Donnelly Cup Primary Schools Competition 2013
Killyclogher St Mary’s / Cappagh GAA Club hosted their annual Donnelly Cup Parish Primary Schools Tournament on Wednesday 12th June in Ballinamullan.
Thankfully, this year the wet weather forecast the previous evening did not materialise and the children were greeted with warm sunshine all day. Over 180 local school children playing in eighteen teams representing the Primary Schools within the Parish of Cappagh took part in this year’s competition.The passion and determination shown by so many children once again provided a magnificent display of footballing talent.
In order to accommodate as many children as possible the competition this year was played off in four sections reflecting the diverse age range and ability of all those participating. The introduction of a separate competition for girls this year proved to be an overwhelming success.
Donnelly Cup Final St Mary’s Killyclogher A v Recarson A
The fact that there was only a kick of the football between these two teams in the group stages meant that a thrilling final was expected and it did not disappoint. With Recarson topping the group table they were favourites to take the top prize and give their Principal Rita Fox a fitting send off on her retirement. However Killyclogher A had not read the script and came storming out of the blocks amassing a healthy half time lead. Not to be outdone Recarson A fought back doggedly in the second half but the St Mary’s lads held firm at the back to run out eventual winners.
Centenary Cup Final St Mary’s Killyclogher C v St Eugene’s Tircur
In a very close contest both teams fought for every ball in the afternoon sunshine. The tight score line reflected the dogged determination of both teams not to give an inch to the opposition. As both defences were on top throughout this enthralling encounter, it was always going to go down to the wire. At the final whistle St Eugene’s Tircur eventually came out on top.
Cappagh Cup Final Gortnagarn A v St Brigid’s Mountfield
Both teams battled gamely but Gortnagarn A soon took control and showed the same tenacity as they did during the early rounds ending the game with the ultimate prize. St Brigid’s Mountfield can be very proud of their overall performances.
Ballinamullan Cup Final Killyclogher Girls B v Omagh Integrated Girls
The revived girls’ competition lived up to all expectations. In their section Killyclogher Girls A and B could only be separated on score difference. Having topped their group Omagh Integrated Girls proved that they were going to be hard to beat. With the full time whistle gone both teams could not be separated so extra time ensued. The cheers and squeals of the crowd let everyone know how enthralling this encounter was with Omagh Integrated Girls eventually winning by a single point.
Centenary Shield Final Omagh Integrated v St Mary’s Killyclogher B
Winners Omagh Integrated
Cappagh Shield Final Recarson B v Christ the King
Winners Christ the King
Ballinamullan Shield Final Gortnagarn B v Gael Scoil na gCrann
Winners Gael Scoil na gCrann
McAleer Shield Final Recarson Girls v St Mary’s Killyclogher Girls A
Winners Recarson Girls
Killyclogher Shield St Eugene’s Tircur Girls v Gael Scoil na gCrann Girls
Winners St Eugene’s Tircur Girls
All the above Shield Finals were played with a fascinating display of tenacity and determination.
The extra coaching that the Killyclogher St Mary’s / Cappagh Club School liaison officer Brian Mc Ginn is giving the schools, along with the County Board coaching and great effort of the teachers, is certainly paying off as the standard just keeps getting better and better.
With all the Primary Schools taking home a prize the strength and depth of talent throughout the Parish is very evident. It is great to see all corners of the Parish being so well represented.
The Killyclogher / Cappagh GAA Club would like to express a special thank-you to all the valiant competitors for the huge heart which they displayed competing this year, thankfully, in glorious conditions. Their determination, skill and sportsmanship must be admired and will stand them in good stead in the years to come.
Their respective teachers, coaches and parents also deserve a massive thank you for enduring a longer than planned day’s football and for mentoring such a fine bunch of children.
The eight referees Conall Mc Cann, Sean Fox, Paddy Fox, Colm Mc Grath, Shane Irwin, Paul Mc Fadden, Tiernan Cox and Micheal Meenagh deserve a massive thank you from everyone involved as they stood up to the task magnificently.
The Club were once again greatly indebted to Owen Roe, Kieran, Bernie, Joan, Toni and Anne for organising, providing and serving the teas, sandwiches and refreshments to keep everyone going throughout the day.
The competition just would not have run as smoothly as it did without the efforts of the two coordinators. Barry O’Neill who took control of the boys and mixed competitions while Brian Mc Ginn kept a tight reign on the girls’ competition. Barry McCaul did trojan work in organising and co-ordinating the entire programme,
From the setting up of the field to the final presentations everything ran very smoothly. The Club would also like to thank their Tyrone Minor goalkeeper Sean Fox for presenting the medals and trophies.
Finally the Club would like to thank Gortrush Trading – The Ice Cream People for their generous sponsorship once again of this magnificent annual event.
The cheers and laughter of the children make events like these very worthwhile so already we are looking forward with much enthusiasm to see what entertainment next year’s tournament will bring.
Congratulations and well done to all.
