Record crowds at Allianz finals
THE biggest day in the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Lú calendar took place in Darver on Saturday as no less than nine finals and the annual Poc Fada competition were played out. With schools from all corners of the county in attendance, the gaelic games extravaganza drew record numbers to spectate.
First up was the Poc Fada contest where the Philipstown duo of Lily Carter and Sara Guinan warmed up in fine fashion for their camogie final later on as they took home the school’s prize with Lily claiming the overall individual title. The boy’s competition was retained by Aidan Fitzpatrick as team-mate Donal McArdle ensured the school trophy returned to Knockbridge.
In the first series of games, the boys footballers of Rathcor defeated their neighbours, Mullaghbuoy, in the final of Corn an tAthair Sheán Ó Caoláin while the boys of Stabannon added to Sciath Uí Dhuinneadhdha and the All County 7s football blitz title they won this year with a convincing victory over a tough Monksland team.
Two fiercely contested football games were also played out at the same time at the Darver Centre of Excellence as the girls of Tullyallen defeated St. Oliver Plunkett NS, Blackrock in the final of Sciath Mhic Giolla Eáín while the boys footballers of Monastery, Ardee defeated St. Mary’s PPS, Drogheda to retain Corn Bhliain Mhuire.
Playing in their first ever camogie final, the girls of St. Joseph’s, Dundalk came up short against an experienced Philipstown team that reclaimed Corn Chearuilín Ní Chléirigh while the girls of St. Mary’s PPS made up the heartbreak endured by the boys as they defeated a spirited St. Malachy’s team to win Sciath Mhic Chionnaith.
The boy’s finals between St. Oliver Plunkett NS and St. Paul’s for Corn Bhrian Mac Craith and Kilcurry and Harestown for Peadar Ó Céarnaigh were absolute nailbiters as the Blackrock side prevailed by the minimum one point while Kilcurry overcame a 35-year hoodoo with a goal in the dying minutes to claim victory in an enthralling contest.
IN the final game of the day the classy girls of Bellurgan were just too much for a Muchgrange footballing side that in any other year would have been firm favourites for Sciath Uí Choindealbhán. After knocking on the door these past two school years, the side from Bellurgan finished off their season in style to claim a treble of titles.