ALLIANZ CUMANN Na mBUNSCOL
Tyrone and Ulster Quiz: 2017
A great sense of anticipation and excitement was felt in our local primary schools this week, as Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain organised a series of quiz heats across the county. Having already had very successful tournaments for Indoor Camogie, Hurling, 4-Wall Handball and Gaelic Football, these heats were designed to find Tyrone’s top brain boxes.
This year we had almost 50 schools competing against each other.
The format of the quiz saw 60 points up for grabs over 10 rounds of 6.
The pupils faced questions on an array of subjects – predominantly Irish based – including: Geography; History; Sport; Music and Famous Irish Faces. A number of questions based on the school curriculum were also asked. Five of our local schools kindly agreed to act as host for the quiz competition, and we thank them sincerely. They were as follows:
Primate Dixon P.S, Coalisland; St. Conor’s P.S, Omagh; Edendork P.S;
St. Colmcille’s P.S, Carrickmore and St. Mary’s P.S. Ballygawley.
In order to qualify from the Tyrone heats to the Ulster Final, schools had to secure scores that would rank amongst the top four in the county (from all five heats). The level of scoring across the county was extremely high this year. The pupils showed a tremendous general knowledge about Ireland and all things Irish. Indeed, such was the extraordinary standard of correct answers, it soon became apparent that scores around and beyond 80% were required for teams to be successful.
As things transpired, two schools managed to produce teams who each scored 51/60. The teams who recorded this terrific total were:
St. Patrick’s P.S. Aughadarragh – surpassing their fabulous 50 points last year and St. Conor’s P.S, Omagh. St. John’s P.S. Moy scored a superb 50, whilst St. Patrick’s P.S. Mullinahoe, Ardboe, secured Ulster qualification when they recorded 47 points.
Therefore, we had our final Tyrone qualifiers. Taking their schools to the Ulster Final in The Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny, on Monday 27 March were: Mrs. Gemma Quinn (Aughadarragh), Masters L. Grugan and P. Logue (Omagh), Master J. Kilpatrick (Moy) and Master Joe Canavan (Ardboe).
Everyone associated with Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain wishes our Tyrone representatives all the very best in their dual quest for the Tyrone Shield – awarded to our county’s highest scoring team in the Ulster Quiz Final (currently held by St. Teresa’s P.S, Loughmacrory) and, of course, the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Ulster Primary School Quiz Title 2017. Ádh mór oraibh!
Alas, there was to be no Ulster Quiz title for Tyrone but, after a tremendous showing, St. Patrick’s P.S. Aughadarragh (Mrs. G. Quinn) won the Tyrone Shield. Donegal football star Michael Murphy and Ulster CnmB Chairman Patrick McGivern jointly conducted the presentation. Maith sibh go léir!
