ALLIANZ CUMANN Na mBUNSCOL
GIRLS’ INDOOR FOOTBALL HEAT 1: CLONOE
Allianz Cumann na mBunscol held its first heat of the eagerly awaited annual 5-a-side Girls’ Indoor Gaelic Football for primary schools in Clonoe Community Centre. An overnight fall of snow wasn’t going to deter our hardy girls. Five local schools entered teams for this qualifying heat, which produced high levels of skill from all.
The day’s play was based on a round-robin format which ensured plenty of football for the teams – each school playing each other across 10 matches. Participating schools comprised St. John’s P.S. Kingsisland; St. Brigid’s P.S. Brocagh; Holy Family P.S. Aughamullan; St. Patrick’s P.S. Annaghmore and Primate Dixon P.S. Coalisland.
Some terrific matches ensued with very little to separate these top teams. One of the games provided us with a real goal-fest as Kingsisland and Coalisland served-up a 9-goal classic, with the Primate Dixon girls just shading it on their way to a perfect win record of 4 wins from 4. Alas for Holy Family P.S. Aughamullan, St. John’s P.S. Kingsisland and St. Patrick’s P.S. Annaghmore qualification was just out of reach despite playing some fabulous football. These girls did their schools proud.
Two schools managed to navigate their way to the Heat Final: Brocagh and Coalisland. When they met earlier in the round-robin section, Primate Dixon managed to secure a 4-2 win, so the St. Brigid’s girls sought to even up the scores as they met again.
The schools provided us with a 6-goal epic. Both teams were hugely determined, and they treated us to a superb final. Ultimately, the greater scoring threat of Master O’ Neill’s Brocagh side overcame Master McQuaid’s hitherto unbeaten Primate Dixon girls – but they can be very proud of their tremendous efforts on the day. Meanwhile, a well-earned Tyrone Indoor Football Co. Final spot awaits the Brocagh girls in March. We wish them well. Ádh mór oraibh.
A huge word of thanks goes to our referee Marty Devlin (Stewartstown) and to the friendly staff of the Clonoe Community Centre. Philip O’ Neill (Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain) ensured the smooth running of the day’s games. Go raibh maith agaibh!
