DROMORE’S first defence of the Tyrone SFC title couldn’t be any more difficult than the challenge facing them in this evening’s opener against Killyclogher.
They will put the O’Neill Cup on the line at O’Neills Healy Park in the tie of the first round, a straight knock-out fight to the death which will see one of the fancied contenders crash out.
Both sides have built towards this high profile encounter through a strong and purposeful League campaign which is not yet over for finalists Killyclogher, who are due to meet Trillick in the decider, while Dromore narrowly missed out on the play-offs.
The pace and tempo are set to rise as two of Tyrone’s leading clubs chase the big prize.
Former Tyrone forward Mark Bradley has been in sparkling form for a Killyclogher side that has developed an exciting attacking style, but will encounter one of the most solid defensive units in the county.
Nathan Donnelly, Gavin Potter and Tiernan McCann add to the offensive effort for a St Mary’s side that will also look to gain an edge around the middle through Conall and Oisin McCann.
Emmet McNabb’s finishing skills are a key weapon for a Dromore side that builds effectively through Niall Sludden, Ryan McCusker, Ronan McNabb and Peter Teague.
It promises to be an intriguing battle of wits between St Dympna’s management duo Ryan McMenamin and Paul McIver and Killyclogher boss Kieran Howe.
The curtain-raiser sees Donaghmore take on a Greencastle side making its return to the Senior Championship after a number of seasons in the lower grade.
It will be a challenging evening for Donaghmore manager Barry Tracey as he sets himself up against his home club.
All-Ireland U20 winner Conor Cush is Donaghmore’s main scoring threat, along with his brother Ryan and Tiarnan Drayne, while James McCann, Niall McKenna and Shea Hamill will drive their challenge for a quarter-final spot.
Greencastle will look to swing the midfield battle though Sean Warnock, and Mark Conway, and get enough quality ball to in-form marksmen Cahir McCullagh and Mark Carson.
Tyrone SFC fixtures
Tonight (O’Neills Healy Park)
Greencastle v Donaghmore (6.45pm)
Dromore v Killyclogher (8.15pm)
Saturday
Ardboe v Omagh (Pomeroy, 1.30pm)
Moy v Errigal Ciaran (Galbally, 4pm)
Sunday (Edendork)
Moortown v Clonoe (1/30pm)
Loughmacrory v Derrylaughan (3.30pm)
Monday
Carrickmore v Coalisland (O’Neills Healy Park, 7.30pm)
