GAA | Stabannon to host the second Nicola Barry Memorial Tournament on June 10th
Tournament held in honour of the late Stabannon goalkeeper
The second annual Nicola Barry Memorial Tournament will take place at Stabannon Parnells GFC on Saturday, June 10th.
This tournament has been set up by the ladies committee of Stabannon Parnells to honour and remember a great player and dear friend of the club, who sadly lost her fight against a brain tumour in August 2014.
Nicola came to play with Stabannon Ladies in 2006 and soon it was apparent that she would become a key member of the team, playing an instrumental part in guiding Stabannon Ladies to their first ever senior title in 2009 when they saw off the strong challenge of Naomh Malachi in a replay.
It was Nicola’s penalty save in the second half of that game that spurred the Parnells on to score two points to see them win the game.
Nicola continued to line out in the number one shirt for the remainder of her career with Stabannon. The jersey has since been retired and now resides on the wall of the dressing rooms in the club grounds.
Nicola was not only a great player but also a great mentor and indeed coached and helped the player who took to the nets after she died, Suzanne Carroll.
This will be the second year of the tournament, with the inaugural tournament taking place on June 11th last year when Monaghan champions, Donaghmoyne, took the honours to leave with the Nicola Barry Memorial Cup. Amanda Casey-Finnegan was named Player of the Tournament.
Teams confirmed for this year’s event so far are Louth clubs Stabannon Parnells, St Brides, Naomh Fionnbarra, Newtown Blues, St Fechins, St Killians from Cavan, Donaghmoyne Ladies from Monaghan and Naul from Meath.
There are only four places remaining and the closing date is approaching fast so teams are asked to get in touch as soon as possible.
The tournament is designed to remember and honour Nicola and is very much a tournament about ‘football’ where teams are encouraged to come along and enjoy the game in the same way that Nicola did.
The day will focus on the ‘fun’ in ladies football and encourages club and county players to come together to remember ‘one of our own’.
Clubs are encouraged to bring with them as much colour as is possible — not just club colours — to make this event a fun, vibrant and colourful day.
The tournament is not a fundraising event and costs to enter will cover the costs to run the tournament. Any remaining money will be donated to a ‘charity’ selected by the club in Nicola’s honour.
This is Stabannon Ladies’ way of remembering Nicola while at the same time supporting a charity she would be proud of if she were still here today.
In 2016, €500 of the money raised on the day was donated to the Holy Family Youth Group in Ballsgrove, Drogheda of which Nicola was a member.
Stabannon Parnells Ladies would love your club to join them on the day and to come together with the club, the county, Nicola’s friends and her family to remember and honour a truly gifted, funny and bubbly girl, Nicola Barry.
To take part in the tournament please contact Teresa Hanratty on 087 4173301 or email
