The two Ronans star as Donaghmore clinch title

A SUPERB performance from Ronan Donnelly at midfield and Ronan Cassidy in the attack saw Donaghmore clinch the Tyrone Minor title thanks to a 3-15 to 1-6 win over Loughmacrory.

It was celebration time for the St Patrick’s as they captured the title for the first time since 1967, and with it the Minor double for 2021 to climax a great period of underage success.

There was heartbreak for Loughmacrory, who were appearing in their first final at this level. But they can have no complaints as dominant Donaghmore controlled matters almost from start to finish.

Early points from Ronan Donnelly, Ronan Cassidy and Ronan Molloy saw them into a 0-4 to no score lead by the end of the first quarter. While Loughmacrory responded through Shea Conway and Eoin McElholm, their hopes of staging a revival were dashed just before the break.

Donaghmore’s opening goal saw Ronan Molloy fire home after a great run from Conor O’Neill. That helped them into a 1-7 to 0-4 interval lead, and they consolidated it in magnificent fashion on the resumption.

Eight points in a row put the issue beyond all doubt on a score of 1-14 to 0-4 by the 20th minute of that second half. Then, late goals from Ciaran Donnelly and a Conor O’Neill penalty completed a marvellous victory.

Loughmacrory did get a consolation goal courtesy of Conor Fox and they worked hard throughout, but they were always well behind and will aim to gain from the experience.