LCC Group Tyrone SFC preliminary round: Ardboe O'Donovan Rossa v Dromore St Dympna's (tomorrow, Pomeroy, 3pm); Derrylaughan Kevin Barry's v Moy Tir na nOg (tomorrow, Eoghan Ruadh, Dungannon, 6.30pm)
AFTER the joy and euphoria of Tyrone’s All-Ireland triumph comes the drama and unpredictability of the club championship, and the series bursts into action tomorrow with two preliminary round ties.
Generally accepted as Ulster’s most competitive and entertaining championship, the LCC Group Tyrone SFC thrilled once again last year, when Dungannon lifted their first title in 64 years, winning all four games in extra-time,and the final on penalties.
There will be no shoot-out in this year’s decider, with a replay if required, although all other games will be played to a finish on the day.
The 2021 series gets under way with the high profile clash of Dromore and Ardboe at Pomeroy.
Dromore, looking for their first title since 2011, will have to be at their best to get the better of a Rossa's side that hasn’t claimed the O’Neill Cup since 1998.
Niall Sludden, bidding to add a club success to his All-Ireland medal, leads the St Dympna’s charge, along with Red Hand panellist Peter Teague.
Ronan McNabb adds experience to the set-up, while they have scoring power in Emmet McNabb, Eoin McCusker and Ronan McNabb jnr.
Tyrone star Michael O’Neill, along with squad member Michael Cassidy, leads an Ardboe challenge fortified by former Red Hand players Kyle Coney, David Mulgrew and Shay McGuigan, along with the recent addition of ex-Antrim attacker CJ McGourty.
Both sides have been knocking on the door in recent seasons, and have high hopes of success this year, but in a straight knock-out Championship, tomorrow will bring one of them to the end of the road.
For the winner, there’s a chance to topple holders Dungannon in the first round.
Later, at the Eoghan Ruadh hurling grounds in Dungannon, Derrylaughan face Moy in a repeat of last year’s first round tie.
On that occasion, Derrylaughan scraped through by a single point, despite a 14-point haul from Moy’s exciting attacker Michael Conroy, who later received a call-up to the Tyrone squad.
Red Hand midfielder Brian Kennedy will be central to the loughshore side’s chances of progressing to a first round tie against Loughmacrory, and he faces an intriguing personal duel with former Tyrone star Colm Cavanagh.
The Barry’s have some talented performers in their side, such as Tomas Carney, James Donnelly and Ciaran Gervin, while Ciaran O’Hagan and Mark Robinson are disciplined defenders.
Sean Cavanagh is still going strong in a Tir na nOg side that likes to get fast ball in to front men Conroy and Ryan Coleman, both out whom are outstanding finishers.
Another close tie is likely as the Moy seek revenge for last year’s narrow defeat.
Tyrone GAA TV will provide live streaming coverage of every game in this year’s Championship in all three grades.
