The Ground & Co Salthill Fives second renewal of the ‘modern era’, and the 42nd overall staging, captivated Salthill over the Bank Holiday weekend. The crowds thronged to Salthill Park to join in the fun as every square inch of the park was utilised.

On the field of play the men’s tournament featured 64 teams who played on a Champions League-style format on the opening day, with the last 32 teams playing on a knockout basis on the Sunday.

In all, 211 games were played in the main event and the Girls and Boys U-13 competitions; while in addition, the Salthill Devon ‘Nipper Academy’ staged a blitz tournament on the ‘Sound to Light Pitch’.

The top honours went to Dave Carr’s ‘Hang my Curtains’ squad who overcame the ‘Venga Boys’ in a tightly contested final. Player of the Tournament was Calum Loomes. The winners were largely made up of Salthill Devon players and runner’s up Mervue – so it was a genuine ‘Old Firm’ encounter.

“I would like to thank the lads who gave it everything: Eugene, Alan, Ruairi, Mikey and the entire team, too many to mention, but they know who they are, who played a blinder from start to finish,” said club PRO, Pete Kelly.

“The Salthill Fives does not happen by accident. Every square inch of Salthill Park was used for the Pitches, Food Village, Wellness session, Bandstand entertainment and football academy training.

Salthill Devon and the Fives group are indebted to the Galway City Council and all the sponsors without whom there would be a tournament – roll on next year,” he said.

The tournament organisers decided to award a Hall of Fame award this year, and the first recipients were Stephen Lally and Noel Mernagh, two former greats with West United and Galway United.

“We decided that the recipients should be Stephen Lally and Noel Mernagh – two of the Five’s all times greats. They won the tournament four times, each time playing together, with The Woodpeckers, West Boys and Galway United twice,” said tournament controller, Alan Belton, who also thanked everyone who helped make the tournament such a success.

For more information, log on to www.salthillfives.com/ where all the results, sponsors and tournament details are detailed.

Pictured: The Hang My Curtains team which won this year’s tournament, back row, from left: Shain Sutton, James Kelly, Dave Carr, and Calum Loomes. Front: Sean McMenamon, Leo Byrne, and Daniel Hoare. Photos: Iain McDonald.