Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain
Hurling Tournament 2018
When Master Emmet O’ Neill issued school invites, via Cumann na mBunscol, for the annual Carrickmore Outdoor Hurling Tournament, I doubt even he could have envisaged the huge response. Indeed, given the fact that an astonishing 27 teams entered, a fun blitz ran alongside the main tournament. By all accounts, it was a terrific day’s hurling for all.
10 teams, split into 2 sections, entered the Cup competition. Section ‘A’ comprised Blessed Patrick O’ Loughran P.S. Castlecaulfield, St. Mary’s P.S. Killyclogher, Gaelscoil Aodha Rua Dún Geanainn, St. Patrick’s P.S. Mullinahoe Ardboe and St. Brigid’s P.S. Altamuskin. After some spectacular hurling, Altamuskin topped the group with 3 wins and a draw, whilst Killyclogher finished as runners-up with 2 wins and 2 draws.
Section ‘B’ contained St. Lawrence’s P.S. Fintona, St. Colmcille’s P.S. Carrickmore (two teams), Gaelscoil na gCrann An Omaigh and St. Ronan’s P.S. Recarson. As was the case in the other section, the hurling was simply superb. This time Gaelscoil na gCrann topped the section with a 100% win record whilst Carrickmore (1) registered 3 wins to make the runners-up spot.
The semi-finals were keenly contested and ultimately saw the respective group winners advance to the Cup Final. However, it would be remiss not to mention the sterling efforts of Carrickmore (2) and Killyclogher. Their hurling was of a very high standard. That left us with the only two teams yet to experience defeat on the day: St. Brigid’s P.S. Altamuskin agus Gaelscoil na gCrann. These two went toe-to-toe in an all-out attempt to lift the silverware. After a great deal of heroic hurling, Altamuskin can consider themselves unlucky to narrowly miss out. However, their endeavours earned them CnmB silver medals. Gaelscoil na gCrann, meanwhile, had the honour of lifting the Cup and gold medals after winning every match they played on the day. Theirs was a most-deserved victory. Comhghairdeas!
The host venue for the day was Carrickmore GFC. The facilities were top class! Our referees came from the local Dean Maguirc school: Oran Munroe, Ryan Haughey, Cahir Munroe and Cahir Conroy. Cheers lads! Ulster Hurling Officer, Declan Sherlock, along with Tyrone County Coaches Conor Gormley and Aidy Kelly brought great expertise to proceedings. Damian Kelly (Cumann na mBunscol) was on hand to conduct the medal and trophy presentation. However, two men in particular coordinated this very successful event. They left no stone unturned in ensuring the event was the undoubted success it was. Emmet O’ Neill and Aidy Kelly take a bow. Roll on next year! To all those involved : Go raibh míle maith agaibh
