Allianz Cumann Na mBunscol Girl’s Indoor Football

Tuesday 25.02.2020

ALLIANZ CUMANN Na mBUNSCOL

GIRLS’ INDOOR FOOTBALL HEAT 1

       Allianz Cumann na mBunscol held its first heat of the eagerly awaited annual 5-a-side Girls’ Indoor Gaelic Football for primary schools in Clonoe Community Centre. An overnight fall of snow wasn’t going to deter our hardy girls. Five local schools entered teams for this qualifying heat, which produced  high levels of skill from all.

​The day’s play was based on a round-robin format which ensured plenty of football for the teams – each school playing each other across 10 matches. Participating schools comprised St. John’s P.S. Kingsisland; St. Brigid’s P.S. Brocagh; Holy Family P.S. Aughamullan; St. Patrick’s P.S. Annaghmore and Primate Dixon P.S. Coalisland.

Some terrific matches ensued with very little to separate these top teams. One of the games provided us with a real goal-fest as Kingsisland and Coalisland served-up a 9-goal classic, with the Primate Dixon girls just shading it on their way to a perfect win record of 4 wins from 4. Alas for Holy Family P.S. Aughamullan, St. John’s P.S. Kingsisland and St. Patrick’s P.S. Annaghmore qualification was just out of reach despite playing some fabulous football. These girls did their schools proud.

Two schools managed to navigate their way to the Heat Final: Brocagh and Coalisland. When they met earlier in the round-robin section, Primate Dixon managed to secure a 4-2 win, so the St. Brigid’s girls sought to even up the scores as they met again.

​The schools provided us with a 6-goal epic. Both teams were hugely determined, and they treated us to a superb final. Ultimately, the greater scoring threat of Master O’ Neill’s Brocagh side overcame Master McQuaid’s hitherto unbeaten Primate Dixon girls – but they can be very proud of their tremendous efforts on the day. Meanwhile, a well-earned Tyrone Indoor Football Co. Final spot awaits the Brocagh girls in March. We wish them well. Ádh mór oraibh.

A huge word of thanks goes to our referee Marty Devlin (Stewartstown) and to the friendly staff of the Clonoe Community Centre. Philip O’ Neill(Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain) ensured the smooth running of the day’s games. Go raibh maith agaibh!

ALLIANZ CUMANN Na mBUNSCOL

GIRLS’ INDOOR FOOTBALL HEAT 2: LOUGHVIEW

Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain held the second of 9 scheduled heats of the annual 5-a-side Girls’ Indoor Gaelic Football for primary schools today in Dungannon’s excellent Loughview Centre. A total of 6 local schools competed for the honour of winning this heat and, with it, a coveted place in the Tyrone County Final. The format of the day’s play saw the teams drawn into two sections. As in the previous heats, an extremely high level of skill and sporting behaviour was exhibited from all involved.

 schools from St. Malachy’s P.S. Glencull; St.Joseph’s P.S. Caledon and St. Mary’s P.S. Lisbuoy, Carland. This was a tight group. The Glencull girls battled bravely but just missed out on making the semi-finals. Instead, Carland impressively topped the group unbeaten (1 win: 1 draw) with Caledon also making the semi-finals as Section ‘A’ runners-up.

Section ‘B’ contained teams from St. Patrick’s P.S. Aughadarragh; St. Mary’s P.S. Pomeroy and St. Mary’s P.S. Ballygawley. Fair play to these girls as they really gave their all in a bid to qualify. However, 1 point denied a gallant Aughadarragh a place in the semi’s as Pomeroy (2 wins) won the section with Ballygawley following them there as ‘B’ runners-up.

The first semi-final pitched the two St. Mary’s of Carland and Ballygawley together. Alas, for the Carland girls (Section ‘A’ winners), theirErrigal opponents just nicked a win to seal a place in the heat final.

The second semi saw a rampant Pomeroy team overcome a previously unbeaten Caledon school. Well played, though, St. Joseph’s.

The final was one of those games where mere words hardly do it justice.It had practically everything you could wish for – from super saves to great goals. Ultimately, after 5 gripping minutes and 5 goals, Mrs. Ciara Phair’s talented Ballygawley girls just came up short despite playing superbly (final score 3-2). Mrs. Ursula Daly and Seamus Begg’s Pomeroy girls completed the entire tournament undefeated thus securing a place in the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone Girls’ Co. Final to be held in Cookstown’s Indoor MUSA.

​​​Our thanks to referee Marty Devlin for his expert officiating, and to Allianz Cumann na mBunscol officer Damian Kelly for co-ordinating the day’s matches. Mrs. Gemma Quinn did a great job on photography duties.

As always thanks to top man Joe McAree at the wonderful Loughview Centre.