ALLIANZ CUMANN Na mBUNSCOL – GIRLS’ INDOOR FOOTBALL HEAT 6: Cookstown

Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thir Eoghain today held the final heat of six scheduled heats in the annual 5-a-side Girls’ Indoor Gaelic Football for Tyrone primary schools in Cookstown Leisure Centre. A total of 6 schools competed for the honour of winning this particular heat. The format of the day’s play saw the 6 team captains select a number to draw their schools into two sections. As was the case in the previous five heats, an extremely high level of skill and sporting behaviour was exhibited from all involved.
Section ‘A’ contained teams from St. Joseph’s P.S. Killeenan; Sacred Heart P.S. Rock and St. Peter’s P.S. Moortown. The gallant girls from Killeenan gave it their best shot in an effort to progress further in the tournament, but fell just short of their target. Instead, Moortown and Rock set the pace and finished the section as group winners and runners-up, respectively.
Section ‘B’ comprised schools from St. Patrick’s P.S. Mullinahoe, Ardboe; St. Mary’s P.S. Dunamore and Holy Trinity P.S. Cookstown. When the latter two met in the group game, it took an extra-time Dunamore goal to despatch Cookstown from the group (2-1). Ardboe, meanwhile, topped the section with Dunamore finishing as runners-up.
St. Joseph’s P.S. Killeenan and Holy Trinity P.S. Cookstown competed in a tightly-contested 5th placed play-off. Despite both teams having chances, one goal proved decisive as the Cookstown girls prevailed 1-0. Well done to both of these teams for playing so well today.
The first semi-final pitched the hitherto unbeaten St. Peter’s P.S. Moortown (Section ‘A’ Winners) with ‘B’ runners-up: St. Mary’s P.S. Dunamore. Unfortunately for the Kildress girls, they came up against a rampant Moortown side who maintained their 100 % win record with a 4-0 win, and a place in today’s final. Hard luck to Dunamore girls and Ms. Mallon – you had a great tournament.
The second semi-final was an altogether different affair. Indeed, with the final score at 1-1, extra-time was required to separate the girls from Ardboe (Section ‘B’ winners) and Rock (‘A’ runners-up). The Ardboe girls found another gear to bag two goals and, consequently, a place in the heat final. The Sacred Heart girls (coached by Ms. Jones) certainly didn’t lack for skill or desire – well played! However, the scene was now set for our heat final.
The final was remarkable in a number of ways. Not only did it feature the only two unbeaten teams thus far but, with Ardboe and Moortown, we had a classic loughshore derby on our hands: St. Patrick’s versus St. Peter’s. It was the Ardboe girls who got off to a sensational start by scoring first. This didn’t appear to faze the Moortown girls – as they hit right back with an equaliser. The game was now in the melting pot. The next goal was always going to be crucial…
As things transpired, it was a two-goal salvo from St. Peter’s, Moortown, that won the match on a 3-1 scoreline. Master Canavan was magnanimous in defeat but he can be immensely proud of his talented Ardboe girls. As for the victors, Master Quinn was quick to commiserate with the brave Ardboe team. Ultimately, though, St. Peter’s P.S. Moortown had now secured themselves a place in the county final to be held on Thursday 10 March in Cookstown’s MUSA Indoor Arena. Here they will join 5 other qualifying schools in a bid to be crowned Tyrone Champions – we wish them all well.
Finally, we extend our gratitude to Brian McGinn (Referee) for his expert officiating. Ronan Devlin (Mid-Ulster Council Games Promotion Officer) and Eddie Doris (Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Rúnaí) are also thanked for helping ensure the successful running of this event. Go raibh maith agaibh.
What a day’s football – bring on the county final!