ALLIANZ CUMANN Na mBUNSCOL

GIRLS’ INDOOR FOOTBALL HEAT 4: Cookstown

Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thir Eoghain today held the fourth heat of six scheduled heats in the annual 5-a-side Girls’ Indoor Gaelic Football for Tyrone primary schools in Cookstown Leisure Centre. A total of 10 schools competed for the honour of winning this heat. The format of the day’s play saw the 10 team captains select a number to draw their schools into one of two sections. As was the case in previous heats, an extremely high level of skill and sporting behaviour was exhibited from all involved.

Section ‘A’ contained teams from St. Joseph’s P.S. Galbally, debutants Gaelscoil Eoghain, Chorra Chríochach, St. Mary’s P.S. Pomeroy, and Sacred Heart P.S. Rock. These gallant girls gave it their all in an effort to progress further in the tournament but fell just short of their target. Meanwhile, an unbeaten St. Patrick’s P.S. Donaghmore registered a 100% record with 4 wins from 4 to impressively seal their place in the day’s final.

Section ‘B’ comprised schools from St. Patrick’s P.S. Mullinahoe, Ardboe, the local Holy Trinity P.S. Cookstown, and St. Mary’s P.S. Dunamore. These girls played their hearts out, but just missed out on qualifying. Hard luck! With 3 wins apiece, it was a winner-takes-all match between St. Joseph’s P.S. Killeenan and St. Peter’s P.S. Moortown. This was a real ding-dong clash with the Killeenan girls getting off to a flying start. However, the Moortown girls hit back to book a berth in the heat final. This was a real tough-luck story for Killeenan, but they can be very proud of their tremendous efforts on the day.

The final was to prove a real cracker between St. Patrick’s P.S. Donaghmore (coached by Master Harte) and St. Peter’s P.S. Moortown (coached by Orla McCusker). This was the ultimate showcase in girls’ football. It had everything: goals, blocks, saves – the lot!

As things transpired, it was a 4^th goal from St. Peter’s that would prove decisive as they won the match on a 4-3 scoreline. Hard lines to a brave, talented Donaghmore team. As for the victors, St. Peter’s P.S. Moortown, they had now secured themselves a place in the county final to be held on Friday 2 March in Cookstown’s MUSA Indoor Arena. Here they will join 5 other qualifying schools in a bid to be crowned Tyrone Champions – we wish them all well.

Finally, we extend our gratitude to Martin Devlin (Referee) for his expert officiating. Master Joe Canavan and Eddie Doris (Allianz Cumann na mBunscol officers) are also thanked for helping ensure the successful running of this wonderful event.

What a day’s football – bring on the county final!