Allianz Cumann na mBunscol – Indoor Camogie: TYRONE FINAL 2016

Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain used the wonderful facility that is the Station Centre, Omagh, as the setting for the eagerly awaited 2016 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, Strabane; Edendork P.S; St. Patrick’s P.S, Dungannon and St. Colmcille’s P.S. Carrickmore. Gaelscoil Strabane and Edendork P.S. expended every once of energy in their efforts to get into the top two that would enable progression. However, despite giving it everything, the girls from both schools were to fall just short of achieving their objective. Meanwhile, a thrilling 3-1 win for the Carmen girls over Dungannon meant that St. Colmcille’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 P.S; St. Patrick’s P.S Roan, Eglish; Holy Family P.S, Omagh and St. John’s P.S, Kingsisland (defending Champions 2015). The girls from Omagh and Recarson P.S left nothing in the tank with their unyielding efforts. Indeed, Recarson only lost once but missed out by one point. Alas, for them, the other two schools went unbeaten in the section and made the semi-finals. Roan topped the group with Kingsisland runners-up. Incidentally, the group game between these two qualifiers was the match of the tournament – ending in a thrilling 2-2 draw!
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 P.S, Dungannon and their counterparts St. Patrick’s P.S Roan, required Extra-Time after it finished 4-4. Despite their never-say-die attitude, the girls from Dungannon bowed out 5-4 (AET – Golden Goal). Their commitment was admirable. The question was: Who would join the Eglish girls in the Final?
After some captivating camogie, the current County title holders from 2015 – St. John’s P.S, Kingsisland – narrowly missed out on a final berth, with the Carmen girls edging an absorbing contest on a 2-1 scoreline. However, the Kingsisland girls can be justifiably proud of their efforts – they were worthy defending champions.
Therefore, the final was to be contested by Carrickmore and Roan. Remember, both schools were undefeated thus far. The destiny of the title was up for grabs…
Both teams gave their all for victory – and the coveted crown of Camogie County Champions. You could sense the tension of the moment as both teams commenced battle. Things were going to tight and hard won. You felt one goal could win it. Indeed, that’s how it panned out – as a single goal from Roan proved decisive in securing for them ultimate glory in the final on a 1-0 scoreline.
It was a second-placed finish for Carrickmore, and the satisfaction of being in the top two Indoor camogie school teams in Tyrone. St. Colmcille’s narrowly missed out on the double, with their boys having captured the hurling title the day before.
Master McCreesh, meanwhile, had steered his gifted charges to the top – he was a proud man. These talented girls from Roan, Eglish, were duly crowned Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Indoor Camogie Tyrone Champions 2016!
A special word of thanks goes to all accompanying teachers and team mentors.
Our appreciation also goes to our referees, Leona, Emmet and Kevin for their expert officiating and to Anne Daly for her invaluable assistance throughout our series of heats. To our Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain officers Eddie Doris (Rúnaí) and Mickey Quinn (Cisteoir), a word of thanks.
St. Patrick’s P.S Roan: Maith sibh go léir! They now have the honour of representing Tyrone in the Ulster Finals. We wish them well.
A truly memorable day for all involved. Comhghairdeas!