Hollybush and St. Brigid’s made it a double when the two Derry primary schools clinched another Steelstown blitz for themselves.

It was the Culmore and Carnhill outfits who reigned supreme last week at the Brian Óg’s girls competition and there was no difference to the end result on Thursday when the boys took centre stage at Páirc Bríd.

Nine teams from seven different schools fielded for the first ever Steelstown Brian Óg’s Boys Primary School blitz on a sunny day in Ballyarnet and, after a number of thrilling battles, Hollybush rose to the top yet again.

They were pushed all the way, none other by their own school mates, Hollybush B, who put in a fantastic group display to advance to the cup semi finals.

Steelstown meanwhile had to see off a strong, strong challenge from a fluid Gaelscoil Eadain Mhóir outfit in the other semi final as they set up a clash with Hollybush in the decider.

In the shield semis, St. Brigid’s followed suit from what their girls managed last week and romped to the title, beating an impressive Good Shephard side on the way.  The Carnhill school were helped to the trophy through inspirational captain Jason Donegan who controlled the middle of the park, burst forward at every opportunity, and kicked some fabulous schools.

But the cup final was outstanding with both Hollybush and Steelstown putting on a stunning display of top class football.

The game swung back and forward as the two Brian Óg’s schools traded blows and swapped leads.  Led by Oran McMenamin and Shane Hughes, the white jerseys were on the front foot early on and, with Oisin Duffy using the ball extremely well, chances were carved out for Hollybush.

Steelstown wouldn’t go away though and, in truth, the amazing Pauric Nelis didn’t deserve to finish on the losing side.  He was helped out by the super running power of young Oran at midfield for Steelstown and, with the lively Dean up top winning everything and sniffing around for half chances always ready to strike for another goal, the red and yellow stripes were a constant threat.

And Steelstown might well have won the final if it wasn’t for the influential presence of big Jack Shiels at full back for Hollybush.  Jack was kept busy all afternoon as Steelstown hit high ball after high ball in the direction of the Hollybush goal but, with Shiels in top form, the full back caught everything above his head and rid the danger time and time again to keep his side in front by the slightest of margins.

And it was Hollybush who held on for a deserved win to cap a wonderful day for local primary schools.

See Monday's Derry News for a full picture special.

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