Omagh Academicals are having a banner end to what has been a season of disappointment on the playing front, but are determined to maintain their proud tradition as one of the finest social clubs in the country.

Two touring sides are due to visit while the McCurdy Cup will make a welcome return to the end of season calendar while the sevens, again kindly sponsors by long term supporters, Bass will take centre stage on May 7th. With a revised format and the introduction of a ladies competition, the Omagh club intend to make it a family day out with entertainment for all the family.

Sevens - 7th May (12 noon)

The organisers are revamping this season’s competition with the addition of another trophy in addition to the Campbell and Waterson Cups respectively. The format will be slightly altered as Omagh stage their version of the famous “Hong Kong” tournament. The winners second placed and now third placed teams will play off for the main trophies.

Allan Duncan, Tournament organiser revealed ”we are looking to extend the competitive action and allow teams to be competitive at their respective levels and have the chance of picking up so silverware at the end of the day”
The competition will indeed be extended this year with the introduction of the Camp Easy Cup sponsored by PJ Ryan from Wanderers RFC. This trophy will be played for by the teams finishing third in their respective groups once the winners and runners –up secure their places in the Campbell and Waterson Cups respectively.
“We are also running our inaugural ladies competition which will be run simultaneously alongside the men’s events and should be a great entertaining spectacle”, he added.
The organisers are also hoping to introduce some novelty games with a penalty kick competition, in whichever guise, firmly rooted in the organisers’ thoughts.

Already the oldest sevens tournament in Ireland, the Accies hope to continue their success with another great day out for players, alicadoos, families and friends. Traditional music in the main pavilion will begin during the afternoon while a disco will end the day’s entertainment. The members bar will once again host a karaoke evening with the renowned Mexicans defending their title of best singers once more. All comers welcome.
Kick off on 7th May is 12.00pm (mid day).

Touring sides

Omagh play hosts to a brace of touring sides this spring and extend a warm welcome to Bedford on the 2nd April and Sedgely Park on 13th May. This will be the first time that both sides have been to “Tyrone among the bushes”, and a very warm welcome is extended to both, on and off the pitch.

The McGirr brothers, Darren and Jonathan are the main organisers having links with both sides having played for the Academy then graduated to the senior ranks. Redoubtable tourists, they will endeavour to show their Mancunian colleagues a hospitable Accies welcome.

McCurdy Cup

The Accies are also staging the McCurdy Cup after an absence of too many years when they entertain Coleraine. Provisional dates of 23rd or 30th April are to be rubber stamped and confirmed this week.

Perennials

The Perennials make a very welcome return to Thomas Mellon Playing Fields on Sunday 3rd April in what is rapidly becoming a traditional fixture and certainly one which allows greats of yesteryear to once again polish the boots, rub on the liniment and pull on the jersey for combat, and after to rekindle many old friendships over a dram or two.
Entertainment will be provided and a fantastic evening’s craic guaranteed

BBQ

The club will also be holding an end of season barbeque to round of the year in style. Last year's event, held to celebrate the victorious third fifteen winning the North West Minor league was a great success with a large turnout of members.