Cumann na mBunscol 2026 - Boys’ Division 2: 11/13-a-side
This year our boys participated in the Division 2 competition for Cumann na mBunscol. The pitch size for this competition is 90m by 70m.
The eight teams in this group were:
- Scoil Mhuire Naofa (Carrigallen)
- Scoil Mhuire (Bornacoola)
- St Caillin’s N.S., Fenagh
- Scoil Chlann Naofa, Ballinamore
- Annaduff N.S.
- Brigid’s N.S., Drumcong
The bad weather before and after the Easter break meant games had to be postponed. This resulted in a backlog of fixtures which resulted in us playing two games some weeks as well as a number of back-to-back games with the girls against the same schools. This was a tough ask on the team as they also had club training and games, The Fleadh and Féile.
The boys recorded a good win over Drumcong N.S. in their first game on a scoreline of 5:06 to 1:04. The game was a lot closer than the scoreline suggests with Drumcong shooting a few wides and our boys making some excellent last-ditch tackles and blocks.
We suffered a very heavy defeat to an incredibly strong Ballinamore team. The scoreline was Ballinamore 4:19, Carrigallen 1:02. Ballinamore went on to win the Division 2 final comprehensively.
This was followed by a defeat to a good Fenagh team at home. The scoreline was Fenagh 4:05, Carrigallen 0:05. We were a lot closer to Fenagh than the scoreline suggests.
With the panel thread bare due to illness and holidays, Noah in 4th class stood in as our only substitute when we faced Annaduff N.S. This was an incredibly tight game with Annaduff emerging victorious in the final 3 minutes on a scoreline of 3:12 to 2:09. With 3 minutes to go the game was level.
The boys rallied with an emphatic win over Bornacoola N.S. on a scoreline of 8:04 to 1:02. This result meant they qualified for the Division 2 Shield Final versus Fenagh. Annaduff N.S. and Ballinamore N.S contested the Division 2 Final.
All roads led to Drumkeeran on Saturday the 23rd of May as our boys' team took on Fenagh N.S. in the Cumann na mBunscol Division 2 Shield Final.
Having been defeated by Fenagh N.S. earlier in the competition, the boys knew they faced a formidable challenge. However, they approached the final with determination, confidence and a tremendous team spirit. Ms Kelly had taken the boys training in the run up to the final. With all of our players available, confidence was good.
The team lined out as follows:
Goalkeeper: Nikita
Defenders: Dallan, Tommy, Caiden, Kaiden and Ryan
Midfielders: Kieran (Captain) and Dylan
Forwards: Thomas, Charlie, Daryl, Harry and Ryan
Substitutes: Ryan, James, Luca & Noah
Carrigallen started the game at a blistering pace and quickly raced into an early lead. The boys played some excellent free-flowing football that caused plenty of problems for the Fenagh defence. Despite creating several scoring opportunities, Carrigallen were unable to fully capitalise on their early dominance.
Fenagh struck back with a breakaway goal following a turnover in possession. The score gave them renewed momentum, but Nikita produced two outstanding saves, while the defence worked tirelessly to clear the danger. Although Carrigallen enjoyed much of the possession during the opening half, the sides were level at the interval.
After receiving encouragement and guidance from Mr Kelly and Ms Kelly at half-time, the boys returned to the field ready for the challenge ahead. They were fuelled by oranges, strawberries and Lucozade Sport.
The second half began evenly, with both teams exchanging scores. Fenagh gradually built a lead with a series of unanswered points. However, Carrigallen refused to give up. Dylan led the comeback effort with three superbly taken frees from difficult angles, bringing the boys right back into contention and energising both the team and their supporters.
The Carrigallen defence then produced some outstanding passages of play, repeatedly denying Fenagh scoring opportunities. Dallan capped off one excellent move by surging forward and scoring a brilliant point that brought the crowd to their feet.
With the game finely poised, Fenagh managed to break through for a crucial goal. Carrigallen responded brilliantly and continued to battle until the final whistle. Further scores from Kieran and Charlie kept the pressure on, but Fenagh defended resolutely and held on for victory.
While the result did not go our way, the boys can be immensely proud of their performance. Their determination, teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship were evident throughout the match and they represented Scoil Mhuire Naofa with great distinction.
Congratulations to Fenagh N.S. on their victory and their part in a sporting and hard-fought final.
A sincere thank you to referee Paul Martin (referee), the Leitrim Cumann na mBunscol Committee for organising an excellent competition and Drumkeeran GAA for hosting the final and providing such a professional and welcoming venue.
Well done to all of our players and their management team of Ms Aisling Kelly and Mr. Ó'Ceallaigh on a fantastic season.
We are incredibly proud of you all.
