St. Michael’s tournament success

The standard of football was very good which definitely reflects the excellent work being done by the teachers and coaches in the local schools to help raise the profile of the game.

St Patrick’s Magheralin were back in the competition for the first time in many years and did really well to get to the semi-final stages of the St Michael’s Shield. St Mary’s Derrymore were the eventual winners of the Shield, beating St Teresa’s A in the semi-final and accounting for Ballymacrickett in the final.

The Fearghal McConville Cup was again keenly contested with St Francis having their A and B teams in the last four, joined by Tannaghmore and St Patrick’s Derrymacash.

Derrymacash were gallant runners-up in the final to St Francis A who proved to be formidable opponents. It was also fitting that the player of the tournament, Rioghan Crawford of St Patrick’s epitomised the fighting spirit demonstrated by all his players.

Colum McConville presented the cup in memory of his son Feargal to the winning St Francis team. Niall McConville, former pupil and now part of the Armagh senior squad, presented trophies to all finalists. The latter two me are also related to each other.

All St Michael’s staff with a number of present pupils should be commended for promoting this very vibrant competition, now in its 27th year.

The catering staff also deserve a special mention for the fine food and refreshments served up in the morning and at lunch time.