Allianz Cumann na mBunscol – INDOOR CAMOGIE: TYRONE FINAL

Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain used the wonderful facility that is the Station Centre, Omagh, as the setting for the eagerly awaited 2015 Final of their annual Tyrone Indoor Camogie competition. Eight schools from within Tyrone had qualified via their local heats, thus paving the way to this big day – one of the highlight days in the Primary School GAA calendar.
Two groups-of-4 were drawn out in Section ‘A’ and ‘B’ respectively, and a highly competitive series of group matches ensued. Section ‘A’ involved teams from Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh; Our Lady of Lourdes PS, Greencastle; St. Patrick’s PS, Dungannon and St. Columbkille’s PS, Carrickmore. Gaelscoil Strabane and Our Lady of Lourdes PS, Greencastle, expended every once of energy in their efforts to get into that top two. However, despite giving it everything, the girls from both schools were to fall just short of achieving their objective. Meanwhile, a thrilling 3-2 win for the Carmen girls over Dungannon meant that St. Columbkille’s PS, Carrickmore (Section ‘A’ winners) and St. Patrick’s PS, Dungannon both progressed to the semi-finals.
Section ‘B’ was equally as competitive. This section contained teams from: Recarson PS; St. Patrick’s PS Roan, Eglish; Aughamullan PS and St. John’s PS, Kingsisland. The girls from Recarson PS and Roan PS, Eglish, left nothing in the tank with their unyielding efforts. Alas, for them, the other two schools went unbeaten in the section; therefore near-neighbours Aughamullan and Kingsisland made the semi-finals. Kingsisland topped the group with Aughamullan runners-up. The scene was now set the semi-finals.
There was plenty of drama in the first Semi-Final. Indeed, the game between St. Patrick’s PS, Dungannon and St. John’s PS, Kingsisland, required Extra-Time after it finished 2-2. Despite their never-say-die attitude, the girls from Dungannon bowed out 4-2 (AET). Their commitment was admirable. The question was:
Who would join Kingsisland in the Final?
After some captivating camogie, the 3 in-a-row winners of this County title from Carrickmore narrowly missed out on a final berth, with the Aughamullan girls edging a thrilling contest on a 2-1 scoreline. However, the Carmen girls can be justifiably proud of their efforts – they were worthy defending champions.
Therefore, the final was to be a derby clash of parish neighbours: Aughamullan and Kingsisland. Remember, both schools were undefeated thus far. A remarkable statistic reveals the combined enrolment of these two schools is 160 – a major achievement for the so-called ‘smaller’ schools. Both teams gave their all for victory – and the coveted crown of Camogie County Champions. A powerful display by the St. John’s girls proved enough to see them take ultimate glory in the final on a 5-2 scoreline.
It was a second-placed finish for Aughamullan PS, and the satisfaction of being in the top two Indoor camogie school teams in Tyrone.
Master Philip O’ Neill, meanwhile, had steered his gifted charges to the top – he was a proud man. These talented girls from Kingsisland were duly crowned Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Indoor Camogie Tyrone Champions 2015!
A special word of thanks goes to all accompanying teachers and team mentors.
Our appreciation also goes to our referee, Anne Daly, for her expert officiating and to Ger Gribben for his invaluable assistance throughout our series of heats.
To our Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Director of Games, Niall McQuaid, and Rúnaí Eddie Doris, a word of thanks.
St. John’s PS, Kingsisland: Maith sibh! They now have the honour of representing Tyrone in the Ulster Finals. We wish them well.
A truly memorable day for all involved. Comhghairdeas!
* Allianz Cumann na mBunscol: Indoor Camogie Tyrone Champions 2015!
St. John’s PS, Kingsisland, with trophy:
Back L-R
Anne Daly (Referee & Tyrone Co. Board)
Ger Gribben (Camogie Development Assoc)
Eddie Doris (PRO & Secretary Tyrone CnmB)