Cabragh Footballers Narrowly Miss Out

ALLIANZ Cumann na mBunscol

Boys’ INDOOR FOOTBALL Heat 6: LOUGHVIEW

   They say that ‘size isn’t everything’ and that ‘good things come in small packages.’ Well, more about that a little later…

 The sixth and final heat of the annual Allianz Cumann na mBunscol 5-a-side Boys’ Indoor Gaelic Football for Tyrone primary schools was held today in Dungannon’s Loughview Centre. Ten local schools entered teams for this qualifying heat, which produced a tremendously high level of skill and sportsmanship from all involved.

Day 6 of the heats, Wednesday 7 February, saw the 10 schools compete for a coveted place in the Tyrone Final. The format of the day’s play was based on two sections (A & B) of 5 school teams, respectively. Huge praise must go to the teams from Derrylatinee P.S, Blessed Patrick O’ Loughran P.S. Castlecaulfield, St. Macartan’s P.S. Clogher, St. Patrick’s P.S. Aughadarragh, St. Patrick’s P.S. Donaghmore and St. Malachy’s P.S. Glencull - 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 unbeaten with 3 wins and a draw. Hot on their heels came St. Mary’s P.S. Aughnacloy; ‘A’ runners-up with 3 good wins. Consequently, both schools qualified for the semi-finals.

   Section ‘B’ was destined, from early on, to go down to the last league game. With 3 wins apiece, St. Patrick’s P.S. Dungannon and St. Brigid’s P.S. Altamuskin met to determine the outcome. As things transpired, it was the latter who sealed a semi-final berth as Section ‘B’ winners alongside the Dungannon boys (‘B’ runners-up).

The scene was now set for the first semi-final between Dungannon and Cabragh. The section ‘A’ winners (Cabragh) had that little bit extra as they narrowly saw-off a dogged challenge from Master O’ Hagan’s brave St. Patrick’s P.S. Dungannon on a 2:1 scoreline.

The second semi proved more straightforward, as the Altamuskin boys found their scoring boots to register a 4:0 victory over Master McAleer’s impressive Aughnacloy lads. This had a Carmen feel to it as Master Slane mentors the Altamuskin boys.

The level of expectation and anticipation was high as our sectional winners prepared to do battle. Both teams played some tremendous football and displayed a full-blooded, sporting effort. However, it wasn’t quite to be for Master McCreesh’s Cabragh lads, despite giving their all. An impressive performance by the Errigal boys drove their team on to ultimate victory after a pulsating final.

You will recall we mentioned ‘size’ at the beginning. Well, with less than 60 pupils, it’s St. Brigid’s P.S. Altamuskin who now proceed to the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone Indoor Football Boys’ Final to be held in Cookstown’s MUSA next month (Thurs March 1). We congratulate these talented boys and wish them well as they prepare to face the qualifying schools from previous heats held in Omagh, Cookstown and Clonoe. Ádh mór!

                             Our thanks to Tyrone referee Sean McCartan for his expert officiating, and to Allianz Cumann na mBunscol officers Seamus McCreesh and Eddie Doris for co-ordinating the day’s matches. A final word of thanks must go to Joe McAree at the Loughview Centre. Everything, as always, was perfect.

Go raibh maith agaibh go léir!