The fifth heat of the annual Allianz Cumann na mBunscol 5-a-side Boys’ Indoor Gaelic Football for primary schools was held today in Dungannon’s Loughview Centre. Ten local schools entered teams for this qualifying heat, which produced a tremendously high level of skill and sportsmanship from all involved.
Day 5 of the heats, Friday 7th February, saw the 10 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 school teams respectively. Great praise must go to the teams from Clogher PS, Aughnacloy PS, Aughadarragh PS and Caledon PS, all of whom battled gallantly in competition, but just fell short of qualifying despite their valiant efforts. The players were extremely worthy representatives for their schools.
Section ‘A’ saw Master D. Kelly’s talented Cabragh PS team, Killeeshil, secure a hugely deserved 100% win record and an automatic place in the heat finals. The Augher PS team finished this section in second place with 3 wins under their belts. Unluckily for them, it was just not quite enough to deprive the Cabragh team.
Section ‘B’ was proving trickier to negotiate. The teams from Stewartstown PS, Blessed Patrick O’ Loughran PS Castlecaulfield and St Mary’s PS, Pomeroy, all finished with two wins apiece. However, these skilful teams were to be denied a place in the final by a rampant St Patrick’s PS Roan, Eglish. Indeed, the Roan PS boys, under the care of Master McCreesh, notched up an impressive 100% win record to guarantee top spot in their section.
The scene was now set for the final between St Mary’s PS Cabragh, Killeeshil and St. Patrick’s PS Roan. Remember, both of these finalists gained entry to the heat final by virtue of an unbeaten 100% track record. The level of expectation and anticipation was high. The game itself lived up to all pre-match expectations. Both teams played some tremendous football and displayed a full-blooded effort. However, it wasn’t quite to be for the Roan PS lads, despite giving their all. A truly impressive performance by the St Mary’s boys drove their Cabragh 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 Cabragh boys and wish them well as they await the qualifying schools from previous heats held in Omagh, Cookstown and Clonoe.
Our thanks to referee Sean McCartan for his expert officiating, and to Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone PRO, Eddie Doris, for co-ordinating the day’s matches. Organising secretary, Niall McQuaid, is also acknowledged for arranging these fantastic competitions. A final word of thanks must go to the Rod and Joe McAree at the Loughview Centre.
