ALLIANZ CUMANN Na mBUNSCOL
GIRLS’ INDOOR FOOTBALL HEAT 5: CLONOE
Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thir Eoghain held the penultimate heat of the annual 5-a-side Girls’ Indoor Gaelic Football for Tyrone primary schools today in Clonoe Community Centre. A total of 7 local schools competed for the honour of winning this heat. The format of the day’s play saw the teams being drawn into two sections. As was the case in previous heats held this week, an extremely high level of skill and sporting behaviour was exhibited from all involved.
Section ‘A’ comprised 4 teams – with each school having three games to play against each other. St. Brigid’s P.S. Brocagh and St. John’s P.S. Moy gave of their best on the day and put on good displays, doing themselves proud in the process. Indeed, the girls from Moy just missed-out on qualifying by one point. Instead, Primate Dixon P.S. Coalisland qualified for the semi-finals alongside St. Patrick’s Roan, Eglish – who won all 3 of their games in impressive style.
Section ‘B’ saw an múinteoir, Páraic Martin, mentor his charges Gaelscoil Uí Néill, Cluain Eo. However, despite their best efforts, it was St. John’s P.S. Kingsisland and St. Patrick’s P.S. Annaghmore who made the semi’s as Group runners-up and winners, respectively.
Our First semi was a goal fest as Roan and Kingsisland slugged it out in a 7-goal thriller. Unluckily for Master O’ Neill’s attacking St. John’s, it was the formidable Eglish girls who prevailed 5-2 to seal their heat final berth. In contrast, our second semi-final was a cagey affair in what was a local derby. By the odd goal in three, the honours went to Annaghmore 2-1 after a brave challenge from Primate Dixon (mentored by Mrs. Roisin McGivern).
The 3rd place play-off between Kingsisland and Primate Dixon was a classic clash and, fittingly, finished in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Great stuff girls!
The Heat Final pitched the last two undefeated teams together: Roan and Annaghmore. Both teams gave it everything to get the upper hand. Try as they may, Mrs. H. Lavery’s brave Annaghmore girls couldn’t respond to an early Roan goal blitz. However, these girls had a great tournament and look to be a team for the future.
Jubilant scenes greeted the final whistle as a proud Master S. Mone saw his excellent Eglish girls clinch victory and, more importantly, a place in the county final next month in Cookstown’s MUSA Indoor Arena. Incidentally, Roan have now reached all 4 of our Co. Finals: Hurling, Camogie (Winners) and boys’ and girls’ football. This is some achievement. We congratulate these talented girls and wish them well. Maith sibh!
Finally, we extend our gratitude to Martin Devlin (Referee) for his expert officiating. Patrick McGivern and Eddie Doris (Cumann na mBunscol officers) are also thanked for helping ensure the successful running of this event.
What a wonderful day’s football – bring on the county final!
