Dillon goal hat-trick propels Dromore into Jim Devlin Cup Final

Trillick 1-11 Dromore 4-8

TWO late goals from young Padraig Dillon ushered holders Dromore through to another Jim Devlin Cup Final at the expense of their neighbours Trillick at Donnelly Park on Saturday evening.

With the sides deadlocked and extra-time looming, Dillon took advantage of some hesitation in the Reds defence from a kick-out to race through and blast inside keeper Niall Gormley’s near post, and not content with that he then slotted away another mayor at the back post in the 62^nd minute, after good work along the endline by Ronan McNabb jnr, to copper fasten St Dympna’s triumph.

There was an engaging flow to the first half exchanges, and despite playing against the wind it was Trilick who pounced for a sixth minute goal, James Garrity with the emphatic finish.

A two point free from Michael Gallagher and conventional one by Lee Brennan eased the hosts in front 1-3 to 0-1, Odhran Rafferty with an excellent opener at the other end.

A quality two point conversion by Niall Sludden appeared to kickstart Dromore’s challenge, as Oran Sludden then whistled one over the crossbar.

Despite another Brennan free, Trillick conceded two goals in double quick concession approaching the interval. Oran Sludden neatly tucked away the first in the 21^st minute, and Dillon soon after struck home a penalty.

Brennan and Dillon then traded two point frees, while a fine score from Niall Sludden helped stretch the visitors four ahead 2-7 to 1-6, at half-time.

Midfielder Charlie Donnelly belted over a beauty for Trillick on the restart, but even though the elements were now in their favour, their finishing in the main wasn’t up to scratch, while credit must also go to the likes of Tomas McCarron in the Dromore defence who had a stormer.

Another Oran Sludden point maintained St Dympna’s cushion, and it took a fine low block by Gormley in nets to thwart Dillon when he cleverly made space to have a pop at goal.

A brace of two pointer frees from Brennan heading into the last ten minutes drew Trillick level and set up the prospect of extra-time, but at the other end Dillon was to have the final say.

 Scorers

Trillick: Lee Brennan (0-8, 3tpf,2f), James Garrity (1-0), Michael Gallagher (0-2,tpf), Charlie Donnelly (0-1)

Dromore: Padraig Dillon (3-2,1 tpf), Oran Sludden (1-2), Niall Sludden (0-3,1tp), Odhran Rafferty (0-1).

Teams

Trillick: Niall Gormley, Damian Kelly, Peter McCaughey, Stephen O’Donnell, Daley Tunney, Daire Gallagher, Colm Garrity, Ryan Gray, Charlie Donnelly, Michael Gallagher, Lee Brennan, Nathan Farry, Conall McCann, Liam Corry, James Garrity. Sub used\; Ruairi King for D Kelly (50mins)

Dromore: Mark McGale, Cathal Colton, Tomas McCarron, Conor O’Hara, Ronan McNabb snr, Ryan McCusker, Niall Sludden, Ciaran McCoy, Sean McNabb, Odhran Rafferty, John MacRory, Ronan McNabb jnr, Oran Sludden, Tiarnan Sludden, Padraig Dillon. Subs used: A McCarron for R McNabb snr (43mins), Declan McNulty for T Sludden (52)

Referee: Martin Conroy (Moy)