Connolly's of Moy Tyrone SFC round one
Moortown v Donaghmore (Eoghan Ruadh HC, 7.30pm)
Loughmacrory v Trillick (O’Neills Healy Park, 8.30pm)
THERE'S more Championship action in Tyrone on Friday evening as four clubs chase the O’Neill Cup dream in two enticing ties at opposite ends of the county.
Trillick, who last won the title in 2019, face a tricky opener against Loughmacrory at O’Neills Healy Park.
While there’s a vast contrast in the championship tradition of both clubs, this could be a tight contest, with the St Teresa’s looking to take a big scalp for the first time.
They’re well organised at the back, and will work hard to stifle the impact of Trillick attackers Lee Brennan, James Garrity and Ciaran Daly.
Rory Brennan, Richie Donnelly, Seanie O’Donnell, Liam and Ryan Gray and Daire Gallagher are important cogs in the Red wheel, but the loss of Mattie Donnelly is a big blow, the Tyrone star ruled out for the rest of the season with a cruciate injury.
Loughmacrory will look to soak up the pressure and break at pace to find finishers Cathaoir Gallagher, Pauraic Meenagh and Eoin McElholm.
The collective effort is key to their game plan, but the influence of Aodhan Donaghy, Pearse Grimes, Conall Grimes and Cathal Donaghy will be important as they attempt to spark a first round shock.
Meanwhile, at the Eoghan Ruadh Hurling Grounds in Dungannon, Donaghmore take on Moortown in a clash of two teams that have had to contend with a relegation struggle in the league.
Donaghmore’s young side is fast learning the tough lessons that senior football demands, and what they’re lacking in experience, they make up for in talent.
Ryan and Conor Cush will look to stamp their class on the contest while Noah Grimes and Ronan Cassidy have an eye for the posts.
With Cormac McCann, Joey Clarke and Ben Hughes playing important roles, they will be confident they can get over this first round obstacle.
Moortown's Peter Devlin and Ryan Kelly are the go-to men for scores, while Brian McLernon is the all-action player who makes them tick.
With Blaine Ryan, Christopher McGuigan and Tarlach Quinn also ready to make telling contributions, the loughshore men will be keen to perform to their highest level, acutely aware of the continued battle to avoid relegation that lies ahead in the play-offs.
