ALLIANZ CUMANN Na mBUNSCOL
BOYS’ INDOOR FOOTBALL HEAT 6: Loughview
Allianz Cumann na mBunscol held the sixth heat of its 5-a-side Boys’ Indoor Gaelic Football for primary schools today in the superb Loughview Centre, Dungannon. Seven local schools entered teams for this qualifying heat, which produced a sensational level of skill and great sportsmanship from all.
The format of the day’s play was based on two sections (A & B) of 4 and 3 school teams, respectively. Huge credit must go to the teams from St. Macartan’s P.S. Clogher; St. Patrick’s P.S. Aughadarragh, and St. Mary’s P.S. Fivemiletown - all of whom battled gallantly in competition but fell just short of qualifying for the semi-finals despite their valiant efforts. These players were worthy representatives of their schools and local clubs. Well done, lads!
Section ‘A’ saw St. Mary’s P.S. Cabragh top the group with a perfect 3 wins out of 3. With 2 good wins, St. Brigid’s P.S. Altamuskin became ‘A’ runners-up. Consequently, both schools qualified for the semi-finals.
In Section ‘B’, St. Mary’s P.S. Ballygawley recorded a 100% win record to top the section and reach the semi-finals. St. Malachy’s P.S. Glencull sealed a semi-final berth as Section ‘B’ runners-up.
The first semi-final saw Cabragh maintain their unblemished record as they overcame Master Darren Canavan’s gallant Glencull boys. Thus, Damien Ball and Master McCreesh had made the Heat final with their Cabragh lads.
The second semi proved to be a real ding-dong parish affair as Ballygawley and Altamuskin provided us with an absolute classic! With the game finishing level (3-3) at full-time, extra-time was needed. As things transpired, Philip Hughes saw his courageous Altamuskin boys go down by a single goal as their near neighbours, Ballygawley, made the final 4-3 (AET).
St. Mary’s P.S. Cabragh and St. Mary’s P.S. Ballygawley locked horns in the Heat Final. Both teams played their part in a superb final. Ultimately, though, Master McCreesh’s Cabragh side overcame Master Cullen’s brave Ballygawley lads – but the latter can be very proud of their tremendous efforts on the day. Meanwhile, a well-earned Tyrone Indoor Football County Final spot awaits the Cabragh lads in mid-March. We wish them well. Ádh mór oraibh.
A huge word of thanks goes to our referee Sean McCartan and to the man who couldn’t do enough for you at Loughview Centre, Joe McAree. Patrick McGivern (Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain) ensured the smooth running of the day’s games. A great day was had by all.
Go raibh maith agaibh!
