The Monaghan Primary Schools Finals took place in Kingspan Century Park on Thursday 29th and Friday 30th April 2010: A total of 29 schools took part in this year’s event: A change of format saw the competition run on grass pitches for the first time much to the satisfaction of the schools involved:
The girl’s competition took place on Thursday with Section A divided into four groups with the top team in each group making up the semi final places: Mullaghrafferty came out on top in group one: Annalitten won group two with victories over Aughnafarcon and Corracrin: Scoil Ultain topped group three with wins against Glaslough and Lisdoonan: The final group saw Rockcorry take the final semi final berth with wins over Connons and Scoil Rois: The semi finals saw Rockcorry and Scoil Ultain making it through to the final where Scoil Ultain came out on top to claim the girls’ title on a 4/0 score line: Gaeilscoil Ultain who had some very impressive performers will look forward to the Ulster Finals on the 19th May with some confidence:
The Boys competition took place on Friday 30th with three competitions/ Small Schools, Medium Schools and Large Schools:
Twenty Six Schools participated overall with significant quality performances on display with close encounters throughout:
The small schools competition was up first and was divided into four groups, with the top school in each group qualifying for the semi/finals:
In group one Glaslough came out on top against Drumacruttin, Gransha and Rockcorry: Group two saw Lisdoonan successful against Annalitten, Clontibret and Mullagharafferty: In group four Drumgosset proved too strong for Knockatallon, Edenmore and Scotshouse: Group four proved to be the group of death where each match was a nail biting affair between Latnamard, Magherarney and Loughmourne with the latter coming through: The semi finals saw Glaslough reach the final courtesy of victory against Drumgossat, while the second semi final was a cracking game with both Loughmourne and Lisdoonan inseparable after extra time, with Lisdoonan finally winning out in a penalty shoot out:
The final saw Lisdoonan go on to be crowned champions, defeating St: Mary’s Glaslough on a 5/2 scoreline:
The medium schools were divided into two sections with the top team in each section making it through to the Final: Section One included Gaeiscoil Ultain, Clones, Scoil Rois, Castleblaney Boys NS and Killanny:
The deciding fixture was between Castleblaney and Scoil Ultain with Castleblaney winning through on goal difference: Corracrin won through in section two with wins against Threemilehouse and Broomfield and a 1/1 draw with Ballybay: In the final between Castleblaney and Corracrin, the Blaney School emerged victorious and were worthy winners on the day with some quality individual performances and will also represent Monaghan in the Ulster Finals to be held on May 19th in Letterkenny:
Overall this year’s competition proved to be great success, with new schools participating for the first time: The transition from astro to grass allowed for a better level of competition and enabled the players to express themselves in a more spacious environment:
Monaghan Development Officer John Crudden would like to thank all the schools for taking part, also to the referees on both days: Once again thanks to Monaghan Utd for the use of their excellent facilities and to Utd Manager Mick Cooke for his appearance: Thanks also to Tom Mohan for his assistance, Christy Lappin of the Northern Standard and a special word of thanks to Mark Macklin for his help once again in organising the event: