LAST season, Omagh stunned Dromore with a last minute goal to reach the Tyrone SFC final. Another late goal in the decider against Carrickmore gave them a first title in 19 years.
They have already accounted for Carrickmore again in the 2015 series, and now they’re set for a re-match with Dromore as well in tomorrow’s (Sun) quarter-final.
The St Dympna’s were bitterly disappointed following their dramatic defeat at Pairc Colmcille last year, and as the sides return to the same venue, they’re determined to avail of the early opportunity to avenge.
Both teams came through their first round ties comfortably several weeks ago, with Dromore defeating Ardboe by 1-10 to 0-8, and the O’Neill Cup holders seeing off Carmen by 0-10 to 0-3.
Despite the lengthy 14-week lay-off, the word from the respective bases at Gardrum Park and Healy Park is that the challengers and the champions are primed for action and ready to perform to the level required to make it to the last four.
Ronan O’Neill’s five points helped the St Enda’s to a surprisingly comfortable win over Carrickmore, and along with Jason McAnulla and Conor O’Donnell, he will be a major attacking threat once again, but they’ll have to work hard to get the better of experienced St Dympna’s defenders Cathal McCarron, Ryan McMenamin and Fabian O’Neill.
But the loss of Tyrone star Ronan McNabb due to injury is a huge blow to the St Dympna’s.
Omagh have one of the soundest defences in the county, with Hugh Gallagher, Ciaran McLaughlin, Barry Tierney and Justin McMahon combining in a well organised unit.
They will pose a major obstacle to Colm McCullagh, Eoin McCusker, Ruairi Sludden and Niall Sludden as they seek ways to craft and execute scores.
Joe McMahon is a major doubt, but Conor Clarke and Conor Meyler provide power, pace and ball-winning ability around the central third.
Dromore’s hunger for revenge will add an extra spark to their challenge, but Omagh look strong enough to progress.
But first, there’s another quarter-final today (Sat) at Dungannon, where a Donaghmore side struggling in the league has an opportunity to kick-start their season
by qualifying for the last four.
However they face a massive task against a Coalisland side with its sights firmly set on a first O’Neill Cup triumph since 2010.
Coalisland have already taken out one of the big-hitters with a first round win over Clonoe, which has given them a massive confidence boost.
On the same double bill at Edendork, Donaghmore carved out an impressive victory over Moy.
Plunkett Kane and Paddy McNeice have been in top form for the Fianna since their departure from the Tyrone squad, now able to devote all of their endeavours to the club.
With Peter Donnelly, Louis O’Neill and Stephen McNally providing experience at the back, they have a formidable defence which will be difficult to break down.
Skipper Brian Toner and Cathair Quinn work hard to create scoring opportunities for chief marksman McNeice, who hit six points from play to shoot down Clonoe.
Donaghmore will need top class defensive displays from Damien McCaul, Sean McCalul and Shea Hamill if they are to have any chance of causing an upset.
And they must convert a high percentage of their scoring opportunities through Niall McKennna, Peter McKenna and Deasiun Quinn to stay in the game.
The underdogs will give it everything, but Coalisland look set to march on to the last four.
Trillick vs Greencastle
Teenager Lee Brennan brought his championship tally to 1-17 in two games as Trillick booked their place in the semi-finals.
Two Brennan scores had wind-assisted Trillick ahead by 0-2 to 0-1 at the end of the opening quarter, and the Tyrone All-Ireland U21 winner had just hit his third when his side was awarded a penalty in the 24th minute.
But Brennan’s kick was superbly saved by Collie Tuohy, and Greencastle countered immediately for Cahir McCullagh to leave just a point between the sides with a 45 metre free, kicked superbly into the breeze.
Brennan’s fourth sent the Reds in with a 0-5 to 0-3 interval lead, and they hit four points in the opening four minutes of the second half to gain a tight grip.
Cahir McCullagh and Conor Carson converted Greencastle frees, but Trillick maintained a healthy advantage through Brennan, Niall Donnelly, Sean Kelly and Shane Gormley.
Trillick scorers: L Brennan (0-7, 0-5 frees, 0-1 45), N Gormley (0-3), S Kelly, R Donnelly, N Donnelly, S Gormley (0-1 each).
Greencastle scorers: J McCaullagh (1-1, 1-0 pen), C McCullagh (0-2 frees), M Carson (0-2 frees), D Tuohy, E Clarke (0-1 each).
Kilkenny vs Strabane
Killyclogher eased into the Donnelly Vauxhall Tyrone SFC semi-finals with a comfortable win over Strabane at Healy Park last night.
Skipper Leo Meenan contributed a five-point haul, while Conall McCann killed the game off with a late goal.
Strabane’s attempts to defend in numbers and score on the break failed to work in the opening half, when they managed just two points with wind advantage, from Brian Breslin and Danny McBride.
Leo Meenan converted three frees, with Conall McCann, Aidy Kelly and James Carlin also on target as the St Mary’s turned around with a 0-6 to 0-2 lead.
Haydyn McNamee rifled a shot against the crossbar as Strabane fought back to close the gap with a couple of Warner Mullan frees.
But Killyclogher were never in trouble, and with a solid defensive strategy, they saw the game out with scores from McCann, Carlin and Meenan, along with McCann’s superbly taken goal, crafted by his brother Tiernan.
Killyclogher scorers: C McCann (1-3, 0-2 frees), L Meenan (0-5, 0-3 frees), J Kelly 0-2, A Kelly, T McCann (0-1 each).
Strabane scorers: W Mullan (0-2 frees), R O’Kane, D McBride 0-1 each.
