MLA Justin McNulty used the chamber in Stormont today, 16 February to congratulate the Abbey CBS team on their MacRory Cup final replay win on Friday.
Mr McNulty spoke of his pride at the victorious Abbey team who defeated St Patrick's Dungannon on Friday night in Armagh in the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds in the MacRory Cup final repay. Despite being 10 points down in the first game they managed to claw back a draw. "The Abbey players and management team carried the hopes and dreams of so many on their shoulders. Coaches and players who before them cleared a path, and some of whom got to the mountain top. Gerry Brown, Val Kane, Tony McMahon, Jim McCarten, Dr MacDonald, Pat Mooney, and special, special mention to Jody Gormely. Jody whose initials the players wore on their jersey sleeves and whose character and legacy inspired this great victory."
He continued. "I want to pay tribute to the coaches and management team: Dan Gordon, Kevin McKiernan, and Sean Gallagher. Mark Grogran, Robbie Hannan, and Stephen Dyas, and to all the teachers at the Abbey, and the principal, and to their parents, to their clubs, and to their communities, who all played a part in this achievement. A special mention for the Dromintee Club who had six players in the starting team, seven in the squad, which is just amazing."
The MLA concluded "In the ilk of Jody Gormely, the players demonstrated a defiance and a refusal to accept defeat. This is a monumental achievement for each of the players and for the management team and is one each of them can feel very proud of and one they can take huge confidence from. I wish them well as they progress into the Hogan Cup final on Saturday week."


