Friends of Darragh GAA tournament set to return to Mayo club grounds

The 'Friends of Darragh' 7-a-side football tournament will return to The Neale GAA grounds in Cong when it takes place on Saturday, May 31. First held in 2015, the tournament has been a cherished community event that has raised approximately €10,000 to date for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT).

The competition commemorates the life of Darragh Walsh, who tragically passed away in 2013 at the age of 22.

All proceeds from the day go directly to the KBRT which is a volunteer-run charity that provides vital financial and practical support to bereaved families bringing loved ones home to Ireland following sudden or tragic deaths abroad. 

This year’s confirmed teams include the following from Mayo: The Neale, Shrule/Glencorrib, Ballinrobe, Claremorris, Mayo Gaels, Davitts, Kilmaine, Hollymount/Carramore, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh. From Galway, Caherlistrane and Clonbur will take part while Moorefield from Kildare and O’Mahony’s from Meath complete this year’s line-up.

READ MORE: PLAYER RATINGS: How the Mayo players fared against Cavan

Colin Bell, father of Kevin and co-founder of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, praised the tournament, saying: “Events like 'Friends of Darragh' remind us of the extraordinary compassion and solidarity that exists within Irish communities. The funds raised have made a real difference to grieving families at the most devastating moments of their lives. We are deeply grateful to everyone involved in keeping Darragh’s memory alive with such a wonderful tournament while also supporting the mission of KBRT.”

The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust was established in memory of Kevin Bell, who tragically passed away in New York in 2013. In response to the overwhelming public support at the time, his family founded KBRT to ensure other families facing similar heartbreak could receive help when they need it most.