ALLIANZ CUMANN Na mBUNSCOL
GIRLS’ INDOOR FOOTBALL: Tyrone Final 2019
Amidst much excitement, Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain held their annual Girls’ 5-a-side Indoor Football Tyrone Final today, Wednesday 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 2019?
The 9 team captains were invited to help make the draw. This took the format of two sections of five and four schools each. .
Section ‘A’ contained – St. Colmcille’s P.S. Carrickmore, Primate Dixon P.S. Coalisland, St. Brigid's Altamuskin, Sacred Heart P.S. Rock and St. Teresa's Loughmacrory. This certainly was a heavy-weight section. The girls from Coalisland, Rock and Altamuskin girls 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. Loughmacrory topped the group with Carrickmore also securing their semi-final berth when they came second in the section.
Section ‘B’ featured four more classy teams in the shape of Sacred Heart P.S. Tattyreagh; Roan St. Patrick's Eglish, Holy Trinity Cookstown and St. Ronan's PS Recarson. Roan, the reigning Tyrone and Ulster champions ominously finished top of the group with Recarson runners up.
The scene was now set for our semi-finals where, first up, Loughmacrory took on Recarson in a tightly-contested match. However, with things in the balance, the Recarson girls pulled away in the final couple of minutes to book a place in the final.
Our second semi-final saw Roan take on Carrickmore. Goals proved crucial for Roan to reach the day’s final on 4:02 to 0:03 scoreline.
The final was eagerly awaited as it featured the two schools from Section B: Roan St. Patrick's and St. Ronan’s P.S. Recarson. Recarson got off to a solid start but, as befits defending champions, the Roan girls responded in positive fashion. Some quick-fire scores proved vital in seeing-off Recarson's brave challenge.
As for the victors, Masters Stephen Mone and Master James Grimley and their triumphant Eglish girls can now bask in the glory of another tremendous accomplishment as the school was presented with All-Ireland ‘Small School of the Year’ at the recent Cumann na mBunscol presentations. The title of Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone Girls’ Indoor Football Champions 2019 and boxed commemorative medals is well deserved especially as it is a 2-in-a-row success. That is some achievement!
Next up for them is a tilt at defending their 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 Chairman, Brian McGurk; Secretary & PRO Eddie Doris, and committee for organising this very successful competition. Allianz CnmB Ulster Officers Mickey Quinn and Pat McGivern both provided invaluable assistance throughout, and conducted today’s medal and trophy presentation. Our thanks, also, to Marty Devlin & Brian McGinn for their expert refereeing throughout the various heats. Finally, our appreciation goes to the friendly, efficient staff at MUSA.
Bring on Ulster!
