ALLIANZ Cumann na mBunscol
BOYS’ INDOOR FOOTBALL HEAT 3: OMAGH
Allianz Cumann na mBunscol, Thír Eoghain, served up yet another top-class display when Heat 3 was held in the Station Centre, Omagh. Loughmacrory, as defending champions, had their back-to-back Tyrone and Ulster titles on the line. Could they retain them…?
Nine schools were drawn into two sections. Section ‘A’ contained: St. Ronan’s P.S. Recarson; All Saints’ P.S. Tattysallagh; Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh, Strabane; St. Patrick’s P.S. Newtownstewart, and St. Brigid’s P.S. Mountfield P.S. The teams from Mountfield, Gaelscoil, Strabane and Recarson P.S. all played some fabulous football. However, they all just missed out on a semi-final berth. This was due, in no small matter, to the fact that one team - a well-drilled St. Patrick’s P.S. Newtownstewart - won all four of their group games. This 100% win-record ensured that Newtownstewart booked a deserved place in the Semi-final, where they would be joined by ‘A’ Runners-Up All Saints’ P.S. Tattysallagh.
Section ‘B’ comprised Christ The King P.S. Strathroy; Our defending Champions St. Teresa’s P.S. Loughmacrory; St. Lawrence’s P.S. Fintona and St. Scire’s P.S. Trillick. Again, although these schools produced some terrific football, it soon became evident that Loughmacrory and Trillick would dominate the Section. Indeed, both sides went through their Section undefeated – even drawing 3:3 when they met in what was an exciting precursor of things to come.
In the first semi-final, a real ding-dong affair ended with our reigning champions, Loughmacrory, inflicting a narrow 2:1 defeat upon a gallant Newtownstewart side. The second semi saw Trillick hit top gear as they saw-off a brave Tattysallagh challenge.
The final would see a repeat of an earlier encounter as Trillick faced Loughmacrory for a spot in the Co. Final as Heat 3 winners. Trillick opened the scoring, only for Loughmacrory to hit back level straight away. A third goal was going to be vital and so it proved. The play was of an exceptionally high standard as both teams strove for that elusive goal. As things transpired, it was St. Scire’s P.S. Trillick who scored what turned out to be the winner. They had to endure several nervy moments as Loughmacrory sought not to relinquish their dual crowns. However, Master King and his truly talented Trillick lads now head to next month’s Co. Final in MUSA Indoor Arena, Cookstown. We wish you well!
St. Teresa’s P.S. Loughmacrory came within a whisker of a third consecutive Co. Final appearance. As back-to-back Tyrone and Ulster champions, these lads, their teachers (Masters McCullagh and Gallagher), club and school deserve enormous credit for being tremendous ambassadors. No doubt, they’ll be back…
Finally, thanks to Stephen McNamee for his expert officiating as referee, and to Pat McGivern and Eddie Doris (Allianz Cumann na mBunscol, Thír Eoghain) for ensuring the smooth running of this great event. To Omagh Station Centre’s friendly staff our sincere thanks. We do it all again tomorrow. Class!
