ALLIANZ CUMANN Na mBUNSCOL
BOYS’ INDOOR FOOTBALL Tyrone Final 2023
Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain held their eagerly awaited showpiece – the annual Boys’ 5-a-side Indoor Football Final today, Tuesday 7th March, in Cookstown’s magnificent MUSA Indoor Arena. Nine schools from across the county had each won their respective heats, paving the way for their Tyrone Final appearance. The question needing answered was… Who would be crowned Tyrone Champions 2023?
There was palpable excitement and a buzz of anticipation amongst players, teachers and supporters alike. The footballing prowess on show was undeniable. These boys were to give us a Tyrone Final Day to live long in the memory.
The format of the day’s play was based on two sections (A & B) of five and four teams respectively.
The Sections
Section ‘A’ featured Gaelscoil Eoghain, St Joseph's Galbally, Kingsisland PS, Edendork, St Lawrences P.S. Fintona. A high-quality section saw these teams play each other. This was a very close group and there was never too much between the teams. Indeed, all of them played their hearts out. It was Kingsisland and Galbally who qualified as Section ‘A’ Group Winners, and Runners-Up, respectively. Kingisland beat Galbally in their head to head in the section. Battle one to Kingsisland, but would their paths cross again before the day was out?
Section ‘B’ pitched St Colmcille's PS Carrickmore, St. Caireall’s P.S. Aghyaran, St Malachy's PS Glencull and Sacred Heart Tattyreagh in a high calibre group. Another closely-fought Section underlined the tightness of these groups. As the group ended, the lads from Aghyaran qualified as Section Runners-Up along with table-toppers, Glencull who had, up until this point remained unbeaten.
The Semi Finals
Our semi-finalists now prepared to do battle. First up we had Section ‘A’ winners, Kingsiland, against Section ‘B’ runners-up, Aghyaran. It proved to be a cracking game of football, but the Kingsisland lads held off a spirited St Caireall’s team to win by a golden goal in extra time.
The second semi-final was between Section ‘B’ winners, St Malachy’s Glencull, and Section ‘A’ runners-up, Galbally. In an absorbing affair, both teams displayed strong footballing qualities. As things transpired, it was Galbally who narrowly prevailed 3 goals to Glencull’s 2 to book their place in the county final.
The scene was now set for our Tyrone Final. The capture of this prestigious Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone Boys’ Indoor Football Champions 2023 title was now up for grabs.
The Final
Both of our finalists expended every drop of energy in a huge effort to land the coveted trophy. An incredible game of football ensued. The standard of goalkeeping, blocks and interceptions was of a high order. Goals were always going to be at a premium. The match ebbed one way and then the other. However, by a big margin compared to other games today, victory for the talented boys from Galbally proved enough to deprive a battling Kingsisland team on the day. It takes two teams to make a great final, and these wonderful players from Kingsisland should be immensely proud of their endeavours. A county Silver medal was just reward for their incredible efforts.
As for the victorious team, Mr Campbell - and their triumphant St Joseph’s lads - can now bask in the glory of this tremendous accomplishment. The title of Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone Boys’ Indoor Football Champions 2023 is thoroughly well deserved – gold medals will forever be cherished.
Next up for St. Joseph’s is a tilt at the Boys’ Ulster Championship in Meadowbank Indoor Arena, Magherafelt. There is absolutely no reason why Galbally can’t go on and win an Ulster crown. Everyone associated with Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone certainly wishes them well in their quest for further glory.
Ádh mór oraibh!
A word of thanks to Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone officers, Mickey Quinn and Pat McGivern, Brian Gormley and Joe Canavan for ensuring the smooth running of this very successful competition.
Thanks, also, to Neil Mc Garvey and Marty Coyle for their expert refereeing throughout the various heats.
Finally, our appreciation goes to the friendly, efficient staff at MUSA.
Bring on Ulster!!!
