By Niall Gartland

OISIN Watson donned the number one jersey of Omagh CBS this year and can take great satisfaction in his own personal contribution to their historic back-to-back MacRory Cup triumph.

The Fintona lad was sub goalie on last year’s team and stepped into the breach with Conor McAneney moving onto pastures new.

McAneney left big shoes to fill – he’s been starting goalkeeper on a number of Tyrone underage teams in recent years – but Watson answered the call with aplomb.

Speaking in the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s 1-18 to 1-12 victory over St Patrick’s Academy in the Cathedral City, Watson commented on their ability to maintain their high standards at the very top level of Ulster schools football.

“The togetherness in the team is just brilliant. There was a real family feel last year and we’re an even bigger family now. To win the competition in its centenary year, we couldn’t have asked for more.

“If you look back at last year, we don’t have the likes of Eoin McElholm, Conor Owens, Conor McAneney and others, they’re all big misses.

“Coming into this year I wasn’t completely sure whether we’d get to this point again, but it turns out even without those players missing we still have what it takes, and it’s been class to be a part of.”

Omagh CBS had no choice but to stay composed in the face of the inevitable Dungannon onslaught in the second half, but they weathered the storm and finished strongly to capture a sixth ever MacRory Cup title for the Kevlin Road school.

“Dungannon’s a good team, they worked hard and never stopped, they fight like dogs really. But we’d been training since September for this moment and thank God we got over the line.”

He also paid tribute to their management team spearheaded by Diarmaid McNulty and Ciaran McBride.

“Mr McNulty brings the whole thing together and Mr McBride is the same, he puts in so much work and really knows what he’s at.

“Mr McNulty has helped me so much and I wouldn’t be in this position without those two men, we’re really fortunate to have them.”

Finally, it’s been some 12 months for young Fintona goalkeeper. Last year he won a MacRory and Hogan Cup double followed up by a Grade Two Minor Championship with the Pearses, and he’s certainly got 2024 off to a flyer as well.

“The club won Junior and Minor Championships which was amazing. 2023 was class across the board and I didn’t think 2024 could beat it but it’s got off to a great start.”