Allianz Cumann na mBunscol
Indoor Hurling: Tyrone Co. Final 2019
Ever since our county Cumann was established back in 1986, many magnificent county finals have taken place. It is extremely doubtful if any of them matched this year’s final because, right from the off, the standard of skill on display was mesmeric…
Once the draw was conducted, the schools from Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh, St. Patrick’s P.S. Annaghmore, St. John’s P.S. Kingsisland and Gaelscoil na gCrann all hurled brilliantly but, despite this, they just didn’t quite make the knock-out stages. Well played lads, you did yourselves proud!
St. Ronan’s P.S. Recarson topped Section ‘A’ with a perfect win record to book a semi-final berth against the Section ‘B’ runners-up: St. Colmcille’s P.S. Carrickmore. As 2018 champions, the Carmen lads fought heroically but succumbed to a powerful Recarson team who booked their place in the final, whilst Carmen awaited a team from the other semi to play for third.
The second semi-final saw the Section ‘B’ winners, Roan St. Patrick’s P.S. Eglish take on the Section ‘A’ runners-up Gaelscoil Aodha Rua, Dún Geanainn. This was an absolute clinker of a match – finishing 4-4 at full-time. This meant extra-time was required. When this ended in stalemate, a ‘next-goal-wins’ scenario resulted. It was heartache for the young hurlers from Dungannon as Roan scored the all-important winner to reach the final alongside Recarson. However, Gaelscoil Aodha Rua, Dún Geanainn, will undoubtedly be back as their team was backboned by Rang a Sé (P.6.) pupils. Maith sibh!
After a fast-flowing match, the 3rd place play-off finished all square meaning a deserved joint 3rd place finish for Carrickmore and Dungannon.
The scene was now set for the Co. Final between Roan and Recarson.
Both teams served up an absolute classic. It was an epic match, brimming with top-rate hurling. As the full-time whistle sounded, the score was 3-3, meaning – yes, you guessed it - extra-time. Play ebbed and flowed with chances falling to both sides. It must be said that the goalkeepers from both teams played a blinder! On we went, and on we went again. It was gripping stuff. Just as it appeared that we would be there until dark, BOOM – the winner! A winning goal from Recarson decided the outcome.
The Eglish school, on the other hand, played brilliantly to reach a back-to-back County Final and winning themselves a Silver county medal as runners-up was thoroughly deserved. Masters Mone and Grimley can be proud men tonight and their team did them proud. They, too, will be back!
Ultimately, the St. Ronan’s boys from Recarson - under the charge of mentor supreme Kevin Cunningham – collected the coveted title, trophy and their boxed gold medals, before being duly crowned worthy Allianz Cumann na mBunscol ‘Indoor Hurling’ Tyrone Champions 2019!
A special word of thanks goes to all accompanying teachers and team mentors. Our appreciation also goes to our referee, Declan Sherlock, for his expert officiating. He was ably assisted by Orla O’ Neill. To Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain officials, Mickey Quinn and Eddie Doris for co-ordinating today’s final, a word of thanks.
St. Ronan’s P.S. Recarson now have the honour of representing Tyrone in April’s Ulster Hurling Finals in Magherafelt Meadowbank Arena. Ádh mór!
A truly memorable day for all involved. Maith sibh go léir!
