Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain
Ulster Indoor Football Finals 2018
Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Uladh held their eagerly awaited showpiece Ulster Football Finals for Girls and Boys in the magnificent Meadowbank Sports Arena, Magherafelt, Co. Derry. Two prestigious trophies – in memory of Ulster CnmB stalwarts were up for grabs: The Malachy McGeeney Cup and Nicholas Baxter Cup. 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 code. Tyrone had two representatives going in as county champions – Roan P.S. girls and Trillick P.S. boys. Remarkably, Tyrone were the Ulster Champions in both codes. Hopes were high that these two talented teams could put up a good showing of their undoubted skills.
First up, the girls from St. Patrick’s P.S. Roan, Eglish, (attempting to emulate St. Colmcille’s P.S. Carrickmore back-to-back Ulster Champions 2016 & 2017) found themselves in a section that included the champions from Derry, Fermanagh and Monaghan. Their title bid got off to the best possible start when they beat Monaghan 3:4 to 3:1 and Derry 0:8 to 0:1. Another win against Fermanagh 4:1 to 2:1 secured a semi-final berth – as group winners. The Roan girls encountered Armagh and they emerged victorious on a comfortable 5:05 to 1:01 scoreline to reach the Ulster Final. Here they would meet the formidable challenge of the Antrim champions. This game would have everything, as befits an Ulster Final, including goals and points galore.
After an absorbing encounter, it was literally score for score until the final whistle. However, ultimately, it was the Roan girls who showed their renowned battling qualities to capture the prestigious Malachy McGeeney Cup on a scoreline of 1:05 to 2:01. Thus, the Tyrone Champions had achieved a truly remarkable Ulster Championship title, having won every game they played! The Malachy McGeeney Cup is going to a good home.
Huge credit must go to these Eglish girls, and to team mentors Master Stephen Mone and Master James Grimley on their continued success story. St. Patrick’s P.S. Roan are a credit to themselves, their families, school, club and county. These talented girls are history makers and an inspiration to future school teams as they become the school’s first ever Ulster Champions winning team. Maith sibh!
Squad members:
- Cara Donnelly
2. Cliodhna Quinn
3. Sienna Gildernew (c)
4. Kate Daly
5. Alanna-Rose Farley
6. Aimée Devlin
7. Kitty Mackin
8. Jessica Hand
Comhghairdeas!
Maith sibh go léir!
Thanks to Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Doire for hosting today’s terrific event. Kevin Toner and Peter Donnelly certainly run a terrific tournament. Our appreciation also to referees, umpires and Ulster officials (Mickey Quinn and Pat McGivern) for their efforts. Finally, congratulations to our triumphant team from St. Patrick’s P.S. Roan. You are worthy Ulster Champions and tremendous ambassadors for the O’ Neill county. Days like this are to be cherished and will live long in the collective memories of these young stars.
Enjoy your terrific achievement. Tír Eoghain abú!
