Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain
Ulster Camogie and Hurling Finals 2017
Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Uladh held their eagerly awaited Ulster Indoor Camogie & Hurling Finals in the magnificent Meadowbank Sports Arena, Magherafelt, Co. Derry. Schools from right across the province sent their respective county champions to do battle in an attempt to capture the coveted Ulster title in each respective code. Tyrone had two representatives going in as county champions: Carrickmore girls and Eglish boys. Hopes were high that these two talented teams could put up a good showing of their undoubted skills, and they did precisely this.
The first competition saw the Camogie teams drawn into two sections – ‘A’ and ‘B’. St. Colmcille’s P.S. Carrickmore (Tyrone champions) were pitted against the Antrim, Down and Fermanagh champions: Ballycastle, Hilltown and Mullymesker respectively. In terms of difficulty, this was a really tough group. The Carmen girls immediately settled when registering a closely contested 0:0 draw against Hilltown. They then followed this up with an equally impressive outing against the Antrim champions, Ballycastle – but luck deserted them as they fell to a narrow 2:0 reverse. The brave Carrickmore camógs completed their Ulster campaign by recording a resounding 6:0 victory against the Fermanagh champions. This being so, they narrowly bowed-out of the competition by a single point. However, our county champions can look back upon a brilliant season in the knowledge that their tremendous efforts saw them finish with a Tyrone championship and a top 5 finish in Ulster! This is testament to the wonderful efforts of teachers, parents, club and county coaches - with thanks to Anne Daly Tyrone G.D.A. for the latter. Masters Emmet O’ Neill and Peter Cush (Principal) certainly have a talented team on their hands – a team that will only grow stronger in the future…
The day’s second competition saw the Hurling teams play a round-robin format on 3 pitches. St. Patrick’s P.S. Roan, Eglish, (Tyrone champions) were drawn against formidable opposition in the form of Antrim, Down, Donegal, Armagh and Derry county champions: Loughgiel, Ballygalget, Killygordon N.S., Armagh CBS and Dernaflaw Dungiven, respectively. The Eglish lads’ tournament was something of a mixed bag. They registered impressive wins against the Donegal and Down champions – hurling hotshots - Ballygalget. Their next match was a gripping affair against the Derry champions, Dungiven. Unfortunately, the Roan lads found themselves on the wrong end of a 5-goal thriller, going down narrowly 3-2. Things didn’t get any easier as meetings with Loughgiel (eventual champions) and Armagh CBS resulted in narrow losses. Thus, the Eglish odyssey for 2017 had ended. However, huge credit to Masters James Grimley and Stephen Mone (Principal) and their heroic boys. They gave a great account of themselves and did their families, school, club and county proud by securing a county crown and a top 5 finish in Ulster.
Maith sibh go léir!
Thanks to Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Doire (Kevin Toner and Peter Donnelly) for hosting today’s terrific event at the marvellous Meadowbank Arena, Magherafelt. Our appreciation also to referees, umpires and Ulster officials (Mickey Quinn and Pat McGivern) for their efforts. Tyrone pupils, teachers, parents and club/county coaches – keep up the great work and remember: Tír Eoghain abú!
