Point apiece for Errigal and Trillick at Dunmoyle

Errigal Ciaran 0-12  Trillick  1-9

TWO of the top forwards in Tyrone football sparked into life in this Division One clash which saw Errigal equalise in added time against a Trillick side which had produced a brilliant second half display.

Lee Brennan orchestrated all the best attacking play for the St Macartan’s as they led by five entering the final quarter. But the last word went to Shea McDermott who finished a great week for himself by scoring three points to earn the home team a draw.

This was, of course, a repeat of last year’s county senior final which Errigal won on their way to Ulster glory and an appearance in the All- Ireland Club final. Both teams were without their respective county contingents, but this gave many of their panellist the chance to impress.

The conditions were very blustery  in this clash at MacRory Park in Dunmoyle. Trillick enjoyed the wind advantage in the opening period, but any hopes that they may have had of creating a strong first half lead never materialised.

A total of nine wides in total for the Reds in the first half says it all. They couldn’t really judge the conditions
as shot after shot went astray.

Errigal in contrast were more resolute against the breeze. Niall Kelly, Tiarnan Colhoun and Aidan McCrory led the way for them in defence, while Eoin Kelly, Thomas Canavan and Daniel Blake showed well further upfield.

Still, the scores were few and far between, even though there were plenty of strong exchanges and entertaining
football. Indeed, eight minutes had elapsed by the time Daniel Blake edged the home team ahead from a free.

Lee Brennan responded soon after and tried hard to create clearcut chances for the St Macartan’s. Simon and James Garrity were ideal targets for them in attack and the end of the first quarter saw them lead by 0-3 to 0-1 after a great two pointer from Lee Brennan.

Daire Gallagher, Ryan Gray and Michael Gallagher were strong around the key midfield sector for them. The score of the first half saw James Garrity fire over after good work from Simon Garrity to leave them 0-4 to 0-2 at half-time.

Of course, the big question during the interval was how Errigal would be able to make the most of that wind advantage on the resumption. Thomas Canavan had boosted their total, and the indications were that they looked capable of registering the scores required to record the win.

Swapped points between Daniel Blake for Errigal and Lee Brennan for Trillick kept things ticking over at the start of that second half. But from then on it was the visitors who took control with a display of controlled and determined football that brought them to the brink of victory.

Their challenge was transformed by the only goal of the game. Niall Donnelly palmed to the net after great work from Peter McCaughey in running through the heart of the Errigal defence. Suddenly, Trillick were 1-5 to 0-3 ahead.

Daire Gallagher, Ryan Gray and Charlie Donnelly at midfield and James Garrity and Lee Brennan up front dictated matters. Their placed-passes and control on the ball made a big difference as Errigal struggled to make the desired impression with the wind.

Niall Donnelly almost snatched an identical second goal, only for a goalline save from Darragh McAnenly. But the best action of the game was reserved for the final quarter when both teams produced an enthralling finale.

Substitute Shea McDermott fired over a great two-pointer. Lee Brennan responded for Trillick and it was 1-7 to 0-6 when Tomas Mullin also got on the scoreboard. Errigal were beginning to move well, with sub Joe Oguz, Ronan O’Sullivan and Aidan McCrory all making significant contributions.

Still, Trillick held on. It was score for score as James Garrity fired over. But the pressure was beginning to
mount as Errigal sensed a result for them was within reach. Swapped scores between Charlie Donnelly and Joe Oguz.

Then, up stepped Shea McDermott. Fresh from his goalscoring exploits for the Tyrone U-20s in last Wednesday’s All-Ireland Final, he converted an easy free before a mightly longrange two pointer brought the teams level at 1-9 to 0-12 and that was how it finished.

Scorers
Errigal Ciaran: Shea McDermott 0-5, 2x2pt, Daniel Blake 0-2 2f, Eoin Kelly 0-2 1x2pt, Joe Oguz 0-1, Tomas Mullin 0-1, Tomas Canavan 0-1.

Trillick: Lee Brennan 0-6 1x2pt, Niall Donnelly 1-0,James Garrity 0- 2, Charlie Donnelly 0-1

Teams
Errigal Ciaran: Darragh McAnenly, Brian Mullin, Aidan McCrory, Cathair Quinn, Tiarnan Colhoun, Niall Kelly, Ryan Ward, Ronan O’Sullivan, Eoin Kelly, Pauric Traynor, Dara McGinley, Ciaran McGinley, Tomas Mullin, Tommy Canavan, Daniel Blake. Subs – Joe Oguz for E Kelly, halftime, Shea McDermott for B Mullin 37, Eoin Kelly for T Canavan 48

Trillick: Joe Maguire, Damien Kelly, Peter McCaughey, Stephen O’Donnell, Daly Tunney, Daire Gallagher, Colm Garrity, Ryan Gray, Charlie Donnelly, Michael Gallagher, Nathan Farry, Niall Donnelly, Simon Garrity, Lee Brennan, James Garrity. Subs – Rory King for S Garrity 44, Gavin McCarron for N Donnelly 60.

Referee: Shane Meehan (Glenelly)