THE Ennis All Stars Football team won the cup again at the 25th Annual SARI Soccerfest (Sports Against Racism Ireland) which took place in Dublin last weekend.
The team were retaining the title they won in 2019, with the tournament not taking place in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.
Ennis teams have participated in the tournament for over 22 years and this is the fourth victory. Over that time hundreds of players from up to 25 countries have played for the honour of the Banner county.
Some of the players have moved away from Clare for study or work in the past few years but steadfastly step up to represent the Banner at the Soccerfest.
“We are delighted especially to win it back to back like this. As we know the past 2 years have been very difficult for some people and it’s good to see a return to this wonderful sporting event “ said player Julius Leke.
Sports Against Racism Ireland Soccerfest promotes cultural integration and social development through sport and has been running in Dublin since 1997. It is one of the largest intercultural 7-aside soccer tournament in Europe with over 32 teams participating from all over Ireland.
Players from over 60 different nationalities now residing in Ireland including from programmed refugee communities and Direct Provision Centres compete each year for the coveted SARI Cup. The days activities includes music, food, fun and plenty of free entertainment for children and all the family.
“Ennis All Stars are delighted to be bringing the cup back to Clare . We really enjoyed a very tough tournament again this year and were very pleased we won it in the end.
We are proud to participate in this tournament,” said Ennis All Star captain TJ Ajisomo.
Ennis All Stars team is supported to participate in Soccerfest each year by Clare Immigrant Support Centre and by individual well wishers.
Owen Ryan has been a journalist with the Clare Champion since 2007, having previously worked with a number of other publications in Limerick, Cork and Galway. His first book will be published in December 2024.