Moneygall native's successful charity football tournament
Dóchas Autism Support Mid-West benefit from Good Friday event
The second annual Good Friday Astro Tournament, held on April 3 at the University of Limerick’s North Campus, has raised €2,655 for Dóchas Autism Support Mid-West. A total of 160 players participated across the day, producing what organisers described as a tournament of exceptionally high standard, with some outstanding football on display from start to finish.
Polonia Limerick FC were crowned champions after a tightly contested final against Chicken Tikka MoSalah FC, which ended level after normal time before Polonia prevailed on penalties.
The tournament’s Player of the Tournament Award, sponsored by Oscars & Co Barbers, Parkway, was presented to Polonia’s goalkeeper Gabriel Dzik in recognition of an outstanding individual performance throughout the day. The Top Goalscorer Award, sponsored by Modern Man Barbers, went to Ed O’Dwyer of Chicken Tikka MoSalah FC, who found the net nine times across the tournament.
The tournament organiser Michael Bergin, who hails from Moneygall and resides in Newport, subsequently presented a cheque for €2,655 to representatives of Dóchas, accompanied by his daughter Mary-Kate, a service user of the charity. The funds will go directly towards supporting Dóchas’ autism services for children and young people across the Midwest. The charity currently supports over 900 individuals and families each week who are connected to autism.
“We’re absolutely delighted with how the day went. The standard of football was brilliant and the atmosphere on the campus was terrific from start to finish. To raise €2,655 for Dóchas is a fantastic result and a real testament to everyone who entered, supported, and sponsored the tournament. We’re already looking forward to next year,” said Michael Bergin.
The tournament was supported by sponsors Decathlon and SuperValu Castletroy, who provided prizes, equipment, and refreshments on the day. A social evening for all participants took place at The Old Quarter following the conclusion of the tournament.