The 2026 Girls’ Cumann na mBunscol Handball Finals brought together schools from across the county for a wonderful day of competition, friendship and sporting spirit.
Every girl who stepped onto the court showcased not only their handball skills but the impeccable manners, respect and enjoyment that sit at the heart of both the GAA and Cumann na mBunscol ethos.
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U‑11 Girls’ Singles
Finalists:
- Shona Teague – St. Oliver Plunkett’s PS Beragh
- Niamh Kelly – St. Teresa’s PS Loughmacrory
- Cara‑Rose Keenan – Our Lady of Lourdes PS Greencastle
- Una May Gorman – St. Brigid’s PS Mountfield
- Emma Kate McSorley – Roscavey Primary School
- Catherine Carlin – St. Ronan’s PS Recarson
The U‑11 Singles section provided outstanding entertainment, with close games and superb skill levels throughout. A unique and heart‑warming subplot unfolded as two cousins, Shona Teague (Beragh) and Emma Kate McSorley (Roscavey), progressed through the draw representing their respective schools.
Their meeting in the final was played in the very best spirit - family rivalry mixed with smiles, determination and great sportsmanship. After two excellent games, Shona emerged as the U‑11 Singles Champion, with Emma Kate a brilliant and gracious runner‑up.
Well done to all the girls who put on a marvellous display over the course of the morning.
Winner: Shona Teague – St. Oliver Plunkett’s PS Beragh
Runner‑up: Emma Kate McSorley – Roscavey Primary School
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U‑11 Girls’ Doubles
Finalists:
- Niamh Meenagh & Cara McAleer – St. Teresa’s PS Loughmacrory
- Beth Glass & Eireann McCullagh – Our Lady of Lourdes PS Greencastle
- Fianna Grace Kelly & Kerrie McCoole – St. Ronan’s PS Recarson
The U‑11 Doubles featured fantastic teamwork, fast exchanges and outstanding court coverage. The Recarson pairing of Fianna Grace Kelly & Kerrie McCoole delivered consistent, accurate handball to claim the U‑11 Doubles title. They played out a nail biting semi final with Loughmacrory’s Niamh Meenagh and Cara McAleer and came through; winning by the narrowest of margins – 1 single point!
Greencastle’s Beth Glass & Eireann McCullagh pushed hard throughout and finished the day as runners‑up as the St Ronan’s pairing made the most of their semi final battle and powered their way to a memorable victory.
Well done to all the girls in this category who played some excellent handball and entertained the large crowd in attendance.
Winners: Fianna Grace Kelly & Kerrie McCoole – St. Ronan’s PS Recarson
Runners‑up: Beth Glass & Eireann McCullagh – Our Lady of Lourdes PS Greencastle
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U‑13 Girls’ Singles
Finalists:
- Emily Nixon – St. Oliver Plunkett’s PS Beragh
- Grace Kelly – St. Teresa’s PS Loughmacrory
- Ailinn McDonald – Our Lady of Lourdes PS Greencastle
The U‑13 Singles produced fast, powerful rallies and superb technical play. Emily Nixon (Beragh) showed tremendous composure and precision throughout to claim the U‑13 Singles title.
She was pushed strongly by Grace Kelly (Loughmacrory), who finished as a worthy runner‑up following several high-quality matches. Ailinn McDonald showed some superb skills as well on the day but bowed out to eventual champion, Emily, in the semi final.
Well done to all the girls.
Winner: Emily Nixon – St. Oliver Plunkett’s PS Beragh
Runner‑up: Grace Kelly – St. Teresa’s PS Loughmacrory
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U‑13 Girls’ Doubles
Finalists:
- Cianna McElduff & Aoibhinn McCrystal – St. Teresa’s PS Loughmacrory
- Darcy Haughey & Lucy McNally – St. Colmcille’s PS Carrickmore
- Mary Jane McNamee & Amy Conway – Our Lady of Lourdes PS Greencastle
The U‑13 Doubles showcased brilliant teamwork and excellent strategic play. Cianna McElduff & Aoibhinn McCrystal (Loughmacrory) put in two strong performances to secure the U‑13 Doubles title, with the Greencastle pairing of Mary Jane McNamee & Amy Conway taking the runners‑up spot after some fine displays. Massive well done as well to Darcy and Lucy who battled bravely but just fell short to the impressive Loughmacrory pairing.
Well done to all the girls in this category – they put on a fine showing.
Winners: Cianna McElduff & Aoibhinn McCrystal – St. Teresa’s PS Loughmacrory
Runners‑up: Mary Jane McNamee & Amy Conway – Our Lady of Lourdes PS Greencastle
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Beyond the scores and winners, the true highlight of the event was the behaviour, enjoyment and respect shown by every player.
The girls encouraged one another, shook hands after every game, and represented their schools with pride. Parents, supporters and teachers filled the gallery and were genuinely enthralled by the standard of play and the spirit in which the games were contested.
The atmosphere across the day perfectly embodied what Cumann na mBunscol strives to promote:
fun, participation, inclusion, teamwork and the joy of Gaelic games.
A sincere thank you goes to the many people who helped make the event a success:
- Arlene McElduff & Mary Francis McCrystal – for providing outstanding refreshments enjoyed by players, teachers and supporters.
- Clare Conway – for her excellent assistance with refereeing and helping the day run smoothly.
- Master Mark McCullagh – for organising the competitions and coordinating all schools.
- Loughmacrory Handball Club – for the use of their excellent facility, which remains one of the finest in the county.
Everyone - players, teachers, parents and supporters - left with smiles on their faces and admiration for the talent on show. The future of girls’ handball in Tyrone is bright, and these young athletes are wonderful ambassadors for their schools and communities.
We wish our newly crowned County champions all the best next week as they travel to Belfast on the 4th of March to represent Tyrone on the Ulster Stage.
Ádh mór oraibh from all at Tyrone CNMB.
