ALLIANZ CUMANN Na mBUNSCOL
BOYS’ INDOOR FOOTBALL HEAT 5: CLONOE
Allianz Cumann na mBunscol held the fifth and penultimate heat of the annual 5-a-side Boys’ Indoor Gaelic Football for primary schools today in Clonoe Community Centre. Eleven local schools entered teams for this qualifying heat, which produced a particularly high level of skill and sportsmanship from all involved, not to mention a fabulous finish…
Day 5 of the heats, Tuesday 6 February, saw the 11 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 6 and 5 teams, respectively. Great praise must go to the teams from Laghey P.S., St. Peter’s P.S. Moortown, St. John’s P.S. Moy, Gaelscoil Uí Néill, St. Brigid’s P.S. Brocagh, Primate Dixon P.S. Coalisland and St. Mary’s P.S. Ballygawley – the Errigal lads were the only team to prevent Edendork P.S. from winning all their games after a 3-3 draw. Edendork, nevertheless, had done enough with 3 wins and a draw to book their place in the Heat Final. Master Scullion’s St. Patrick’s P.S. Annaghmore pushed Edendork all the way before bowing out in a highly creditable 4th place.
Meanwhile, in Section ‘A’, one team achieved a perfect win record of 5 wins from 5 games played. This was the team from St. Patrick’s P.S. Roan, Eglish. This ensured that they would meet Edendork in the Heat Final. However, St. John’s P.S. Kingsisland (mentored by Master O’ Neill and Master Forker), pushed them all the way as they registered an impressive 4 wins from 5. Well done lads on finishing a superb third.
Now we were ready for the heat final. It more than 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 and unbeaten teams. When the referee blew the full-time whistle it ended 4:4. This was quite a scoreline as one of the teams led 4:1 at one stage. Extra-time just proved a bridge too far for a valiant Edendork (managed by Tyrone Star Niall Morgan), as a never-say-die Eglish team drove on to ultimate victory (6:4).
Master Grimley’s Eglish team now qualifies for the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone Indoor Football Boys’ Final in Cookstown’s MUSA Indoor Arena next month. Headmaster Stephen Mone and Master James Grimley have reached yet another county final. A remarkable achievement.
We congratulate these talented Eglish boys and wish them well as they prepare for the Co. Final. Ádh mór oraibh.
Our thanks to Tyrone referee Marty Devlin for his expert officiating, and to Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Ulster Chair, Pat McGivern, and Eddie Doris for co-ordinating the day’s matches. A final word of thanks must go to the friendly, helpful staff at Clonoe Community Centre.
Go raibh maith agaibh!
