ALLIANZ Cumann na mBunscol
BOYS’ INDOOR FOOTBALL HEAT 2: OMAGH
Allianz Cumann na mBunscol, Thír Eoghain, held its much anticipated second heat of the annual Boys’ Indoor Football competition in Omagh’s Station Centre. If what was witnessed was a sign of things to come in the remaining four heats, then bring it on – because the standard of play, particularly from the goalies, was simply superb!
7 schools competed in two groups of 4 and 3, respectively. Section ‘A’ featured Sacred Heart P.S. Tattyreagh; Knocknagor P.S; St. Patrick’s P.S. Eskra and St. Patrick’s P.S. Gortin. The Knocknagor lads played some brilliant stuff, but just missed out on progressing to the heat final. These boys were a credit to themselves and to their school. Indeed, such was the tightness of this section, that St. Patrick’s P.S. Gortin, despite playing terrific football, were pipped in a play-off for a semi-final slot by a tremendous Eskra team who recorded a 1-0 win. Tattyreagh, meanwhile, looked impressive and they duly progressed to the semi’s as Section ‘A’ winners
Section ‘B’ featured teams from St. Caireall’s P.S. Aghyaran; Tummery P.S. Dromore, and St. Eugene’s P.S. Victoria Bridge. The young Victoria Bridge team was unlucky to miss out on progressing - having played their hearts out all day. The decisive game would see the two unbeaten sides meet for a semi-final berth, and to see who topped the Section: Tummery and Aghyaran. As expected, this was a really close encounter. After a ding-dong match, it was the Tummery boys who prevailed – to top the group. Aghyaran also made the semi’s as Runners-Up.
The semi-finals saw titanic battles but, ultimately, the Section ‘A’ (Tattyreagh) and ‘B’ winners (Tummery) proved just too strong against brave efforts from Aghyaran and Eskra, respectively.
Thus, we had our final line up complete: Tattyreagh versus Tummery.
The final was a cagey encounter, but it just wasn’t to be for Master Kelly’s gallant Tattyreagh, as the Tummery boys seemed to find an extra gear to win through in the end and, therefore, Master Meenagh will lead his charges to the Tyrone Finals in March. We wish them well. Ádh mór oraibh!
Finally, thanks to Stephen McNamee for his expert officiating as referee, and to the Station Centre staff for their hospitality.
