Ulster Colleges

[Estimator]

Catchment areas for secondary schools are an interesting one. St Pats Maghera have a huge catchment, but there are plenty of other secondary schools within that area. You've the likes of Ballinascreen, Dungiven, Clady/Kilrea and Magherafelt all with their own schools and no need for a transfer test.

From my own parish, there would've traditionally been an even split between Maghera and Magherafelt (from those that did the transfer), but that has changed dramatically and the numbers heading to Maghera have been in and around single figures over the last 3/4 years. With an increase in the Convent numbers.

They are also under pressure from the likes of Gaelcholáiste Dhoire, who are probably taking a good few students who would have went to Maghera.

Also I never thought I'd see a day where St Mary's in Magherafelt, would have had Slaughtneil and Glen players in the same starting line up for MacRory match.

[the onion bag]

Do Trillick players now go to Omagh? Was there not a history of them going to Enniskillen? Think the Donnelly's n Brennan's went there?

If so is this something Tyrone GAA are pushing. Keeping players within the county? St Pius' doesn't seem to attract loughshore players like it once used to. All seem to go to Holy Trinity now.

Dunno if it that sort of conscious decision at 11 years old. Schools can go through popularity cycles. I know where I live it fluctuates between SPAD and Armagh. Certainly Omagh winning back to back MacRory will have done them no harm in attracting children interested in football.
Someone said it above it is the parents who start the love of the game. But Schools and Clubs are doing fantastic work bringing them on.

Trillick seems to be a case of families having a preference for certain schools. I think the Corry lads on last year's Tyrone minor panel this year went to Enniskillen like their fathers.

[Aaron Boone]

Omagh's catchment area has been pretty constant over the generations, but it hasn't been diminished in the last 20 years by the newer/ambitious/rival schools.

It's a big school but not huge like St Columb's Derry.

St Michael's Enniskillen has equally wide catchment.

[TwoUpTwoDown]

Omagh's catchment area has been pretty constant over the generations, but it hasn't been diminished in the last 20 years by the newer/ambitious/rival schools.

It's a big school but not huge like St Columb's Derry.

St Michael's Enniskillen has equally wide catchment.

CBS feels like its getting smaller if anything? The last two panels have had nobody from Errigal Ciaran etc. While during the noughties I remember a lot of players from that area. Ronan McRroy and Peter Harte captained them in finals. I think Harte's team had 6 or 7 Errigal lads. Where are they going? St Ciarán's haven't been tearing up any trees in the period in-between.

[trueblue1234]

I've a girl going through the transfer this year and from talking to parents and the schools, both the convent and the CBS are struggling to hit their intake numbers. Both are 50 / 50 wrt academic selection vs criteria. Sacred Heart seems to be pulling in more and more. May just be a couple of years were numbers have dipped but seems more than a few parents are preferring the mixed school environment.

[bogball88]

Omagh's catchment area has been pretty constant over the generations, but it hasn't been diminished in the last 20 years by the newer/ambitious/rival schools.

It's a big school but not huge like St Columb's Derry.

St Michael's Enniskillen has equally wide catchment.

CBS feels like its getting smaller if anything? The last two panels have had nobody from Errigal Ciaran etc. While during the noughties I remember a lot of players from that area. Ronan McRroy and Peter Harte captained them in finals. I think Harte's team had 6 or 7 Errigal lads. Where are they going? St Ciarán's haven't been tearing up any trees in the period in-between.

I think he moved from St Ciarans in 6th year

[marty34]

Tyrone schools football at an all time high. Must be serious work going on in clubs, then schools pick up the mantle in year 8.

Holy Trinity & St Joseph's Donaghmore both stepping up in recent years too...

Only show in town amongst the bushes...fair play.

Undoubtedly. Though it's important not to forget the influences these lads are experiencing in their homes, where a Gaelic Games culture is being instilled into them and where succeeding on the Gaelic football field is highly valued.
It's often overlooked but without it, the clubs and schools can find themselves behind the black ball before they begin. It is the vital cog.

Very true.

Starts in the family, then primary school.

Secondary schools can only work with what's coming through their doors in first year.

[statto]

Omagh's catchment area has been pretty constant over the generations, but it hasn't been diminished in the last 20 years by the newer/ambitious/rival schools.

It's a big school but not huge like St Columb's Derry.

St Michael's Enniskillen has equally wide catchment.

CBS feels like its getting smaller if anything? The last two panels have had nobody from Errigal Ciaran etc. While during the noughties I remember a lot of players from that area. Ronan McRroy and Peter Harte captained them in finals. I think Harte's team had 6 or 7 Errigal lads. Where are they going? St Ciarán's haven't been tearing up any trees in the period in-between.

McNulty said they had 86 at trials then cut it to 45 initially so must be doing ok.

[Onthe40]

Omagh beat Dungannon in the McGrath semi today, into another final..... jet

[lurganblue]

Omagh beat Dungannon in the McGrath semi today, into another final..... jet

Omagh is the strongest at that age group.  The play a decent Abbey team in the final but they'd be expected to win.

[Onthe40]

hadn't been much in it between them and academy in last 2 finals at that age but seemed one sided today

[Blowitupref]

All-Ireland Post Primary Schools B Football Final (Paddy Drummond Cup)

Ashbourne Community School v Abbey Vocational School

Tomorrow at 2pm in Clones.

https://www.youtube.com/live/XlfChGAzwM8?si=bb8jiKBQWdXN74Hv


All-Ireland Post Primary Schools C Final

Tomorrow at 2pm.Cullen Park

Tarbert Comprehensive School v St Malachy's Castlewellan


https://www.youtube.com/live/r7LbklULKAU?si=nD-7ReNVHcrDNQAm

All-Ireland Post Primary Schools D Football Final (Brother Edmund Ignatius Rice Cup)

Tomorrow at 2pm. Markievicz Park

https://www.youtube.com/live/zvNWQC_WiEk?si=nAlbEOrPvXxY6rcP

Hogan cup final A All-Ireland final is on March 16th in Croke Park at 3pm.


Mercy Mount hawk v Omagh CBS.

[Wildweasel74]

Some name for a school.

[gallsman]

?

[Blowitupref]

Half time scores

Ashbourne Community School 0-3 Abbey Vocational School 0-10

Tarbert Comprehensive School 1-5 St Malachy's Castlewellan 0-8

Gallen Community School Ferbane 0-3 Scoil Mhuire Buncrana 1-3

Results
Ashbourne Community School 0-9 Abbey Vocational School 1-15
Tarbert Comprehensive School 2-15 St Malachy's Castlewellan 4-9  (extra time to be played)
Gallen Community School Ferbane 0-9 Scoil Mhuire Buncrana 1-5

Result after extra time

Tarbert Comprehensive School 3-19 St Malachy's Castlewellan 4-13