ALLIANZ CUMANN Na mBUNSCOL
GIRLS’ INDOOR FOOTBALL HEAT 5: OMAGH
Attention turned to Omagh’s Station Centre for our girl footballers where four schools battled it out to win this heat and, subsequently, a place in the Co. Final.
A number of schools forwarded their apologies for being unable to attend. However, this didn’t take away from the superb quality on show from the four schools in attendance. Indeed, our referee, Brian McGinn, who is involved with girls’ development squads in the county, commented favourably on the ability levels of these talented girls. Given the smaller numbers, a round-robin format was employed whereby each school got to play each other – a total of three matches per school.
The teachers helped make the draw and when that was completed, the girls were ready for action. There followed a series of enthralling games. Most of the matches went to the wire. Knocknagor P.S. and Drumduff P.S. both played some wonderful football. They are a credit to their schools and clubs. Ultimately, though, their efforts were just not enough to gain a place in the Heat Final. Hard luck, girls!
As the league matches progressed, two teams stood out from the others: Sacred Heart P.S. Tattyreagh and St. Caireall’s P.S. Aghyaran. Both squads deserve enormous credit for their tremendous efforts and skill levels. Indeed, when these teams met in the earlier matches, they produced a 5-goal thriller which went the way of Aghyaran on a 3-2 scoreline giving St. Caireall’s a perfect 100% win record of 3 wins from 3 games.
These 2 schools would meet again in the day’s Heat Final. Both schools gave everything in a nip-and-tuck encounter. However, it wasn’t to be for the brave girls from Aghyaran. Master McElholm’s Tattyreagh girls were determined to end the perfect St. Caireall’s win record, and they did so as they avenged their earlier defeat with a 2-0 win. Although, it must be said that the scoreline doesn’t reflect just how close Jacinta Dolan’s Aghyaran team pushed the victors in a tight, competitive final. Alas, it just wasn’t to be for this cracking team of girls.
On the other hand, these talented Sacred Heart girls now progress to the county Final at MUSA Indoor arena, Cookstown, on Wednesday 13 March. They are a formidable outfit. We wish them well, indeed.
Our thanks to the staff of Omagh’s Station Centre for their great help and hospitality. Mary-Kate did a top job on photography. Thanks also to Brian McGinn for his expert officiating, and to Damian Kelly (Tyrone Cumann na mBunscol) for overseeing the smooth running of this event. Five heats down – four to go!
Maith sibh go léir.
