Council Chair hosts reception for Omagh Christian Brothers School MacRory and Hogan Cup champions

Recently the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District C0uncil, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly, hosted a reception for the MacRory Cup and Hogan Cup champions from Omagh Christian Brothers School.

The following is the speech made by the Chair at the reception:

Good afternoon Councillors, ladies and gentlemen

As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am delighted to welcome you all to The Grange, Omagh for this reception in honour of the MacRory Cup and Hogan Cup champions from Christian Brothers School, Omagh.

Your MacRory Cup campaign for 2023-2024 began in November 2023 and during the early rounds you had wins over St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook; St Ronan’s, Lurgan; and Patrician High School, Carrickmacross.

In the quarter finals you had a 1-14 to 3-7 win over Our Lady’s Secondary School, Castleblaney which earned you a place in the Semi Final against St Mary’s Magherafelt which you won 2-7 to 0-12.

On 11 February 2024, you travelled to Armagh for the Final against St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon.  I understand the first half was tense with very little between both teams, however, you were 0-9 to 0-6 ahead at half time.

The second half continued to be nail-biting for everyone and with just 10 minutes to go, you had a 5 point lead, however, Dungannon found some energy and narrowed the difference to just one goal.   Your determination and desire to win was evident and you went on to win the match 1-18 to 1-12.

This victory earned you a place in the Semi Final of the Hogan Cup against St Gerald’s College, Castlebar which you won 1-14 to 0-9.

All roads led to Croke Park on 16 March 2024 where you played against Mercy Mounthawk from Tralee in the Final.  I understand that, at half time, you had only a one point lead, however, with an influential and dominant second half, you emerged as convincing winners with a 3-14 to 0-11 scoreline.

This is an historic moment for the school as it is the first time in history of both the MacRory Cup and the Hogan Cup that you have achieved back to back wins.

Being part of a sports team requires a lot of commitment to train and attend the matches and this is alongside completing playing for your clubs, your school work and other personal commitments.  However, it also teaches you a lot of valuable skills which can give you a good foundation for your future careers including listening, being a team player, resilience, motivation and desire to achieve.

I would like to commend each and every player in the team for your dedication to the Team and for all the hard work which has certainly paid off.

I would also like to commend the Coaching Staff for your work and willingness to train the team and share you knowledge and skills with them so they can advance their sporting careers and enjoy success.

On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate you on this historic and truly admirable achievement.  You have done yourself, your school, your clubs, your family and friends and your District proud.  I would also like to wish you every success for the future in your studies, sport and careers.

Thank you.