2019/20 DANSKE BANK MACLARNON CUP FINALS
PRESENTATION OF THE 2019/20 DANSKE BANK MACLARNON CUP
FOLLOWING on from the decision last month to abandon plans to stage the Danske Bank MacLarnon Cup final, the presentation of the Cup took place at the weekend.
The captains from St Pius X Magherafelt (Iarlaith Donaghy) and Our Lady’s & St Patrick’s Knock (Josh Gray) jointly accepted the trophy from Oonagh Murtagh on behalf of the competition sponsors Danske Bank.
The 2019/2020 competition was the 61st in the history of the MacLarnon Cup and the first time the title has been shared.
It was also the first time Our Lady’s & St Patrick’s Knock had qualified for a final, while their south Derry opponents were through to the decider for just the second time in their history.
St Pius X’s only previous appearance was in 2009 when future Tyrone panellist Ryan Bell landed five points in a 2-8 to 0-7 win over St Patrick’s Keady.
Knock had won the Danske Bank Casement Cup this time last year and half the starting team were hoping to complete a hurling / football double while the school are also considering entering the MacRory Cup competition for the first time.
In making the presentation, Oonagh Murtagh, Danske Bank commented:
“We’re delighted to be able to present the two winners of the MacLarnon cup with the trophy. After a very challenging year for everyone, it’s still fantastic to finally be able to recognise the excellent skill and huge achievement from both teams.
“It wouldn’t be possible of course without the dedication of the players’ families, parents, schools, coaches, clubs and of course, the committee of the Ulster Schools’ GAA – thank you to everyone who has had a part to play throughout the year. We look forward to this year’s activities.”
Ulster Schools GAA Chairman Jimmy Smyth added:
“Our congratulations to both schools on having reached the 2019/20 Danske Bank MacLarnon Cup Final, and while we share their disappointment at the final not taking place, this is still a major achievement and a huge accolade for the two schools and all the players involved.
“We are already looking forward to, and planning for, the resumption of Gaelic games in our schools in January.”
PHOTOGRAPH ATTACHED (LEFT TO RIGHT)
At the presentation of the Danske Bank MacRory Cup; St Pius X Magherafelt captain Iarlaith Donaghy, Oonagh Murtagh, Danske Bank and Jsh Gray captain of Our Lady’s & St Patrick’s Knock.
