Tyrone’s superb Garvaghey complex proved the ideal setting for the annual Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain Hurling & Camogie end-of-year outdoor tournament. The 4G pitch was perfect for the children from our county’s primary schools to exhibit their abundant skills.
The hurling competition featured an ‘A’ and ‘B’ team from St. Patrick’s PS Roan, Eglish and the equivalent from St. Colmcille’s PS, Carrickmore. Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh, Strabane, Aughamullan, Edendork and St. John’s PS, Kingsisland completed the final line up. Matches were played in a series of round-robin games, thereby ensuring each team played several times. The quality of the play was a joy to behold. Skills coached by John Devlin and Ruairí Convery (Tyrone Co. Board Primary Schools’ Hurling & Camogie Coaches) were very much to the fore.
Very little separated the teams but, in the end, Carrickmore ‘A’ and Carrickmore ‘B’ narrowly squeezed out the other brave challengers to contest the final.
The Final saw the play ebb and flow in an absorbing contest. However, when the end whistle sounded, it was the boys from Carrickmore ‘A’ who narrowly triumphed to clinch the coveted county gold medals. The Carmen ‘B’ lads played their hearts heart and earned themselves county silver medals for their efforts. To all teams: maith sibh!
The camogie competition also featured an ‘A’ and ‘B’ team from St. Patrick’s PS Roan, Eglish and the equivalent from St. Columbkille’s PS, Carrickmore, St. John’s PS, Kingsisland and Aughamullan PS.
St Francis’ PS, Derrylatinee, Edendork PS and Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh, Strabane, completed the finalists. Yet again, the array of skills on display from our young camogs was of the highest quality. Great credit must go the teachers and local clubs who give of their time to provide our children with the opportunity to play our national games. As was the case with the boys’ competition, the girls were an absolute credit to their schools, families and clubs. A keenly contested series of games resulted in Roan PS and Kingsisland go head-to-head in a terrific tussle worthy of the final. Ultimately, it was the girls from Roan, Eglish, who edged out a spirited challenge from the Kingsisland girls to win their county golds, with the silver medals going to St. John’s PS.
Our thanks go to the Tyrone Co. Board; Orla and Mickey in Garvaghey; referees and coaches (John Devlin, Ruairí Brennan, Ger Gribben and Anne Daly) and Master Seamus McCreesh (Roan principal and tournament director) for helping to make the day the success that it was.
The future of Tyrone hurling and camogie is in safe hands: Red Hands!
Cumann na mBunscol is proudly sponsored by
