Trojans begin defence of 'Burkey Cup' title against Ballymac Celtic

PICTURED ABOVE: Thomas and Linda Burke with grandchildren Adam and Aoife at the launch of the "Thomas Burke Cup", in memory of their son, organised by Trojans FC. The competition starts on Monday May 5 with the final on Saturday, May 24th. Included from left, are Diolain Ward, club vice-Chair, Colly Kelly, Impact NI (sponsor), Kitty Wright, club president, Gearoid McDermott, X-Fit (sponsor), and from right, Marty McClafferty, Trojans, Clare Gurney, Automotive (sponsor) and Eamonn McKeever (sponsor). (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

Holders Trojans will begin the defence of their Burkey Cup title when they face Ballymac Celtic in the first round of this year's competition.

The popular event, held each year in honour of former Trojans player and coach Thomas Burke, was officially launched on Tuesday evening at Oakland Park. Last year, Trojans got their hands on the trophy for the first time when they defeated Foyle Harps 3-2 in an entertaining final.

The hosts entered the final very much as underdogs, but started strongly and blew their opponents away with two goals from Jack McFeeley. Harps ended the game strongly and caused a few nervy moments, but Trojans held on to get their hands on a trophy which means a lot to everyone at the club.

The event has attracted growing attendances each and every year and the organisers are hoping that this year's competition will continue in that tradition. Creggan Swifts will take on Rosemount in a real mouth-watering tie with no shortage of experienced players in both teams. This one is already too close to call, but it's certain that one of the big names will be going out of this year's competition earlier than expected.

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The other ties will see Phoenix Athletic take on North Coast United and Lisahally take on last year's beaten finalists Foyle Harps. The competition starts on Monday May 5 with the final on Saturday, May 24th.

Terrific twins! - It has been a week o celebration at Oakland Park as 2013 players Eoin and Fionn were lauded for their amazing fundraising efforts in February. The duo decided they wanted to help raise funds for the 2013 teams upcoming Blackpool Cup trip, so they agreed they would complete a 5k everyday for a month starting on February 13th. In all, they raised an incredible £1,850.

Trojans FC players, 11 year old twins Fionn and Eoin Cussack who successfully ran/walked 5k every night from the February 14 until March" to raise an incredible £1,850 for Trojans FC's club's 5-day trip to Balckpool over Easter. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

Burkey Cup Draw - Trojans v Ballymac Celtic; Creggan Swifts v Rosemount; Phoenix Athletic v North Coast United; Lisahally v Foyle Harps