ALLIANZ CUMANN Na mBUNSCOL
GIRLS’ INDOOR FOOTBALL: Tyrone Final 2020
Amidst almost frenzied excitement, Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain held their annual Girls’ 5-a-side Indoor Football Tyrone Final today, Thursday 12th March, in Cookstown’s superb MUSA Indoor Arena. Nine schools from across the county had each won their respective heats, paving the way for their Tyrone Final appearance. The question on everyone’s lips was: Who would capture the prestigious trophy to be crowned Tyrone Girls’ Champions 2020?
A draw was made, and this took the format of two sections of five and four schools each. Section ‘A’ contained – St. Colmcille’s P.S. Carrickmore; Laghey P.S. St. Conor’s P.S. Omagh; St. Brigid's P.S. Brocagh, and St. Teresa's Loughmacrory. This certainly was a heavy-weight section. The girls from Carrickmore, Laghey, and Loughmacrory tried their hearts out, and didn’t lack for skill and effort but, despite their endeavours, they were to miss out on progressing from the section. Omagh topped the group with a perfect win record of 4 wins from 4 whilst Brocagh also secured their semi-final berth when they came second in the section.
Section ‘B’ featured four more classy teams in the shape of Holy Trinity P.S. Cookstown; Drumduff P.S; St. Mary’s P.S. Pomeroy, and our reigning back-to-back Co. Champions Roan St. Patrick's. Rather ominously for the others, Roan finished top of the group with a 100% win record. Drumduff chalked-up a pair of wins to secure the runners-up spot and a semi-final place.
Joint 5th is pretty impressive going when you have 70+ Tyrone primary schools. This accolade deservedly belongs to today’s teams from Carrickmore, Laghey, Loughmacrory, Cookstown and Pomeroy. Super stuff, girls!
Everything was now set for our semi-finals where, first up, Master Logue’s Omagh took on Mrs. McAroe’s Drumduff girls in a tightly-contested match. However, with things in the balance, Drumduff goaled to book a place in the final (1-0 to 0-2).
Our second semi-final saw Roan take on Master O’ Neill’s Brocagh. By a single goal, Roan reached the day’s final on 1:05 to 1:02 scoreline.
The final between Roan St. Patrick's and Drumduff was eagerly awaited. Roan got off to a solid start and, as befits defending champions, the Roan girls never relented. Some quick-fire goals proved vital in seeing-off Drumduff’s brave challenge (4:0 – 1:1). What a week Drumduff had. Two Co. Finals in 48 hours. Fantastic!
As for the victors, Masters Stephen Mone and Master James Grimley and their triumphant Roan girls can now savour the glory of another tremendous accomplishment as the school is crowned 3-in-a-row Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone Girls’ Indoor Football Champions 2020 and boxed commemorative medals are well deserved. That is a massive achievement!
Next up for them is a tilt at the Ulster Championship title in Magherafelt. Everyone associated with Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain certainly wishes them well in their quest for further glory. Ádh mór oraibh!
A word of thanks to Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone officers Damian Kelly, secretary & PRO Eddie Doris, and committee for organising this very successful competition. Ulster Officers Mickey Quinn and Pat McGivern both provided invaluable assistance throughout our heats. Our thanks, also to Marty Devlin, Sean McCartan & Brian McGinn for their expert refereeing throughout the various heats. Finally, our appreciation goes to the friendly, efficient staff at MUSA.
