The eagerly-awaited Finals of the Ulster Indoor Football provincial series, took place today (Friday 17 April) in the splendid Meadowbank Sports Centre, Magherafelt, Co. Derry.
Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain had representatives in the Boys’ and Girls’ competitions (Cookstown and Carrickmore respectively). Hopes were high that our Tyrone County Champions could go a step further…
First up we had the Boys’ competition at 10.30am. Holy Trinity Primary School, Cookstown, faced the Armagh and Antrim champions in their group. A terrific display by HTPS saw them defeat their Antrim counterparts 3:03 to 1:04. Cookstown then proceeded to see-off Armagh side, Christian Brothers PS, 3:03 to 2:02. They had reached the Semi-finals, comfortably.
Alas, the Cookstown boys saw their journey end when the Co. Down champions (Burren) just pipped them in a closely fought encounter – 2:03 to 2:01. Any disappointment the HTPS lads have should quickly recede when they realise that they finished third in Ulster – an achievement in itself. They can also console themselves with the knowledge that they are Tyrone Champions 2015 – another worthy accolade. Teachers Ryan Pickering, Fidelma Walls and Principal, Tony Devlin, should all feel very proud of this great team of lads. They did their parents, school and Fr. Rock’s club proud!
The Final of the Girls’ competition commenced at 12.45pm. Excitement and anticipation grew as the girls from St. Colmcille’s PS, Carrickmore, took to the arena. They were paired with the Antrim champions in their opening fixture and secured a narrow 3:02 to 2:04 win. The Down champions were then defeated 3:05 to 1:02, as the Carmen girls secured a Semi-final berth against the Donegal champions.
Things were not going to plan when they found themselves 3 points down with just over a minute remaining. However, true battling spirit saw them post 1:03 without reply to win by a goal – and a place in the Final.
The Ulster Final was a pulsating tussle between two committed teams: Kilrea PS, Derry, and St. Colmcille’s PS, Carrickmore. The play ebbed from end-to-end and the skill levels on show were extremely high. At the final whistle the scoreline read 3:01 to 2:02 – but to who?
The girls from Carrickmore had just completed the remarkable double – Tyrone and Ulster Girls’ Indoor Football Champions 2015!
Huge credit goes to teachers, Emmet O’ Neill and Sara McElroy and Principal, Peter Cush. This was a proud day for them – as it will be for the girls, their families, friends and the Carrickmore club.
Comhghairdeas agus maith sibh go léir!
Sincere thanks, on behalf of Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain, to county Doire and the staff at Meadowbank on a wonderful hosting of these prestigious competitions. Go raibh mile maith agaibh!
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