Tyrone’s magnificent Garvaghey complex proved the ideal setting for the recently held Allianz Cumann Na mBunscol Thír Eoghain Hurling & Camogie end-of-year outdoor tournament. The 3G pitch was perfect for the children from our county’s primary schools to exhibit their abundant skills.
The hurling competition featured an ‘A’ and ‘B’ team from St. Patrick’s PS Roan, Eglish and the equivalent from St. Columbkille’s PS, Carrickmore. Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh, Strabane, completed the final line up. Fifteen matches were played in a series of round-robin games, thereby ensuring each team played a minimum of five matches. The quality of the play was a joy to behold. Skills coached by Declan Sherlock (Tyrone Co. Board Primary Schools’ Hurling Coach) were very much to the fore.
Very little separated the teams but, in the end, Carrickmore ‘B’ and Gaelscoil narrowly squeezed out the brave Eglish lads to contest the final.
The Final saw the play ebb and flow in an absorbing contest. However, when the end whistle sounded, it was the boys from Strabane’s Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh who narrowly triumphed to clinch the coveted county gold medals. The Carmen lads played their hearts heart and earned themselves county silver medals for their efforts. To all teams: maith sibh!
The camogie competition also featured an ‘A’ and ‘B’ team from St. Patrick’s PS Roan, Eglish and the equivalent from St. Columbkille’s PS, Carrickmore. St Francis’ PS, Derrylatinee and Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh, Strabane, completed the finalists. Yet again, the array of skills on display from our young camogs was of the highest quality. Great credit must go the teachers and local clubs who give of their time to provide our children with the opportunity to play our national games. As was the case with the boys’ competition, the girls were an absolute credit to their schools, families and clubs. A keenly contested series of games resulted in Carrickmore and Derrylatinee go head-to-head in a terrific tussle worthy of the final. Sporting their brand new school jerseys, it was the girls from Derrylatinee who edged out a spirited challenge from the Carmen girls to win their county golds, with the silver medals going to Carrickmore.
Our thanks go to the Tyrone Co. Board; Garvaghey; Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone officers; referees and coaches (Mickey Glover and Declan Sherlock) and Master Seamus McCreesh (Roan principal) for helping to make the day the success that it was.
An added bonus on the day was the appearance of the Nicky Rackard Cup and National League Cup. The future of Tyrone hurling and camogie is in safe hands: Red Hands!
By tyronepro Fri 13th Jun
