ALLIANZ CUMANN Na mBUNSCOL
BOYS’ INDOOR FOOTBALL HEAT 3: Omagh
Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain held its third heat of the annual 5-a-side Boys’ Indoor Gaelic Football for Tyrone primary schools in Omagh’s splendid Station Centre. Nine local schools entered teams for this qualifying heat meaning a draw took place to form 2 sections.
Section ‘A’ contained teams from St. Patrick’s P.S. Eskra; current champions St. Teresa’s P.S. Loughmacrory; St. Caireall’s P.S. Aghyaran; Strathroy’s Christ The King P.S. and St. Joseph’s P.S. Drumquin. Loughmacrory boys were very impressive in topping the section with a perfect 4 wins from 4 whilst Eskra claimed the runners-up spot registering 3 good wins to join St. Teresa’s in the semi-finals. Therefore, Christ The King, Drumquin and Aghyaran just missed out on qualifying despite some super displays.
Section ‘B’ comprised teams from St. Oliver Plunkett P.S. Beragh; Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh, Srath Bán; All Saints’ P.S. Tattysallagh and St. Mary’s P.S. Killyclogher. The lads from Killyclogher topped their section with a perfect 3 wins from 3 whilst the Beragh boys joined them in the semi-finals as group runners-up. Alas for Tattysallagh and Gaelscoil qualification was just out of reach despite playing some fabulous football.
In the semi-finals the Section winners proved just too strong for their opponents. Loughmacrory advanced to the heat Final by seeing-off a brave Beragh. Meanwhile, the other Section winners Killyclogher advanced against a skilful Eskra.
Killyclogher and Loughmacrory gave us an exhilarating Final. Both teams were determined to do their best and that was exactly what they did in a superb 5-goal game. The attitude, aptitude and skill on show from all the lads would do your heart good to witness. Ultimately, after the proverbial end-to-end battle, Master McCullagh and Master Gallagher’s lads maintained their 100% record as they narrowly overcame (3-2) Master Stephen O’ Neill’s talented St. Mary’s 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 St. Teresa’s lads in March. Business as usual for this committed GAA school.
We wish them well. Ádh mór oraibh.
Thanks to our referee Brian McGinn and to the friendly staff of Omagh Station Centre. Mickey Quinn (Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain) ensured the smooth running of the day’s games.
Well done, everyone! Go raibh maith agaibh.
