The fourth heat of the annual Allianz Cumann na mBunscol 5-a-side Boys’ Indoor Gaelic Football for primary schools was held today in Cookstown Leisure Centre. Nine local schools entered teams for this qualifying heat, which produced a tremendously high level of skill from all involved.
Day 4 of the heats, Thursday 6th February, saw the 9 schools compete for a coveted place in the Tyrone Final. The format of the day’s play was based on two sections (A & B) of five and four respectively. Great praise must go to the teams from Dunamore, Moortown, Galbally and Killeenan, all of whom battled like warriors in competition, but just fell short of qualifying despite their valiant efforts. Indeed, our defending Tyrone and Ulster Champions, Sacred Heart Rock PS, were also to relinquish their titles. However, what worthy champions and great ambassadors they were for the county.
Section ‘B’ saw Master Niall McKenna’s talented Holy Trinity PS team, Cookstown, secure a 100% win record and an automatic place in the heat finals. The Section ‘A’ winner was proving trickier to determine.
Team Captain Caolan Mulgrew was inspirational as he led Master Conall Lavery’s Ardboe PS team into a play-off with St. Patrick’s PS Dungannon. Tyrone referee, Master Cathal O’Hagan, has a ‘golden-goal’ from forward Eamon Kilpatrick to thank as his Dungannon lads finally saw off the Ardboe boys AET. Meanwhile, Tyrone star, Master Peter Harte guided his attacking Donaghmore St Patrick’s team to a semi-final encounter with their counterparts from Dungannon, with the latter prevailing after a close contest.
The scene was now set for the final between Holy Trinity PS, Cookstown and St. Patrick’s PS Dungannon. The game itself lived up to all pre-match expectations. Despite an unfortunate injury to the skilled Terry Devlin, the HTPS lads never gave up. Eoghan Donnelly and Callum Kelly inspired their team to the end. However, it wasn’t quite to be their day. A truly impressive performance by the likes of George Hughes and Patrick McKearney drove the Dungannon team on to ultimate victory after a pulsating final.
They now proceed to the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone Indoor Football Boys’ Final to be held on 4th March in Omagh. We congratulate these talented Dungannon boys and wish them well as they await the qualifying schools from the previous Omagh heats, and the winners from our heats in Loughview and Clonoe.
Our thanks to Tyrone referee Marty Devlin for his expert officiating, and to Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone Treasurer, Mickey Quinn, and Eddie Doris, PRO, for co-ordinating the day’s matches. Cookstown Council GAA Coach, Ronan Devlin, provided invaluable help on the day. Organising secretary, Niall McQuaid, is also acknowledged for arranging these terrific competitions. A final word of thanks must go to the friendly, helpful staff at Cookstown Leisure Centre.
By tyronepro Thu 6th Feb
