ALLIANZ CUMANN Na mBUNSCOL
BOYS’ INDOOR FOOTBALL HEAT 2: CLONOE
Allianz Cumann na mBunscol held its second heat of the annual 5-a-side Boys’ Indoor Gaelic Football for primary schools today in Clonoe Community Centre. Six local schools entered teams for this qualifying heat, which produced a particularly high level of skill and sportsmanship from all.
Section ‘A’ contained Gaelscoil Uí Néill, Cluain Eo; Holy Family P.S. Aughamullan and St. Brigid’s P.S. Brocagh. Gaelscoil Uí Néill were impressive in topping the section with Brocagh claiming the runners-up spot with a 6-4 win against a brave Aughamullan side who just missed out on qualifying. Gaelscoil Uí Néill and Brocagh therefore made the semi-finals.
Section ‘B’ comprised teams from Primate Dixon P.S. Coalisland; St. Patrick’s P.S. Annaghmore and St. John’s P.S. Kingsisland. The lads from Kingsisland stylishly topped their section with the Annaghmore boys joining them in the semi-finals. Alas for Primate Dixon and mentor Master McQuaid, qualification was just out of reach despite playing some fabulous football.
In the semi-finals the Section winners had mixed fortunes. Kingsisland advanced to the heat Final by seeing-off Brocagh – who would contest the 3rd place play-off. Meanwhile, the other Section winners, Gaelscoil Uí Néill, played a thriller with Annaghmore. This was, undoubtedly, the game of the tournament. At full-time it was 3-3, so extra-time was required. The drama continued with goals, saves and blocks galore. Eventually, the lads from Clonoe prevailed when they bagged a 6-5 win AET. Gaelscoil had to settle for a 3rd place play-off whilst Annaghmore reached the heat Final.
St. Brigid’s P.S. Brocagh registered a 3rd place victory against a clearly deflated Gaelscoil who had emptied the tank for the cause in that epic semi. However, credit to both schools for their exploits. Maith sibh.
St. John’s P.S. Kingsisland and St. Patrick’s P.S. Annaghmore shared a 7-goal Final. Both teams were determined to do their best and that was exactly what they did in a superb final. Ultimately, the greater scoring threat of Master O’ Neill’s Kingsisland side overcame Master Scullion’s gallant Annaghmore lads – but they can be very proud of their tremendous efforts on the day. Meanwhile, a well-earned Tyrone Indoor Football County Final spot awaits the Kingsisland lads on Tuesday 12 March in Cookstown’s MUSA Indoor Arena.
We wish them well. Ádh mór oraibh.
A huge word of thanks goes to our referee Marty Devlin (Stewartstown) and to the friendly staff of the Clonoe Community Centre. Patrick McGivern and Eddie Doris (Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain) ensured the smooth running of the day’s games.
Go raibh maith agaibh!
