ALLIANZ Cumann na mBunscol INDOOR HURLING: 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 Final of the annual ‘Tyrone Indoor Hurling’ competition. Eight schools 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 and a highly competitive series of matches ensued. St. Catherine’s P.S., Strabane, were defending champions. Despite battling bravely on the day, these worthy competitors fell just short in their efforts to defend the title.
St. Columbkille’s P.S. Carrickmore cruised through Group ‘A’ with a 100% win record to book their Semi-Final berth. They were joined by the holders, St. Catherine’s P.S., Strabane – as group Runners-Up. After some heroic hurling, the lads from St. Patrick’s P.S. Donaghmore – managed by Tyrone star, Master Peter Harte – narrowly missed out on a semi-final spot.
Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh also narrowly missed out on the semi-finals.
Group ‘B’ proved to be a tighter proposition. The lads from Our Lady of Lourdes, Greencastle, gave their all on the day but, despite their battling, missed out on reaching the Semi-Finals. Master O’ Neill saw his St. John’s P.S. Kingsisland boys endure a similar fate – missing out by a single point.
St. Patrick’s P.S. Annaghmore topped Group ‘A’ with an unbeaten record and they were joined in last 4 by St. Patrick’s P.S. Dungannon.
The first semi-final saw a heavy-weight clash between Carrickmore and Dungannon. One goal – to Dungannon – was to prove crucial as the St. Pat’s lads saw off hitherto unbeaten St. Columbkille’s. However, the Carmen boys can be well pleased with their display.
Our second semi-final was a 5-goal thriller. The 2014 holders, St. Catherine’s P.S., Strabane, were ultimately undone on a 3:2 scoreline by a talented Clonoe team from St. Patrick’s P.S. Annaghmore. Despite this reverse, Strabane were worthy champions, indeed.
The Allianz Cumann na mBunscol ‘Indoor Hurling’ Final was a pulsating affair between the two St. Patrick’s: Annaghmore and Dungannon. The Clonoe school fought brilliantly to reach the County Final. However, it wasn’t to be for them as the boys from Dungannon – under the charge of Master Muldoon – were duly crowned deserving Allianz Cumann na mBunscol ‘Indoor Hurling’ Tyrone Champions 2015!
A special word of thanks goes to all accompanying teachers and team mentors.
Our appreciation also goes to our referee, Ruairí Convery.
To our Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Chairman, Brian McGurk (Castlederg), and secretary Eddie Doris (Cookstown) for arranging the tournament, and to CnmB Director of Games, Niall McQuaid (Coalisland), a word of thanks.
Finally, a special thanks to our Tyrone and Ulster Officers Pat McGivern and Mickey Quinn for co-ordinating today’s final, and to Noel McGinn for the photography.
Maith sibh: St. Patrick’s P.S. Dungannon. They now have the honour of representing Tyrone in the Ulster Finals. We wish them well.
A truly memorable day for all involved. Comhghairdeas!