The eighth heat of the annual Allianz Cumann na mBunscol 5-a-side Boys’ Indoor Gaelic Football for primary schools was held today in Cookstown MUSA. Six local schools entered teams for this qualifying heat, which produced a tremendously high level of skill from all involved.
Day 8 of the heats, Thursday 9th February, saw the 6 schools compete for a coveted place in the Tyrone Final. The format of the day’s play was based on two sections (A & B) of three and three respectively.
Great praise must go to the teams from Gaelscoil Eoghain, St Mary’s Stewartstown, Sacred Heart Rock, St Joseph’s Killeenan, St Mary’s Carland and Blessed Patrick O’Loughran. Galbally and Killeenan, all of whom battled like warriors in competition today and all who showed great sportsmanship.
Section ‘A’ saw the talented Gaelscoil Eoghain Team and Section ‘B’ saw the talented Blessed Patrick O’Loughran secure a 100% win record and an automatic place in the heat semi-finals.
Runner up in Section ‘A’ was St Mary’s Stewartstown who were through to play Section ‘B’ group winner Blessed Patrick O’Loughran. While Section ‘B’ runner up had to be decided through a playoff game between Sacred Heart Rock and St Joseph’s Killeenan. After a 5 minute battle Sacred Heart Rock, showed great heart and were through to the semi-final to play Section ‘A’ winner Gaelscoil Eoghain.
The first Semi-final took place seeing Gaelscoil Eoghain play Sacred Heart Rock. The game went straight to the wire with excellent team displays, Gaelscoil Eoghain booked their place in the final. The second semi-final took place between St Mary’s Stewartstown and Blessed Patrick O’Loughran and again was an exciting game were both teams played their heart out, only for Blessed Patrick O’Loughran to become victorious and book their place in the final between Gaelscoil Eoghan.
The scene was now set for the final between Blessed Patrick O’Loughran and Gaelscoil Eoghan. The game itself lived up to all pre-match expectations.
After a thrilling 5 mins of football the sides could not be separated and extra time was played. Again the boys on both teams played with their hearts on their sleeve and still could not be separated so it was down to penalties. Each team took 5 penalties each and Gaelscoil Eoghain just pipped Blessed Patrick O’Loughran. Gaelscoil Eoghain now proceed to the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone Indoor Football Boys’ Final.
We congratulate these talented bunch of lads and wish them well as they await the qualifying schools from the previous sections.
Our thanks to referee Sean McCartan for his expert officiating, and to MUSA Cookstown for the excellent use of their facilities.
