What a truly outstanding day we had at the Sandra Kelly Boys Tournament! ☀️🏐
The sun shone brightly over Páirc an Locha as 16 teams gathered to take part in this year’s competition. From the first whistle to the final kick, the standard of football on display was nothing short of sensational. Just as impressive was the sportsmanship and respect shown by every school throughout the day, a real credit to all involved.
In the Shield competition, St Patrick’s PS, Gortin; St Brigid’s PS, Altamuskin; Christ the King PS, Strathroy; Sacred Heart PS, Rock; and St Patrick’s PS, Newtownstewart (joining us for the first time) all produced fantastic performances, well done to each school. Our own lads from St Teresa’s PS, Loughmacrory were hugely impressive, and we were delighted with how they performed in front of a home crowd. After a series of tough, competitive games, St Brigid’s PS, Mountfield and Our Lady of Lourdes PS, Greencastle contested a thrilling final. Both teams were packed with quality, showcasing plenty of outstanding individual talent alongside superb teamwork and work rate. The skill level, determination and composure on display from both sides made for a brilliant contest. In a game where no quarter was given, Greencastle just edged it to claim the Shield title. Huge congratulations to Greencastle, and commiserations to Mountfield who were exceptional throughout the day and played a huge part in such a memorable final.
In the Cup competition, there was more excellent football on show from St Paul’s PS, Irvinestown; St Joseph’s PS, Galbally; St Mary’s PS, Ballygawley; St Malachy’s PS, Glencull; St Mary’s PS, Pomeroy; and St Dympna’s PS, Dromore, with plenty of bright young talent on display. The Cup Final saw St Colmcille’s PS, Carrickmore face ourselves in what was a truly outstanding spectacle and a fitting finale to the day. Both teams brought incredible quality to the occasion, with Carrickmore showcasing their slick teamwork, intelligent play and clinical finishing, while our own lads matched them with tremendous heart, work rate and determination. The game was played at a relentless pace, with scores hard-earned and every ball fiercely contested. The standard of football was exceptional throughout, with both sides contributing to a game that had the crowd fully engaged from start to finish. In the end, Carrickmore just had enough to edge a gripping encounter, but huge credit must go to both teams for producing a final of such high quality and intensity.
A number of thanks are due to make a day like this possible. Sincere thanks to all the boys who took part, and to the staff and relatives from each school for their support and commitment. We are very grateful to the Loughmacrory St. Teresa’s GAA Club committee for the use of their outstanding facilities. A special word of appreciation to our referees, Dermot Moxon, Malachy Coyle, Leo Meenan and Eoin McElholm, who were excellent throughout the day. A heartfelt thank you to our principal, Mrs McElholm and our secretary, Damien Mullan, who helped to ensure that everything ran so smoothly.
Thanks also to Mr McCullagh and Mr Gallagher for their excellent organisation both in the lead-up and on the day itself. We truly couldn’t have done it without you! We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the Kelly family, whose continued support ensures this wonderful tournament keeps the memory of Sandra alive in Loughmacrory. Their hospitality, as always, was exceptional, and we are deeply grateful to Cathal, Sorcha, Caoimhe, Pádraigín and Cathal for everything they do.
A particularly poignant moment came with the presentation of the inaugural Corn Padraig McDonald, introduced to honour the memory of past pupil Padraig McDonald. This award recognises the skill, effort, determination, respect and character that Padraig embodied during his time with us. It was a privilege to have the McDonald family present as Paddy, Kerry, Pearse, Hanna, Shan and Daithí presented the award to a very deserving recipient, Niall of St Malachy’s PS, Glencull. A special and fitting tribute.
We now look ahead to our Girls Tournament this Friday, 24th April, and no doubt we will see more fantastic football as schools once again compete for silverware. Once again, thank you to all participating schools, and congratulations to our 2026 winners, St Colmcille’s PS, Carrickmore (Cup) and Our Lady of Lourdes PS, Greencastle (Shield), both achieving back-to-back success. 👏
