Gerard was the fifth member of C.L.G Naomh Éanna to be killed during that period of the conflict. The aims of this football competition are to remember Gerard and to celebrate our Gaelic culture.

Gerard would have been proud of the talent on show and indeed would have been very encouraged in that the captain of eventual winners, St Bernards is a key member of Naomh Éanna u12 footballers – Callum Morgan.

It was indeed St Bernards who were eventual winners over clse rivals Our Lady of Lourdes. Both teams fielded many Naomh Éanna members.

Gaelscoil Éanna were narrowly deafeted in the semi finals by Our Lady of Lourdes but the young Gaels done their school and club proud as they gave it their all – Just as Gerard did in every game he played for our club.

Special thanks to each of the Schools that competed – we look forward to hosting again next year.