Limerick Sixes success

September 28, 2010 in General, News

limsixes_01Limerick’s first intercultural soccer festival, The Limerick Sixes Soccer World Cup 2010, has been hailed as “a huge success” by organizers, who hope now to make it an annual event. The tournament took place in glorious sunshine last Saturday, 25 September, at Crescent Comprehensive School. Hundreds of soccer players from across Limerick participated, and the soccer games took place to the diverse sounds of Elikya Gospel Choir, Pines Horizon Filipino Band, the South African Women’s Dance Group and the Candeias Capoeira Group, celebrating the growing cultural diversity in Limerick. Eugene Quinn of JRS, one of the organizers, said “We are delighted with the great spirit in which the tournament was played. There was tremendous participation from all 24 teams who hailed from local and migrant communities throughout Limerick City and County and beyond. It was a fantastic sporting and family day out.”

Brazil (Delmege Park) emerged as worthy winners, beating Nigeria (Knockalisheen) 2-1 after extra time in an exciting final. Councillor Leo Walsh presented the inaugural Limerick Sixes World Cup to the Champions Brazil.

The action wasn’t just on the pitch. There was plenty of free fun for all the family. The hair braiders and face-painters were in constant demand throughout the day. There were penalty and soccer skills competitions for kids of all ages; and of course the ever popular bouncy castle.

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The Limerick Sixes World Cup has been developed in partnership between the Limerick Integration Working Group, Jesuit Refugee Service Ireland, Doras Luimni, FAI, Limerick City/County Sports Partnerships, New Communities Partnership, Crescent College Comprehensive, Limerick Co-Ordination Office and HSI Business School.

Eugene Quinn and the organisers expressed their gratitude to the Crescent College Comprehensive for hosting this event. He added: “While a huge number of people have contributed to the success of this year’s Limerick Sixes Soccer World Cup, I would particularly like to acknowledge the contribution of Mr. Sean O’Callaghan, Transition Year Head, Crescent College Comprehensive and the 30 plus Transition Year students who worked tirelessly on the day to ensure the event ran seamlessly.”

Photos of the event can be accessed here.