ALLIANZ CUMANN Na mBUNSCOL
GIRLS’ INDOOR FOOTBALL HEAT 6: OMAGH
After several Heats in Clonoe, Cookstown and Dungannon, attention turned to Omagh’s Station Centre for our girl footballers where six schools battled it out to win this heat and, subsequently, a place in the Co. Final.
Our referee, Brian McGinn, who is involved with girls’ development squads in the county, commented favourably on the ability levels of these talented girls. The teachers helped make the draw and when that was completed, the girls were ready for action.
Section ‘A’ contained St. Patrick’s P.S. Gortin; Roscavey P.S. and Drumduff P.S. A series of enthralling games followed. Most of the matches went to the wire. Roscavey girls played some wonderful football. Ultimately, though, their efforts were just not enough to gain a place in today’s Heat Final. Hard luck, girls! Drumduff topped the group with a perfect 2 wins from 2, and they were followed by runners-up Gortin.
Section ‘B’ comprised Tummery P.S. Dromore; Knocknagor P.S. Trillick and Sacred Heart P.S. Tattyreagh. Despite playing great football, a talented Tummery team just missed out on progressing as Tattyreagh had a 100% win record to win group ‘B’ with Knocknagor joining them in the semi-finals.
The first semi-final pitched Drumduff against Knocknagor in a tense encounter. Both schools gave everything in a nip-and-tuck match. However, it wasn’t to be for the brave girls from Knocknagor missing out by a single goal. The second semi-final produced 6 goals in a real ding-dong of a game. When the referee blew for full-time, Gortin had seen-off Tattyreagh on a 4-2 scoreline.
Tattyreagh and Knocknagor certainly did themselves and their schools proud.
The final was simply mind-blowing! It finished 1-1 after normal time. Extra-time ended 2-2. A ‘Golden Goal’ would prove decisive. This fell the way of Drumduff for a 3-2 win. Alas, it just wasn’t to be for this cracking team of Gortin girls managed superbly by Mrs. Caoimhe Cunningham. What a terrific tournament they had. A team to keep an eye on in the future…
On the other hand, Miss McAroe’s talented Drumduff girls now progress to the county Final at MUSA Indoor arena, Cookstown, on Thursday 12 March. They are a super outfit. We wish them, along with their boys’ team, well.
Our thanks to the staff of Omagh’s Station Centre for their great help and hospitality. 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. Six heats down – three to go! Maith sibh go léir.
