21st Feb 2025
Following the thrilling girls’ competition on Thursday, the Tyrone Cumann na mBunscol Boys’ Handball Championships provided another exhilarating day of high quality action at Loughmacrory Handball Club. Across four fiercely contested categories, Tyrone’s young stars showcased their skill, determination, and athleticism in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
U-11 Singles
*Gallagher Claims Glory*
The competition kicked off with the U-11 Singles, featuring seven outstanding young handballers who made it to finals day:
Daniel Conroy (Beragh), Charlie Gallagher (Loughmacrory), Aodhan Fox (Greencastle), Ciaran Óg Tracey (Gaelscoil na gCrann), Conor McCullagh (St. Conor’s Omagh), Cormac Carlin (St. Ronan’s Recarson), and Ryan McCullagh (Carrickmore).
An open draw conducted by event co-ordinator Master Mark McCullagh set the stage for a series of gripping encounters. One of the day’s standout performances came from Ciaran Óg Tracey, who pushed eventual champion Charlie Gallagher to the limit in the opening round, demonstrating exceptional resilience and quality.
However, it was Gallagher and Aodhan Fox who battled their way to the final. Both players exhibited tremendous skill and footwork, but in a thrilling contest, Gallagher edged it 11-8, 11-9, claiming the county title in style.
U-11 Doubles
*Loughmacrory’s Young Guns Rise to the Occasion*
The U-11 Doubles competition was packed with energy and tactical brilliance as five schools competed for the title:
Beragh – Daithí Farley & Conor Kelly
Loughmacrory – Aodhan Conway & Padraig Mullan
Greencastle – Toby Donnelly & Daire Tuohey
Pomeroy – Daniel Monaghan & Mattie Begley
Carrickmore – Eunan Óg Donnelly & Sennan Quinn.
After some remarkable battles, Loughmacrory’s Aodhan Conway & Padraig Mullan faced Carrickmore’s Eunan Óg Donnelly & Sennan Quinn in the final. The standard of play was phenomenal, with both pairings displaying quick reflexes, powerful shot-making, and excellent teamwork.
Despite Carrickmore’s best efforts, Conway & Mullan produced a clinical, classy performance to win 11-6, 11-7, sealing another county title for Loughmacrory.
U-13 Singles
*Duff Delivers After Epic Semi-Final*
The U-13 Singles event featured another exceptional lineup:
Darragh Donnelly (Beragh), Charlie Duff (Loughmacrory), Cathair Conway (Greencastle), Ned Gorman (Mountfield),
JP Quinn (Pomeroy), and Tristan Conlan (Carrickmore).
The competition was relentless, but it was Charlie Duff and Cathair Conway who emerged as the top two contenders. However, the defining moment of the tournament came in the semi-final between Duff and Donnelly; a true classic. With both players giving everything, the match went all the way to a tiebreaker, with Duff squeezing through 11-10 in what was probably the game of the day.
Carrying that momentum into the final, Duff displayed remarkable composure and attacking play to defeat Conway 11-6, 11-8, securing the U-13 county title for the
St. Teresa’s man.
U-13 Doubles
*Loughmacrory See Off Recarson Challenge*
The final event of the day, the U-13 Doubles, saw some outstanding partnerships battle it out. They were:
Greencastle – Eoghan Rua Mullin & Cillian Tuohey
Pomeroy – Corey McCaffrey & Padraig Corcoran
Recarson – Cahir McMullan & James O’Kane
Carrickmore – Shea O’Hanlon & Fintan McWilliams
Loughmacrory – Shea Cullen & Daire Woods
The final was a historic one, as Recarson made their first-ever county final at this level, a testament to the growing strength of handball across all Tyrone schools. Master McCrystal was an extremely proud man today. However, Loughmacrory’s Shea Cullen & Daire Woods proved too strong, sealing the title with a composed 11-4, 11-6 victory. Woods’ quality overhand shots and Cullen’s kill shots proved too much for the Recarson lads who put up a great show.
*A Bright Future for Tyrone Handball*
As the dust settles on another memorable Cumann na mBunscol handball championship, one thing is certain, the future of Tyrone handball is in safe hands. Across both the girls’ and boys’ competitions, the standard of play, camaraderie, and sheer determination on display have been nothing short of remarkable.
A massive thank you goes to Loughmacrory Handball Club for hosting the event in their top-class facilities, as well as to event co-ordinator Master Mark McCullagh for ensuring the tournament ran seamlessly.
With the county champions now preparing for the Ulster Finals in the coming weeks, we wish them all the very best as they aim to take their talents to the next level. Well done to every player, school, and coach involved. Tyrone handball is thriving and Allianz Cumann na mBunscol is where it all begins and we’re proud to be part of that. Well done all. 👏👏
