Armagh City U10 Plate winners
Armagh City Player of the Tournament, Anna
Belfast Swifts U10 Bowl winners
Runners up Meadowlands
Blayney Academy U12 Cup winners
Omagh Town
Lisburn Ladies
Craigavon City
Belfast Swifts
Damolly FC
Belfast Swifts
THE Dingle Daly Youth Tournament, hosted at Holm Park, home of Armagh City FC, has been widely praised as a tremendous success following two outstanding weekends of football, community spirit, and remembrance.
Held over two weekends, the tournament saw more than 160 youth teams take part, with thousands descending into Armagh across both weekends. It proved to be a truly outstanding event, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout Holm Park and the wider community.
Thousands of players, families, coaches, and supporters travelled to Armagh, delivering a significant boost to the local area and showcasing the very best of youth football and community spirit.
The tournament was established in memory of respected Armagh sportsman Sean “Dingle” Daly, who played a pivotal role in youth development at the club and beyond.
Renowned for his dedication, encouragement, and passion for supporting young people in sport, Dingle sadly passed away in 2023 following a battle with dementia. His influence and legacy continue to be felt deeply across the local football community.
A deeply respected and much-loved figure within Armagh City FC and the wider community, Sean Daly was a former player and manager at the club before going on to play a key role in the cross-community development of youth football.
Known for his unwavering commitment and passion, he spent countless hours mentoring and supporting thousands of young players across the region and across the county of Armagh, including Eoin Toal, now club captain at Bolton Wanderers and a Northern Ireland international.
His experience within the senior ranks of the club gave him a unique understanding of the game, which he later used to inspire and develop the next generation. More than a coach, he was a friend, role model, and inspirational figure whose impact reached far beyond the pitch.
His legacy continues to be honoured by Armagh City FC, including the naming of a stand in his memory and the annual festival held in his honour, ensuring his contribution to youth football and the community lives on for generations to come.
Players, supporters, coaches, families, and former teammates gathered in large numbers across both weekends to celebrate Dingle’s legacy, with many sharing heartfelt stories about his lasting impact on their lives and football journeys.
The event featured an excellent standard of youth football throughout and a strong turnout of supporters and families in attendance. Organisers and those attending praised the positive spirit on display, noting that the tournament served both as a celebration of the game and a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to local football.
This year’s tournament winners were:
- U7 Boys Cup – Armagh City
- U7 Boys Shield – Armagh City Eagles
- U7 Boys Plate – Killyloch FC
- U7 Boys Bowl – Tandragee Rovers
- U8 Boys Cup – Armagh City
- U8 Boys Shield – St Marys
- U8 Boys Plate – Moira
- U8 Boys Bowl – Castlecaulfield
- U9 Boys Cup – Enniskillen Town
- U9 Boys Shield – Armagh City
- U9 Boys Plate – Castlecaulfield
- U9 Boys Bowl – Riverdale
- U10 Boys Cup – Cookstown Youth
- U10 Boys Shield – Ambassadors
- U10 Boys Plate – Ridgeway Mill
- 10 Boys Bowl – Riverdale
- U11 Boys Cup – Tandragee Rovers
- U11 Boys Shield – Enniskillen Town
- U11 Boys Plate – Loughgall Youth
- U11 Boys Bowl – Enniskillen Town
- U12 Boys Cup – Armagh City
- U12 Boys Shield – Annagh Youth Colts
- U12 Boys Plate – Moyola Park
- U12 Boys Bowl – Shamrocks FC
- U13 Boys Cup – Dungannon Youth Colts
- U13 Boys Shield – Ambassadors
- U8 Girls Cup – Armagh City
- U8 Girls Shield – Crusaders Stars
- U8 Girls Bowl – Armagh City Eagles
- U10 Girls Cup – Mid Ulster Ladies
- U10 Girls Plate – Armagh City
- U10 Girls Bowl – Belfast Swifts
- U12 Girls Cup – Blaney Academy
- U12 Girls Shield – Craigavon City
- U12 Girls Plate – Omagh Town
- U12 Girls Bowl – Lisbellaw Utd
- U14 Girls Cup – Lisbellaw Utd
- U14 Girls Shield – Belfast Swifts
- U14 Girls Bowl – Moyola Park Bluebells
Michael McKenzie, Tournament Organiser and Small Sided Games Programme Co-ordinator at Armagh City FC, said he was delighted with the success of the event:
“The feedback has been tremendous from everyone who attended. It was incredible to see so many people come out in support and hear the many stories shared about how Dingle helped and encouraged young people over the years. The sunshine certainly helped create a fantastic atmosphere as well.
“I would like to sincerely thank all the teams and coaches that travelled to take part, along with everyone who participated, volunteered, sponsored, and supported the tournament in any way. A special thank you must go to all the volunteers whose hard work behind the scenes made the event possible across both weekends. It was a brilliant community occasion and we’re already looking forward to next year.”
A statement from Shauna Daly, daughter of Sean ‘Dingle’ Daly, added: “I want to say thank you to Michael, Ryan, Paul, Morgan and everyone at Armagh City FC, as well as all who attended and supported the tournament. Daddy would be so proud of the professionalism of the tournament held in his honour. Dad lived for the club, and he was deeply invested in youth football, something he strongly advocated for throughout his life. This is a wonderful way to honour his legacy.”
Niamh McGirr, main sponsor Enable Care Services added: “On behalf of Enable Care Services, we are proud to have supported the Dingle Daly Youth Tournament as main sponsor. The event is a powerful example of community, inclusion, and opportunity for young people. Sean Daly’s legacy is one of care, encouragement, and dedication, and it has been an honour to play a part in continuing that spirit through such a meaningful tournament.”
Eoin Toal also sent a video message of good luck to all those taking part, offering his support and encouragement to the players and organisers ahead of the tournament.
With such overwhelming support from the local community, plans are already underway to make next year’s Dingle Daly Tournament even bigger and better, with Ryan Kelly, Chairman of Armagh City FC, confirming that planning is already in progress as the club looks to build on the outstanding success of this year’s event.
Picture Credits: JL Sports Photography
Ryan Kelly, Chairman Armagh City FC, Shauna Daly (daughter), Ruairí Doherty (grandson), Nichola Daly (Daughter), Michael McKenzie – Armagh City FC & tournament Organiser.
