Heat number two of the annual Allianz Cumann na mBunscol 5-a-side Girls’ Indoor Gaelic Football for primary schools took place today in Clonoe Community Centre. Six local schools competed for the honour of winning this particular heat. A tremendously high level of skill and sporting behaviour was exhibited from all the girls involved.
Day 2 of the heats, Friday 21st February, saw the 6 schools vie for a coveted place in the Tyrone County Final. The format of the day’s play was based on two sections (A & B) of three teams respectively. Great praise must go to the teams from Aughamullan PS and Annaghmore PS, as both teams battled like warriors in competition, but just fell short of qualifying despite their valiant efforts. They were a credit to their schools.
Section ‘A’ saw Gaelscoil Uí Neill PS enjoy a well earned opening win, but a 4-2 reverse at the hands of St John’s PS Moy meant Gaelscoil qualified for the semi-finals as Group ‘A’ Runners-Up. Therefore, it was Moy PS who topped their group securing a 100% win record and an automatic place in the semi-finals.
Section ‘B’ saw Kingsisland PS record an opening game victory. There then followed a classic contest with Primate Dixon PS Coalisland. After a closely fought encounter, it was the Coalisland girls who topped their group with a 100% win record. Kingsisland, however, as Group ‘B’ Runners-Up were assured of their place in the semi-finals.
The semi-finals proved to be absorbing contests. The first semi-final was keenly contested. After an epic match, Master Campbell saw his Moy PS girls narrowly overcome a spirited challenge from the brave Kingsisland PS girls led by Master O’Neill. The second semi-final had Muinteoir Paraic Martin’s talented Gaelscoil Uí Neill take on Coalisland’s Primate Dixon PS, under the guidance of Marion Kelly.
In another pulsating game of football, the play ebbed from end-to-end. A closely fought match ended with Coalisland winning through to the final. All of these semi-finalists deserve huge credit for their efforts. Maith sibh!
The scene was now set for the final between St John’s PS Moy and Primate Dixon PS. This game also lived up to all pre-match expectations. Once again, we were treated to a feast of football.
Goals rained down in a terrific tussle between two committed teams. However, star performances from Lucy McAlary and Niamh Owens drove the Moy team to ultimate victory after an absorbing final. Heartbreak for Coalisland, but they can be very proud of their efforts on the day.
The team from St John’s PS Moy now qualify for the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone Indoor Football Girls’ Final on 6th March in Omagh. We congratulate these talented girls and wish them well as they await other qualifiers from further heats in their respective bid to be crowned Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Girls’ Indoor Football Tyrone Champions 2014. What a Final lies in store…!
Our thanks to Tyrone referee Marty Devlin for his expert officiating, and to Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone organising secretary, Niall McQuaid and PRO, Eddie Doris, for co-ordinating the day’s matches. A final word of thanks goes to the friendly, helpful staff at Clonoe Community Centre.
