The first heat of the annual Allianz Cumann na mBunscol 5-a-side “Boys’ Indoor Gaelic Football” for primary schools was held today in Omagh’s Station Centre. A total of 7 local schools entered teams in for this qualifying heat, which produced a tremendously high level of skill and ability from all involved.
Day 1 of the heats, Monday 3rd February, saw schools compete for a coveted place in the Tyrone Final. Great credit must go to Recarson PS and St. Patrick’s PS, Gortin, both of whom battled bravely in competition, but just fell short of a Semi-final berth despite their valiant efforts. A thrilling derby play-off between Glencull St Malachy’s PS and their near-neighbours, St Mary’s PS Ballygawley, saw the latter make it to the last four.
A strong team from St Conor’s PS Omagh, under the guidance of former Tyrone star, Liam Grugan, narrowly missed out on a place in the final when St Scires PS, Trillick, got the better of them in an absorbing first semi-final. The second semi-final was also keenly contested. Another Tyrone star, Master Mark Donnelly, saw his Carrickmore footballers see off a spirited challenge from Master Brian Gormley’s Ballygawley boys.
The Final was a goal scoring epic. A sensational feast of football saw eight goals despatched to the net. The brave Trillick lads scored three times but, alas for them, it was just not quite enough, as the Carmen lads hit five in a pulsating game of end-to-end football. Thus, with a 100% win record, it is St. Columbkille’s PS Carrickmore who now proceed to the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone Indoor Football Boys’ Final. We congratulate the talented Carrickmore boys and wish them well as they await the qualifying schools from the two other Omagh heats, and the winners from our heats in Dungannon, Cookstown and Clonoe to be held this week and next.
Our thanks to referee, Brian McGinn, 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 all of these competitions.
