Cumann na mBunscol ‘Indoor Hurling’ Tyrone Finals

ALLIANZ CUMANN na Mbunscol
INDOOR HURLING: TYRONE FINAL
The wonderful facility that is the Station Centre, Omagh, provided the setting for the eagerly awaited Final of the annual Allianz Cumann na mBunscol ‘Indoor Hurling’ competition.
Seven schools within Tyrone had won their local heats, thus paving the way to this big day – one of the highlight days in the Primary School GAA calendar.
St. Columbkille’s P.S. Carrickmore were defending champions. Despite battling bravely on the day, these worthy competitors fell just short in their efforts to defend the title.
A dramatic turn of events saw a three-way play-off for the teams from Kingsisland, Strabane and Roan PS. After some heroic hurling, the lads from St. Patrick’s Roan narrowly missed out on a semi-final berth by the cruel one goal. Thus, Master McCreesh and his charges were left ruing their misfortune.
St. Mary’s PS Killyclogher also narrowly missed out on the semi-finals.
Master O’Neill saw his Kingsisland team advance to play former Tyrone star, Master Paul Logue’s, St Conor’s PS Omagh. A place in the final was secured for the Kingsisland hurlers when they prevailed 2-0 after a tremendous tussle.
The second semi-final saw the Edendork hurlers battle bravely for their mentor, Mrs Shields. Luck, however, deserted them as they went down by the odd goal in a 2-1 reverse to a strong Barrack St Boys’ PS, Strabane. However, Edendork can be well pleased with their display.
The Allianz Cumann na mBunscol ‘Indoor Hurling’ Final was a pulsating affair between Strabane and Kingsisland. An early Strabane goal, by their top marksman and Captain, Anthony Crossan, settled early nerves. Martin McGinley in goal and stoic defending from Sonny Roche helped stave off the threat from the opposition. This was despite starring performances from the goal scoring pair of Conrad McKenna and Conor Fitzgerald. C. O’Neill also performed valiantly on the day. However, it wasn’t to be for heroic Kingsisland.
The talented lads from Barrack St Boys’ PS, Strabane won 2-0, and were duly crowned Allianz Cumann na mBunscol ‘Indoor Hurling’ Tyrone Champions 2014!
A special word of thanks goes to all accompanying teachers and team mentors.
Our appreciation also goes to our referees, Mickey Glover and Declan Sherlock.
To our Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Chairman, Brian McGurk (Castlederg) and secretary, Niall McQuaid (Coalisland) for arranging the tournament, and to CnmB PRO, Eddie Doris, a word of thanks.
Finally, well done to Barrack St Boys’ PS, Strabane. They now have the honour of representing Tyrone in the Ulster Finals. We wish them well.
A truly memorable day for all involved. Congratulations!
* Allianz Cumann na mBunscol ‘Indoor Hurling’ Tyrone Champions 2014!
Barrack St Boys’ PS, Strabane

Photo with trophy: L-R
Mickey Glover, Ulster GAA Coach;  Eddie Doris, Tyrone CnmB PRO; Martin Bradley, Teacher, Barrack St; Declan Sherlock, Tyrone P.S. Hurling Coach