By Niall Gartland

THE annual Paul McGirr Ulster U-16 Club Championship gets underway this weekend, and spectators are certain to be treated to be a feast of footballing action at Gardrum Park.

The prestigious tournament was established in 1999 by the Dromore, St Dympna’s club to honour Paul McGirr, who tragically lost his life following a collision while scoring a goal for the Tyrone minors in an Ulster Championship game against Armagh.

It comprises the winners of the u-16 championships across all nine Ulster counties and is renowned for serving as the springboard for the careers of some of the leading players nationally both past and present.

Proceeds from the tournament will go towards the vibrant Spirit of Paul McGirr charity, which continues its astounding work in improving the lives of impoverished Zambians in the Chainda district.

The launch event was held last Friday evening at Garvaghey with the draw made by by Dromore chairperson Niall McNulty and Tyrone chairperson Martin Sludden, and Tyrone u-16 champions Ardboe were pitted against Down representatives Burren.

The proceeds of the match will be donated to Air Ambulance NI after they came to the rescue of a young Burren footballer, Shea Trainor, who suffered a cardiac arrest just 10 minutes before the end of their Down u-16 title last month.

Thanks to the swift and exceptional response from the doctors and nurses present, followed by the NIAS and Air Ambulance teams, Shea received outstanding medical care at the scene. Because of their timely intervention, Shea’s life was saved, and he will be present on Sunday with his family and friends to cheer on his teammates.

The full draw for this year’s Paul McGirr tournament is as follows:

Preliminary Round

Four Masters (Donegal) v Bellaghy (Derry)

Quarter-finals

Ardboe (Tyrone) v Burren (Down)

Clan Na Gael (Armagh) v Portglenone Roger Casements (Antrim)

​Magheracloone (Monaghan) v preliminary round winners

Fermanagh Champions v Ramor United (Cavan)

The action gets underway this Saturday with the preliminary round followed by the first two quarter-final clashes on Sunday.