Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain
Ulster Indoor Football Finals 2019
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 St. Teresa’s P.S. Loughmacrory boys. Roan girls were the defending 2018 Ulster Champions. Hopes were high that these two talented teams could put up a good showing of their undoubted skills.
First up, the girls from Roan St. Patrick’s P.S., Eglish, (attempting to emulate St. Colmcille’s P.S. Carrickmore’s back-to-back Ulster Championship wins in 2015 & 2016) found themselves in a section that included the county champions from Antrim, Down, Armagh and Donegal. Their title bid got off to the best possible start when they breezed past all-comers to seal themselves a semi-final berth against the Derry champions, St. John’s P.S. Swatragh. Things looked rosy for the Roan girls as they knocked over a few points and bagged a goal. However, the old adage ‘goals win matches’ proved itself again as, despite registering an impressive 1:04, Roan went down to Swatragh’s 3:0.
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 and club. They carried the 2018 Ulster title with grace and are tremendous ambassadors for the Red Hand county.
Next on the agenda was the Boys’ Ulster Football Finals and the turn of the Loughmacrory lads from St. Teresa’s P.S. The draw saw them paired with the champions from Armagh, Down, Donegal and Antrim – just like the girls’ draw. With little sign of Ulster Final nerves, the St. Teresa’s lads swept all before them in their group to reach the semi-finals. Here they really showed grit to conquer the Monaghan champions 3:01 to 2:01.
Loughmacrory would now meet the County Derry champions, Lavey P.S. in the Ulster Final. The question was, could they go one step further? Seven minutes of non-stop helter-skelter football would reveal the answer…
A proverbial ding-dong of a final ensued with goals and points aplenty. As the final whistle sounded, the final scoreline favoured the Lavey lads. The Loughmacrory lads had given it everything they had but it just wasn’t to be their day. That said, everyone associated with the team from parents to club can be immensely proud of their Co. Champions. Master McCullagh, Master Gallagher and their gallant team are back on the scene.
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 for their efforts.
Tír Eoghain abú!
