ALLIANZ CUMANN Na mBUNSCOL
BOYS’ INDOOR FOOTBALL HEAT 3: Loughview
Allianz Cumann na mBunscol held the third heat of the annual 5-a-side Boys’ Indoor Gaelic Football for primary schools today in Loughview, Dungannon. Eight local schools entered teams for this qualifying heat, which produced a scintillating level of skill and great sportsmanship from all.
The format of the day’s play was based on two sections (A & B) of 4 school teams, respectively. Huge credit must go to the teams from Blessed Patrick O’ Loughran P.S. Castlecaulfield; Gaelscoil Aodha Rua, Dún Geanainn and St. Joseph’s P.S. Caledon, - all of whom battled gallantly in competition but fell just short of qualifying for the semi-finals despite their valiant efforts. These players were extremely worthy representatives of their schools and local clubs. Well done, lads!
Section ‘A’ saw St. Mary’s P.S. Cabragh top the group with a perfect 3 wins out of 3. With 2 good wins, St. Brigid’s P.S. Altamuskin became ‘A’ runners-up. Consequently, both schools qualified for the semi-finals.
In Section ‘B’, St. Mary’s P.S. Aughnacloy recorded a 100% win record with 3 good wins to top the section and reach the semi-finals. After an absorbing play-off, St. Macartan’s P.S. Clogher squeezed past Master Canavan’s skilful St. Malachy’s P.S. Glencull on a 1-0 scoreline to seal a semi-final berth as Section ‘B’ runners-up.
The scene was now set for the first semi-final between Aughnacloy and Altamuskin. Master McCrory’s Section ‘B’ winners, Aughnacloy, battled hard but, by a 3-2 scoreline, narrowly fell to a determined challenge from St. Brigid’s P.S. Altamuskin. This secured a place in the final for Altamuskin.
The second semi proved more straightforward as the Cabragh boys found their scoring boots to register a 4:0 victory over the gallant Clogher lads.
St. Macartan’s, Clogher, had the satisfaction of a 3rd place finish against Aughnacloy (2-1). Great stuff from both teams!
St. Mary’s P.S. Cabragh and St. Brigid’s P.S. Altamuskin locked horns in the Heat Final. Both teams played their part in a superb final. Ultimately, though, Master McCreesh’s Cabragh side overcame Master McKenna’s brave Altamuskin lads – but St. Brigid’s can be very proud of their tremendous efforts on the day. Meanwhile, a well-earned Tyrone Indoor Football County Final spot awaits the Cabragh lads on Tuesday 12 March in Cookstown’s MUSA Indoor Arena. We wish them well. Ádh mór oraibh.
A huge word of thanks goes to our referee Marty Devlin (Stewartstown) and to the man who couldn’t do enough for you at Loughview Centre, Joe McAree. Mickey Quinn and Eddie Doris (Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain) ensured the smooth running of the day’s games. A great day was had. Go raibh maith agaibh!
