Connolly’s of Moy Tyrone SFC final: Errigal Ciaran 0-13 Trillick 1-13 (after extra-time)
JODY Gormley was the homecoming hero after his Trillick side deservedly extinguished Errigal Ciaran’s hopes of becoming the first club in 18 years to successfully defend the Tyrone title.
Based in Belfast and teaching at Abbey CBS in Newry, most of former Red Hand player Gormley’s managerial career has been with clubs in Down, as well as a stint in charge of Antrim during the Noughties.
But, having worked alongside Nigel Seaney and Malachy McElholm last year, Gormley took over the reins as his home club eyed up the county crown for a third time since 2015.
And, despite losing major players Mattie Donnelly and Michael Gallagher to injury, the fairytale was realised at O’Neills Healy Park on Sunday when defending champions Errigal were dethroned after extra-time.
“It is a big commitment, there’s no doubt, coming down the road from Belfast, but it’s worth it,” said Gormley.
“The energy in that group is so positive, it’s unbelievable. They’re a great group of fellas to be involved with.
“I would’ve played with some of the older boys, and their fathers and uncles… it’s a big thing to win the championship with your own club.”
It was clear to see what it meant to the Trillick community when captain Rory Brennan hoisted aloft the O’Neill Cup, especially following the recent loss of club stalwart Gerard ‘Shep’ Donnelly.
And Gormley admitted his players were motivated by Errigal’s pre-match favourites tag.
“It wouldn’t be an over-exaggeration to call Trillick a one-horse town. You’ve got a chapel, you have got the football team and you have a couple of bars.
“Football is central to anything that happens in Trillick. The community is heavily invested in the club in terms of time and effort and all the rest. You can see what it means to people.
“I remember when I was playing we went through a bit of a lean period. I am not sure if that was because I was playing! But there is a proud tradition here and I think we are back to where we should be, competing at that level.
“We went into that game, for reasons unknown to be honest, as big underdogs. From the last few times we have met Errigal, we have drew with them and beat them.
“So the boys almost took it as an insult, that Trillick weren’t being given any respect and that’s the way we looked at it. Maybe now, people will say ‘yeah, football is important in Trillick and they know how to play it’.”
And their reward for landing a first Tyrone title since 2019 is an Ulster championship clash with Armagh kingpins Crossmaglen back in Omagh on November 11.
“It’s something I was speaking to Mattie about the other day - it would be lovely to get a crack at Cross,” said Gormley.
“They were the kingpins of Ulster for many a year and I know they want to get back to the top table again. We’re rookies to this game so let’s see what happens.”
