Allianz Cumann na mBunscol
Indoor Hurling: Tyrone Final 2016
Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain used the wonderful facility that is the Station Centre, Omagh, as the setting for the eagerly awaited Final of the annual ‘Tyrone Indoor Hurling’ competition. Eight schools within Tyrone had qualified via their local heats, thus paving the way to this big day – one of the highlight days in the Primary School GAA calendar.
Two groups of 4 were drawn out and a highly competitive series of matches ensued. St. Patrick’s P.S. Dungannon were defending champions, but just missed out on qualifying for this year’s Final – thus ensuring a new name would appear on the prestigious trophy.
St. Colmcille’s P.S. Carrickmore cruised through Section ‘A’ with a 100% win-record to comfortably book their Semi-Final berth. They were joined by the boys from St. Patrick’s P.S. Donaghmore – managed by Tyrone star, Master Peter Harte, as group Runners-Up. These two terrific teams would meet again, but more about that later…After some heroic hurling, the Edendork P.S. lads narrowly missed out on a semi-final spot, as did the battling boys from Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh, Strabane.
Section ‘B’ also witnessed a team record a 100% win-record: Blessed Patrick O’ Loughran P.S. Castlecaulfield, who played really impressive hurling. The lads from Our Lady of Lourdes, Greencastle, gave their all on the day but, despite their battling, missed out on reaching the Semi-Finals. Master Loane saw his St. Mary’s P.S. Killyclogher boys endure a similar fate – just missing out. Instead, a talented Primate Dixon P.S. Coalisland powered their way to the Semi-Final as group Runners-Up.
The first semi-final saw a heavy-weight clash between Carrickmore and Coalisland. Master McQuaid’s P.D.P.S. lads fought valiantly but, despite their immense effort, fell to a powerful Carmen side. However, Primate Dixon can be rightly proud of their great tournament.
Our second semi-final was a 3-goal thriller, and a local derby. The hitherto unbeaten B.P.O.L Castlecaulfield boys fought heroically, but were ultimately undone on a 2-1 scoreline by their determined neighbours from Donaghmore. This was a tremendous match, and both teams gave it everything they had. Well done!
A silver county medal was up for grabs in the 3rd place play-off between Primate Dixon P.S. and Blessed Patrick O’ Loughran P.S. Congratulations to Castlecaulfield who prevailed in an epic contest. They can now proudly proclaim that they are ranked as the third best hurling team in Tyrone, with Coalisland taking a top four ranking. Not at all bad out of 90+ primary schools in the county!
The Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain ‘Indoor Hurling’ Final was a pulsating affair between St. Patrick’s P.S. Donaghmore and St. Colmcille’s P.S. Carrickmore. Both sides fought tooth and nail in a bid to take the coveted crown of County Champions. After a tense, tight opening spell, a quick two goal salvo from the Carrickmore proved decisive. The Donaghmore school played brilliantly to reach the County Final, and winning themselves a Gold county medal as runners-up was thoroughly deserved. Ultimately, the Carmen boys - under the charge of Master Emmet O’ Neill – collected the title (2:0) and boxed gold medals, before being duly crowned worthy Allianz Cumann na mBunscol ‘Indoor Hurling’ Tyrone Champions 2016!
A special word of thanks goes to all accompanying teachers and team mentors. Our appreciation also goes to our referee, Aidy Kelly, for his expert officiating. To Allianz Cumann na mBunscol secretary, Eddie Doris (Cookstown) for co-ordinating today’s final, a word of thanks.
St. Colmcille’s P.S. Carrickmore now have the honour of representing Tyrone in the Ulster Hurling Finals. We wish them well.
A truly memorable day for all involved. Maith sibh go léir!
