Heat number eight of the annual Allianz Cumann na mBunscol 5-a-side Girls’ Indoor Gaelic Football for primary schools took place yesterday in MUSA Cookstown. Six local schools competed for the honour of winning this particular heat. A tremendously high level of skill and sporting behaviour was exhibited from all the girls involved.
Thursday 9th February, saw the 6 schools vie for a coveted place in the Tyrone County Final. The format of the day’s play was based on two sections (A & B) of three teams respectively. Great praise must go to the teams from St Mary’s Stewartstown and Blessed Patrick O’Loughran, as both teams battled like warriors in competition, but just fell short of qualifying despite their valiant efforts. They were a credit to their schools.
The first of the semi-finals took place with Section ‘A’ winners, St Mary’s Carland play a gallant Sacred Heart Rock team who were placed runners from Section’B’. This was a superb game of football and all girls tried their very best – St Mary’s Carland came up trumps and were the first team through to the girls heat final.
The second semi-final saw Section ‘B’ winners St Joseph’s Killeenan play Section ‘A’ runners up Gaelscoil Eoghain. After a closely fought encounter, it was the Killeenan girls who came out winners.
The semi-finals proved to be absorbing contests. The first semi-final was keenly contested. After an epic match, Miss Mullan and Mrs Girvan saw their Carland girls narrowly overcome a spirited challenge from the brave Sacred Heart Rock girls led by Mrs McGurk. The second semi-final consisted of the talented Gaelscoil Eoghain led by Mrs O’Neill take on Mr McKenna’s Killeenan side. In another pulsating game of football, the play ebbed from end-to-end. A closely fought match ended with St Joseph’s Killeenan winning through to the final. All of these semi-finalists deserve huge credit for their efforts. Maith sibh!
The scene was now set for the final between St Mary’s Carland and St Joseph’s Killeenan. This game also lived up to all pre-match expectations. Once again, we were treated to a feast of football.
Goals rained down in a terrific tussle between two committed teams. However, there has to be one winner and that was St Joseph’s Killeenan. Heartbreak for St Mary’s Carland, but they can be very proud of their efforts on the day.
The team from St Joseph’s Killeenan now qualify for the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone Indoor Football Girls’ Final. We congratulate these talented girls and wish them well as they await other qualifiers from further heats in their respective bid to be crowned Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Girls’ Indoor Football Tyrone Champions 202
Our thanks to referee Eugene Mullan or his expert officiating, and to MUSA Cookstown for the use of their fantastic facilities.
