The Under 11.5 years festival brought together teams from Derry, Antrim, Donegal and even Cork as Blackrock, a club with close ties to Na Magha thanks to Sean, made the trip from the Rebel County. Sean, a founding member of Na Magha and a former teacher in the city, dedicated most of his life to either playing or coaching hurling and was a proud advocate of the sport to young and old alike.
While the emphasis was on fun and participation rather than competition, there was some excellent hurling on display from the stars of the future. Have a look at some of the defining images of a memorable day at Pairc Na Magha . . .
9. Inaugural Sean Mellon U11.5 Festival of Hurling
Blackrock and 'Na Rockies' teams pictured at Páirc Na Magha during the Seán Mellon Hurling Festival. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2223GS – 128 Photo: George Sweeney
10. Inaugural Sean Mellon Festival of hurling at Na Magha
Ballinascreen hurlers check up on the opposition in the match programme at Páirc Na Magha during the Seán Mellon Hurling Festival. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2223GS – 134 Photo: George Sweeney
11. Inaugural Sean Mellon U11.5 Festival of Hurling at Na Magha
Ballinascreen pictured at Páirc Na Magha during the Seán Mellon Hurling Festival on Saturday morning last. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2223GS – 124 Photo: George Sweeney
12. Inaugural Sean Mellon U11.5 Festival of Hurling at Na Magha
Match referees pictured at Páirc Na Magha during the Seán Mellon Hurling Festival on Saturday morning last. Photo: George Sweeney. DER2223GS – 132 Photo: George Sweeney