ALLIANZ Cumann na mBunscol
Boys’ INDOOR FOOTBALL Heat : LOUGHVIEW
The second heat of the annual Allianz Cumann na mBunscol 5-a-side Boys’ Indoor Gaelic Football for primary schools was held today in Dungannon’s Loughview Centre. Six local schools entered teams for this qualifying heat, which produced a tremendously high level of skill and sportsmanship from all involved.
Day 5 of the heats, Thursday 9th February, saw the 6 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 three school teams respectively. Great praise must go to the teams from St. Patrick’s PS, Aughadarragh and Gaelscoil Aodha Rua - who battled gallantly in competition, but just fell short of qualifying for the semi-finals despite their valiant efforts. These players were extremely worthy representatives of their schools.
Section ‘A’ saw Mrs Mc Guinness’s talented Macartan’s PS, Clogher; team, secure second spot - with a win and a draw, helped by Hat Trick Hero Conor Mc Girr - and an automatic place in the heat semi-finals. The St Malachy’s Glencull boys, under the care of Master Canavan, notched up an impressive 100% win record to guarantee top spot in their section
Section ‘B’ was proving trickier to negotiate. Master Donaghy guided his St. Mary’s PS, Ballygawley through as section winners with an unbeaten record. While Mr Lynch’s St Brigid’s Altamuskin finished second in their group by the narrowest of margins, beaten in a section decider by a single score.
The scene was now set for the first semi-final between St Mary’s and St Macartan’s. St Macartan’s just couldn’t find their scoring boots, and succumbed to a rampant Ballygawley team. The St. Mary’s team had reached another final.
The second semi-final pitched section ‘B’ winners St Malachy’s against St. Brigid’s PS, Altamuskin. Old firm games are never easy! It wasn’t to be the the Dunmoyle men’s day, as a ruthless attacking display by the Glencull boys helped win their place in the heat final. Thus a mouth-watering all Errigal final was set up between neighbours St Mary’s and St Malachy’s.
The level of expectation and anticipation was high. The game itself lived up to all pre-match expectations. Both teams played some tremendous football and displayed a full-blooded effort. However, it wasn’t quite to be for the Ballygawley lads, despite giving their all. A truly impressive performance by the Glencull boys drove their team on to ultimate victory after a pulsating final. St Malachy’s Glencull, now proceed to the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone Indoor Football Boys’ Final to be held in March in Cookstown. We congratulate these talented boys and wish them well as they await the qualifying schools from previous heats held in Omagh, Cookstown and our final heat in Clonoe.
Our thanks to Tyrone referee Neil McGarvey for his expert officiating, and to Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone representative Mr Darren Canvan for co-ordinating the day’s matches. A final word of thanks must go to Joe McAree at the Loughview Centre.
Go raibh maith agaibh go léir!
@AllianzIreland
