Our U13 team took part in the Garda Blitz held on June 7th at the grounds of Glen Rovers. The good weather added to a great atmosphere and the skill level was very high. Dillons were drawn in a tough group including Na Piarsaigh, Blarney and St Finbarrs. We knew from the start that we were up against it as we were missing some influencial players and we had some 10, 11 and 12 year olds in our team. As usual Dillons fought hard and gave it their all. Our first game was against Na Piarsaigh and it was a cracker. A really exciting game which went right to the wire. We just came up short at the finish but it was great performance from our girls. Our second game was against Blarney, the defending champions. They are a very good side and they proved too strong for us. Our third game was against the Barrs who are a big physical side, with some exceptional players. Niamh and Aoife ran our bench to give everyone experience. The Barrs were way too strong for us and they went on to win the tournament. All our girls had a great day. We had the opportunity to have photos taken with the Garda Horses, Garda Dog Unit, Patrol cars and Garda Motorbikes. Plenty of refreshments were on hand including a barbecue, ice-cream, drinks and treats. The semi final line up was Blarney v Sars and Douglas v Barrs. It was hard to pick a winner at this point. Sars saw off Blarney in a cracker after extra time and the Barrs beat a fancied Douglas team. Before the final both Sars and the Barrs paraded around the field and stood to attention for the National Anthem. The final was a very close contest but the Barrs just did enogh to win by  a single point. Congrats to the Barrs who were deserved winners. Linda Mellerick was tasked to pick the player of the tournament which was a difficult task. The award went to Emer Hurley of the Barrs and it was well deserved. A big thank you to Mary Newman and the Committee of Glen Rovers who pulled out all the stops to put on a great show. Camogie was the big winner here. There was one big positive from Dillons point of view and that was the performance of Eve O Connor. Against all three teams in our group, she stood out. Her work rate was superb, her physical presence immense, her ball striking was second to none and her attitude was first class. If we had progressed in the tournament she would no doubt be in contention for player of the tournament. On behalf of An Garda Siochana and the Community Policing Unit at Mayfield Garda Station, I would like to thank everyone who contributed in any small way to yet another very successful Garda Blitz.