ALLIANZ CUMANN Na mBUNSCOL – GIRLS’ INDOOR FOOTBALL HEAT 2: LOUGHVIEW

Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thir Eoghain held the second of six scheduled heats of the annual 5-a-side Girls’ Indoor Gaelic Football for Tyrone primary schools today in Dungannon’s superb Loughview Centre. A total of 9 local schools competed for the honour of winning this particular heat. The format of the day’s play saw the teams being drawn into two sections. As was the case yesterday, an extremely high level of skill and sporting behaviour was exhibited from all involved.
Section ‘A’ comprised 5 teams – with each school having four games to play against each other. Edendork P.S. and Primate Dixon P.S. Coalisland gave of their best on the day and put on good displays. However, it was the three other schools in the section who would figure in the shake-up for heat final qualification. St. Patrick’s P.S. Dungannon recorded two wins and a draw to narrowly miss out. Miss McQuaid can be very pleased with her team’s efforts. St. John’s P.S. Moy went unbeaten in the section, recording two wins and two draws to finish as gallant section runners-up. Master Campbell’s girls did themselves proud. Pipping the Dungannon and Moy schools to the top of the group was a very talented Gaelscoil Uí Néill, Clonoe. An múinteoir, Paraic Martin, saw his charges record an impressive 3 wins and a draw. Thus, their place in the final was secured with aplomb. Maith sibh!
Section ‘B’ contained Aughamullan P.S; St. John’s P.S. Kingsisland and St. Mary’s P.S. Stewartstown. These teams gave it everything in their quest to reach the final. Indeed, the level of skill on display was remarked upon by the spectators. We witnessed tackling, passing, saving, soloing and shooting of the highest order – as, indeed, we did in the other section. Despite registering wins, Kingsisland, Aughamullan and group runners-up Stewartstown couldn’t get the better of one team: St. Mary’s P.S. Cabragh. The Killeeshil girls were on top form as they cruised their way to the final with a 100% win record (3 wins from 3). Master McKenna and his gifted girls were rightly pleased with their progress thus far.
The scene was now set for our heat final between Gaelscoil Uí Néill and St. Mary’s P.S. Cabragh. Remember, both teams had 3 wins apiece under their belts in defending unblemished records. This was the match we were all waiting on. The question was: Who would prevail in the final? The sense of anticipation was building as the referee threw the ball in…
Cabragh got off to a brilliant start by scoring first. They then proceeded to rattle the post for what would have been a crucial second goal and 2-0 lead. This appeared to take the wind from the Cabragh girls’ sails and was to prove a major turning-point. The girls from the Gaelscoil hit back with an equaliser and a further two goals. Try as they may, the brave Killeeshil girls couldn’t respond. However, they had a great tournament and are a team to watch.
Jubilant scenes greeted the final whistle as Gaelscoil Uí Néill clinched a 3-1 victory and, more importantly, a place in the county final next month in Cookstown’s MUSA. Comhghairdeas agus maith sibh go léir! We congratulate all of these talented girls and wish Gaelscoil Uí Néill well as they join Eglish in awaiting the qualifying schools from future heats to be held in Cookstown and Omagh.
Our sincere thanks to referee Brian McGinn (Killyclogher) for his expert officiating, and to Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone officers, Eddie Doris and Mickey Quinn, for co-ordinating the day’s matches. A final word of thanks must go to Joe McAree at the Loughview Centre.