On a sun scorched afternoon in Waterford

On a sun scorched afternoon in Waterford in South East Ireland the Spring 2009 All Ireland National 6-a-side Championships saw teams from across Ireland compete to be crowned the 2009 Spring Champions.

The group stages saw the first surprises as representatives from Ireland's two largest cities, Dublin and Cork, failed to get through to the knockout stages, although Leixlip only just missed out after watching a nail biting final group game between Waterford and Drogheda which saw the West Dublin based side be eliminated on goal difference.

Other notable absentees from the knockout stages included Mullingar, Sligo and both Limerick representative sides, leaving a knockout stage which included strong teams from Waterford and favourites Galway.

Representation from Naas left in the last 16, defeated by Waterford E, despite the home side having two players sent off in what was otherwise a highly competitive but good natured tournament, considering the prize at stake.

Elsewhere, dark horses Kilkenny B defeated Waterford B, 2-0, before losing to favourites Galway C in the quarter finals, who themselves had seen off Clonmel's last challengers in the last 16.

Drogheda, who sailed comfortably through the group stages, came unstuck at the next hurdle, losing 1-0 to Wexford D who were rapidly becoming everone's favourite for the title.

Tralee, unfancied at the tournament's outset, were the highest scoring outfit in the group stages, scoring 8 goals in three matches, and continued their good form in the last 16, defeating Kilkenny A by 3 goals to 0, then romping home 3-1 against Waterford A in the quarters.

In the semi-finals, Wexford D put a stop to Tralee's run, defeating the Western Ireland side 2-0, while in the other half of the tournament Waterford E defeated Galway C on penalties after a tense goalless draw, thus ensuring not only home representation in the Grand Final, but also a local derby between Wexford and Waterford.

The final was played in the evening sunshine with Waterford favourites to succeed Sligo as champions but, as last year, the smaller team won the day and Wexford were crowned All Ireland 6-a-side Champions 2009, and received the two foot high silver cup along with other prizes.