5th Feb 2024
ALLIANZ Cumann na mBunscol
Boys’ Indoor Football - Heat 6: LOUGHVIEW
The fifth 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. Eight 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, Monday 5th February, saw the 8 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. Mary’s Fivemiletown, St Joseph’s Caledon, St Brigid’s Altamuskin 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 2 wins - 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 Mrs Quinn’s St Patrick’s Aughadarragh finished second in their group by the narrowest of margins.
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 Patrick’s Aughadarragh! It wasn’t to be the the Augher and Clogher 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.
But before that the small matter of 3rd and 4th place had to be settled. It was St Macartan's who ran out the winners in the bronze medal position and have the bragging rights as they drive passed Augher roundabout. Aughadarragh can be proud that their displace stands them in good stead for the rest of their season.
Old firm games are never easy. The level of expectation and anticipation was high for the final. 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 Glencull lads, despite giving their all. A truly impressive performance by the St Mary’s boys drove their team on to ultimate victory after a pulsating final. St Mary’s Ballygawley, 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 referees for their expert officiating, and to Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone representative Mr Gormley 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
