ALLIANZ Cumann na mBunscol – BOYS’ INDOOR FOOTBALL HEATS 1: OMAGH

Allianz Cumann na mBunscol, Thír Eoghain, held its much anticipated first heat of the annual Boys’ Indoor Football competition in Omagh’s Station Centre. If what was witnessed was a sign of things to come in the remaining five heats, then bring it on – because the standard of play was simply outstanding!
8 schools competed in two groups of 4. Section ‘A’ featured St. Matthew’s P.S. Garvaghey; Knocknagor P.S; St. Patrick’s P.S. Gortin and St. Colmcille’s P.S. Carrickmore. The Garvaghey lads played some brilliant stuff, but just missed out on progressing to the semi-final. These boys were a credit to themselves and to their school. Such was the tightness of this section, that it took a play-off to determine who would join Carrickmore in the semi’s. Despite playing terrific football, the boys from Knocknagor lost out to a determined Gortin outfit. St. Patrick’s, Gortin, thus advanced.
Section ‘B’ featured teams from Sacred Heart P.S. Tattyreagh; Magheralough P.S; St. Catherine’s P.S. Strabane and St. Eugene’s P.S. Tircur. The young Tattyreagh team were unlucky to miss out on a semi-final berth by just one point. Once again, a play-off was required to decide what team would join Magheralough in the semi’s.
St. Eugene’s P.S. Tircur saw off the challenge from a gallant St. Catherine’s P.S. Strabane to secure their semi-final spot.
The first semi-final, between Magheralough and St. Patrick’s P.S. Gortin was an enthralling affair. It was a three-goal thriller, with Magheralough advancing to the final on a 2:1 scoreline. Hard luck to the brave Gortin lads. The second semi-final pitted Tircur against Carrickmore in a classic David v Goliath clash. St. Eugene’s P.S. Tircur has an enrolment of 20 pupils, so they deserve much credit for reaching this stage. Despite a heroic effort, they eventually succumbed to a talented Carrickmore team. Thus, we had our final line up complete: Carrickmore versus Magheralough.
The final was an absolute ding-dong encounter. The play swung from end-to-end, and a last-gasp equaliser from Magheralough meant the game finished in a sensational 3:3 draw. Extra-time was required to separate the two teams. Despite expending every ounce of energy, Magheralough finally fell 6:3 AET. Remarkably, their enrolment number stands at just 23 – so fair play to these gallant pupils.
St. Colmcille’s P.S. Carrickmore, showed their renowned resolve to win the day. Their experience won through in the end and, therefore, Master Mark Donnelly will deservedly lead his charges to the Tyrone Finals in March. We wish the Carmen lads well.
Finally, thanks to Stephen McNamee for his expert officiating as referee, and to Eddie Doris (Rúnaí: Allianz Cumann na mBunscol, Thír Eoghain) for ensuring the smooth running of this great event.