Ciaran the Clarkes hero as PK O’Neill Cup is won

A DRAMATIC penalty shoot-out climaxed with Ciaran Barker emerging as the hero for Dungannon who are Tyrone Champions for 2020.

The corner back, who also fired over the winning point in the semi-final, was on hand again as the Clarkes held their nerve to take their 11^th O’Neill Cup title.

The game had finished 1-12 each at the end of extra time, before the Dungannon men won the shoot-out 8-7 in sudden death.

It was the fairytale ending to an historic final in this tumultuous year of 2020. But the day had looked bad for the Clarkes when a goal from Lee Brennan put Trillick 1-2 to no score ahead.

A roller-coaster journey, though, meant there was never any real fear among the Clarkes. By half-time there was just four between them 1-4 to 0-3 and they really upped the tempo on the resumption.

A goal from Patrick Quinn put them ahead for the first time, and Ciaran Barker extended the lead soon after.

However, Trillick fought back and it was score for score until the closing stages. Kiefer Morgan equalised for Dungannon, and they pressed unsuccessfully for the winner in normal time.

Extra time brought more drama, although scores were at an absolute premium.

Ultimately, though, the stalemate continued and after a nailbiting penalty shootout, tha man Barker stepped up for the goal that sent all associated with the Clarkes into dreamland.