Tyrone SFC: Moy 0-9 Kildress 0-8
MOY staged a storming second half revival to book a place in the quarterfinals of the Tyrone Senior Championship at Clogher last night.
And it was substitute Mickey McCann, with four expertly taken points, who led the comeback.
After a bright Moy opening, Kildress took control with some well taken points from Jason Mulgrew, Des Treacy and Gavin Treacy. They led by 0-6 to 0-3 at the break, with Moy’s lack of scoring power underlined by the fact that their only point from play came from cornerback Francie McQuaid.
Kildress stretched their lead to four points but Moy, with Colin Holmes performing majestically in central defence, took control.
Three points on the trot from McCann levelled the scores, and Paul Holmes’ well struck point seven minutes from the end proved to be the winner.
Moy scorers: M McCann (0-4); R Mellon, P Holmes (0-2 each); F McQuaid (0-1).
Kildress scorers: D Treacy (0-2); J Mulgrew, O Gallagher, S Treacy, G Treacy, C McGurk, D Kelly (0-1 each).
Derry look to core of U16 side for minor success
NINE of the Derry panel that lost in the All-Ireland U16 final to Kerry are included in the panel for this Ulster Minor Hurling Championship semi-final encounter with Down at Casement Park on Sunday (2pm).
Peter McElhinney has failed to make the starting 15 for Derry. The Na Magha man can only make it to the bench as he is suffering with a chest infection, though it does appear manager Martin Convery will be able to call on him late in the game if need be.
Convery will be hoping that the talented Cathal Brunton will be on target to and that he doesn’t need to call on McElhinney. Brunton is one of the finest prospects around and his ability to score from almost anywhere could prove to be the difference between the teams.
Adrian Quigg, who won an Ulster club championship medal with Slaughtneil is included in the team after passing a fitness test during the week.
Derry rather easily defeated Down in the league, but they know that the Mourne county were without their Portaferry contingent that day and they face a sterner test if they play.
It is not sure if they will be playing as Down manager Paddy Braniff Jnr didn’t release his selection to the press, so we can only speculate.
Braniff is awaiting news on a number of injuries and the availability of some players who are currently sitting their A levels before confirming his starting 15.
Derry: J McGeehan (Ballinascreen), C O’Donnell(Na Magha), S McGlohan (Ballinascreen), P Gallagher (Na Magha), S McCloy (Lavey), P Sweeney (Kevin Lynchs), T Conway (Ballinascreen), P Harty (Lavey), C Brunton (Ballinascreen), A Quigg (Slaughtneil), D McCloskey (Kevin Lynchs), B McGuigan (Slaughtneil), M Kidd (Ballinascreen), E Cushnahan (Lavey), P Doherty (Lavey).
O’Neill to stay put at Filbert Street
MARTIN O’Neill yesterday ended months of speculation when he committed himself to Leicester until 2002.
He had been stalling on the contract offer since last October but he finally agreed terms with City chairman John Elsom last night.
O’Neill, who had been linked with his former club Nottingham Forest, said: “I’m glad to say it has all been done. My whole attention is now being given over to improving our squad. I will be going into the campaign full of optimism.”
O’Neill now has to try and keep his star players at Filbert Street, although he seems resigned to losing defender Robert Ullathorne.
“I thought the offer we put to Rob was an exceptionally good one and if he does not want to sign it there is very little we can do,” he added.
