Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Thír Eoghain held their eagerly awaited showpiece – the annual Boys’ 5-a-side Indoor Football Final today, Tuesday 12th March, in Cookstown’s magnificent MUSA Indoor Arena. Nine schools from across the county had each won their respective heats, paving the way for their Tyrone Final appearance. The question needing answered was… Who would be crowned Tyrone Champions 2019?
There was palpable excitement and a buzz of anticipation amongst players, teachers and supporters alike. The footballing prowess on show was undeniable. These boys were to give us a Tyrone Final Day to live long in the memory.
The format of the day’s play was based on two sections (A & B) of five and four teams respectively.
Section ‘A’ featured St. Mary's Cabragh, St. John's Kingsisland, St. Conor's Omagh, St. Lawrence's Fintona and Drumduff Primary School. A high-quality section saw these teams play each other. This was a very close group and there was never too much between the teams. Indeed, all of them played their hearts out. It was Fintona and Kingsisland who qualified as Section ‘A’ Group Winners, and Runners-Up, respectively.
Section ‘B’ pitched St. Patrick's Mullinahoe, St. Teresa's Loughmacrory, Sacred Heart Primary School Rock and St. John's Moy in a high calibre group. Another closely-fought Section underlined the tightness of these groups. As the group ended, the lads from Ardboe qualified as Section Runners-Up along with table-toppers, Loughmacrory.
Our semi-finalists now prepared to do battle. First up we had Section ‘A’ winners, Fintona, against Section ‘B’ runners-up, Ardboe. It proved to be a cracking game of football, but the Fintona lads held off a spirited Ardboe team to win by 4:01 to 3:00.
The second semi-final was between Section ‘B’ winners, Loughmacrory, and Section ‘A’ runners-up, Kingsisland. In an absorbing affair, both teams displayed strong footballing qualities. As things transpired, it was Loughmacrory who narrowly prevailed 2;04 to 1:01 to book their place in the county final. Meanwhile, the management duo of Masters McCullagh and Gallagher had guided St. Teresa’s P.S. Loughmacrory to the county final against Fintona.
The scene was now set for our Tyrone Final. The capture of this prestigious Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone Boys’ Indoor Football Champions 2019 title was now up for grabs.
Both of our finalists expended every drop of energy in a huge effort to land the coveted trophy. An incredible game of football ensued. The standard of goalkeeping, blocks and interceptions was of a high order. Goals were always going to be at a premium. Points would prove decisive. The match ebbed one way and then the other. However, by the narrowest of margins, a 1:05 – 1:03 victory for the talented boys from Loughmacrory proved enough to deprive a battling Fintona team on the day. It takes two teams to make a great final, and these wonderful players from Fintona and Master McMullan should be immensely proud of their endeavours. A county Silver medal was just reward for their incredible efforts.
As for the victorious team, Master McCullagh and Master Gallagher - and their triumphant Loughmacrory P.S. lads - can now bask in the glory of this tremendous accomplishment. The title of Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone Boys’ Indoor Football Champions 2019 is thoroughly well deserved – considering this is a superb 3rd County Indoor Football success in 4 years. Precious boxed gold medals will forever be cherished.
Next up for St. Teresa’s is a tilt at the Boys’ Ulster Championship next month in Meadowbank Indoor Arena, Magherafelt . There is absolutely no reason why Loughmacrory can’t go on and win back their Ulster crown. Everyone associated with Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone certainly wishes them well in their quest for further glory. Ádh mór oraibh!
A word of thanks to Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Tyrone officers, Mickey Quinn and Pat McGivern and Eddie Doris (Rúnaí & PRO) for ensuring the smooth running of this very successful competition. Thanks, also, to Sean McCartan and Marty Devlin for their expert refereeing throughout the various heats.
Finally, our appreciation goes to the friendly, efficient staff at MUSA.
Bring on Ulster!!!
