ULSTER HURLING CHAMPIONS 2018!
St. Colmcille's P.S. Carrickmore took their Tyrone title to Magherafelt's Meadowbank Sports Arena this morning and came away with the Ulster title!!! In a tough section 'A' they played fellow county champions from across Ulster. First up, they defeated a dogged Armagh side 1-0, before beating the Donegal lads 2-0. At this stage all was going to plan... Then Carmen came a cropper against the Antrim champions, Ballycastle, 5-0. This was a wake-up call for the lads, and would serve them well later in the tournament.
As things stood, Carrickmore had qualified as section Runners-up and would have to play Derry (Section 'B' winners) in the semi-finals. This they duly did, coming out comfortable winners on a 3-0 scoreline. So, a place in the final was secured and you'll never guess who they had to play - that's right: Ballycastle! Having suffered a thumping reverse in the group stage, the lads from Carrickmore resolved to give it their all in the re-match.
The boys from St. Colmcille's put their bodies on the line as they battled brilliantly to thwart the Antrim lads. Indeed, Goalkeeper Davagh Loughran was inspired between the sticks making one blinding save after the other. He deservedly was voted Man of the Match! Another star, in a huge team effort, was team Captain Shea Munroe. He bagged a sensational hat-trick to lead the team to well-deserved Ulster glory on a 3-0 scoreline against a shell-shocked Ballycastle.
These Carrickmore lads are an absolute credit to their families, school, Éire Óg club, Tyrone and Cumann na mBunscol. Huge thanks to Aidy Kelly (Co. Hurling Coach) and Emmet O' Neill (teacher) for their efforts all year. We pay tribute to our hosts (Doire Cumann na mBunscol) and Manus O' Donnell (Uladh Rúnaí). Go raibh maith agaibh! Reports that there'll be no homework for a fortnight have yet to be confirmed by Master Cush! Comhghairdeas agus Carmen abú
