The future of Tyrone handball was on full display at the Tyrone Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Girls’ Handball
Championships, held in the outstanding facilities of Loughmacrory Handball Club. With four fiercely
contested categories, incredible skill, and fantastic sportsmanship, the young competitors proved
themselves to be true ambassadors for their schools and for the game.
U11 Singles
A Final for the Ages
The U11 Singles competition began with an open draw conducted by event co-ordinator Mr. Mark
McCullagh. The field featured six highly talented players: Shona Teague (Beragh), Laura Kelly
(Loughmacrory), Orlaith Conway (Greencastle), Úna May Gorman (Mountfield), Katie Mullin
(Roscavey), and Cara Daly (Carrickmore). After a series of gripping encounters, Shona Teague and
Laura Kelly emerged to contest the final.
What followed was a truly epic battle between the two stars. Both players displayed composure
beyond their years, trading powerful shots and showing incredible court awareness. After a titanic
struggle, it was Shona who edged victory with an 11-7, 11-10 win. Well done to both players.
Special mention also goes to Orlaith Conway, who narrowly lost out in the semi-final to Teague (11-
7, 11-9) in a game of breathtaking intensity.
U11 Doubles
Loughmacrory Triumph in a Show of Skill
The U11 Doubles competition saw elite-level teamwork and sharp reflexes from all competitors.
Representing their schools were:
• Beragh – Ella Donnelly & Emily Nixon
• Loughmacrory – Cianna McElduff & Kate Ayna
• Greencastle – Aillinn McDonald & Cara-Rose Keenan
• Pomeroy – Sophie McCrystal & Grace McKenna
• Carrickmore – Cobhlaith Gormley & Darcy Haughey
After a gripping set of opening rounds, the final saw Loughmacrory’s Cianna McElduff & Kate Ayna
face off against Greencastle’s Aillinn McDonald & Cara-Rose Keenan. The standard of play was
exceptional, with long rallies and pinpoint accuracy on display. In the end, McElduff & Ayna secured
a well-earned victory (11-7, 11-6), capping off a remarkable contest.
U13 Singles
McCrystal Shines in a Battle of the Best
The U13 Singles category brought together an outstanding group of competitors: Orla Teague
(Beragh), Anna Rose Meenan (Mountfield), Aoibhínn McCrystal (Loughmacrory), Ava Molloy
(Greencastle), and Kacey McNally (Carrickmore). The competition was fierce, with thrilling
encounters throughout.
Young Aoibhínn McCrystal, still in P6, displayed remarkable composure and skill as she battled her
way to the final against Ava Molloy. Molloy had come through an enthralling semi-final against Orla
Teague, a match filled with grit and determination. In the final, McCrystal demonstrated why she is
one of the rising stars of Tyrone handball, coming out on top with an 11-10, 11-8 victory in yet
another dramatic contest.
U13 Doubles
Loughmacrory Girls Do it Again
The U13 Doubles saw three pairings go head-to-head:
• Loughmacrory – Megan Conway & Cara Harte
• Greencastle – Holly Cahill & Isla Clarke
• Pomeroy – Saorla Mallaghan & Caoimhe Mullin
In the semi-final, Loughmacrory’s Conway & Harte faced Pomeroy’s Mallaghan & Mullin in a tense
showdown, with Loughmacrory emerging victorious. The final against Greencastle’s Cahill & Clarke
was another fiercely contested match, but Conway & Harte delivered a composed and clinical
performance to take the title with a scoreline of 11-4, 11-6. We must wish young Caela Keenan well
who missed the action today due to a hand injury sustained earlier in the week. Her replacement did
her school proud but just couldn’t overcome the stylish duo of Harte and Conway.
A Celebration of Talent, Sportsmanship, and the Growth of GAA Handball
Every competitor displayed outstanding ability, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the
tournament. The camaraderie and respect shown between players were as impressive as the skill
level, reinforcing why handball continues to grow in popularity across Tyrone.
A special word of thanks must go to Loughmacrory Handball Club for hosting the event in their top-class facilities and to Mr. Mark McCullagh for his exceptional organisation. Events like this are crucial
in promoting handball and encouraging young athletes to develop their skills in a competitive yet
supportive environment. A massive good luck to all the winners who will now go on to represent
Tyrone in the Ulster Finals.
With the girls setting such a high standard, all eyes now turn to the boys’ competition tomorrow.
They have a tough act to follow!
