ALLIANZ Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain – 1 Wall Handball Tyrone Blitzes

Following the success of last year’s inaugural 1-Wall Handball Doubles blitzes, Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain embarked upon another series of games this year, too.
As was the case last year, St. Joseph’s College, Coalisland and St. Ciaran’s College, Ballygawley acted as wonderful host venues over the past two days.
Both St. Joseph’s and St. Ciaran’s launched their One Wall courts in 2010 and considering that the two Colleges now have 9 One-Wall Handball courts between them, the continued growth and popularity of one wall handball in our schools is rapidly expanding.
Four primary schools competed on Day 1 in St. Joseph’s College, Coalisland: Kingsisland, Edendork, Primate Dixon and Galbally. It proved to be a great day for Edendork P.S. as they won the Boys’ Doubles competition with St. Joseph’s P.S. Galbally taking the runners-up medals. Edendork P.S. also emerged victorious in the Girls’ Final with St. Joseph’s P.S. Galbally once again claiming a creditable second place. An Edendork double!
In the Blitz at St. Ciaran’s College, Ballygawley, five schools entered: Glencull, Ballygawley, Beragh, Drumduff and Carrickmore. The Girls’ Doubles Blitz was won by a formidable Drumduff P.S. with a gallant St. Oliver Plunkett P.S. Beragh, just losing out by a single point to claim second place. The Boys’ Doubles title was also won by Drumduff P.S. with the Runners-Up spot being secured by St. Colmcille’s P.S. Carrickmore. Double Drumduff doubles success!
The events have seen terrific participation and skill from the primary schools involved. This excellent Allianz Cumann na mBunscol 1- Wall Handball Schools initiative at primary school level continues to gather pace with many more schools now participating in Handball games throughout Tyrone.
Many thanks to the host schools with Mrs. Rose-Mary Nelis and Mr. Richard Thornton in St. Joseph’s College, Coalisland and Mrs. Maria Curran and Mr. Martin McElkennon in St. Ciaran’s College. We also thank the Year 13 students from both schools who expertly refereed the games. We acknowledge the assistance from Handball Ireland NDO, Darragh Daly, for his invaluable work in promoting Handball in our schools.
Finally, well done to our pupils and teachers for their continued support of our national games. Go raibh maith agaibh go léir.