Omagh v Killyclogher (Carrickmore, 2.30pm)
THIS clash will stoke the passions of neighbouring communities and looks too close to call.
Both sides failed to make it past the first round last year, Omagh beaten by Ardboe, while Killyclogher lost to an Errigal Ciaran side that went on to reach the final.
League form points to a victory for the St Mary’s, but sudden-death championship football brings an element of unpredictability and often writes a tale of the unexpected, and the St Enda’s will feel they have every chance of getting over this initial hurdle.
Former Tyrone attacker Mark Bradley and All-Ireland U20 winner Gavin Potter carry Killyclogher’s scoring threat, but they will come up against a well-organised defence built around Aidan Clarke, Ciaran McLaughlin and Hogan Cup-winning captain Callum Daly.
The men from Ballinamullan will look to gain an edge in the middle third through the McCann brothers, Tiernan, Conall and Oisin, where Omagh will badly miss the injured Conor Meyler.
But they have important figures in Conan Grugan, Fionnbhar Taggart and Barry Tierney who will be tasked with keeping a quality supply of ball going in to front men Ronan O’Neill and Connor O’Donnell.
When the sides met in the league, Killyclogher swept to a comfortable victory at O’Neills Healy Park, but this one is likely to be much closer.
Dungannon v Donaghmore (Pomeroy, 5.30pm)
This one brings together two of the most talented footballing sides in the county, both at different stages of their development, a factor which could favour the Clarkes.
They are stacked with players who know what it’s like to win the O’Neill Cup, having been part of the team that bridged a 64-year gap to claim the title in 2020.
Donaghmore, on the other hand, have an exciting blend of young players who reflect the success of a visionary youth policy and promise a bright future for the club.
The St Patrick’s made a strong start to their league campaign before suffering a dip, but will be confident they can rediscover peak performance for this straight knock-out tie.
Dungannon blossomed in the latter part of the league after a sluggish opening, and will feel they have got the timing right coming in to championship.
The turning point for both clubs could be traced back to their league meeting in mid-July when the Clarkes got the better of their neighbours, but that result will have little bearing on this weekend’s encounter.
Paul Donaghy is one of the most prolific finishers in Tyrone, and could hold the key to the outcome, but Dungannon can find scores from a variety of sources, including Patrick Quinn, Dalaigh and Ryan Jones and Padraig McNulty.
Donaghmore also have talented attackers, including Conor Cush and Ronan Cassidy, both members of the Tyrone squad this year.
Emerging stars such as Conor O’Neill, Ben Hughes, Joey Clarke and Noah Grimes are exciting prospects who have key roles to play, while the long-range place-kicking of goalkeeper Lorcan Quinn is a potent weapon.
Loughmacrory v Galbally (O’Neills Healy Park, 7.30pm)
Galbally go into this game on the back of a strong league campaign that highlighted their developmental progress.
The challenge of carrying that form into the championship arena will be an important test for a group of players with a bright future.
Loughmacrory will feel they can be a match for anyone on their day, and pride themselves in levels of resilience that make them a difficult team to beat. Last year they took eventual champions Trillick to extra-time and penalties in a dramatic round-one tie, and will look to replicate that spirit at O’Neills Healy Park.
Galbally have Daniel Kerr and Darragh Donaghy on song in attack, while Cormac Donnelly, Enda McGarrity, Liam Rafferty and Conor Quinn are central to their challenge.
The St Teresa’s have real scoring power in Cathaoir Gallagher, Eoin McElholm and Cathal Donaghy, while Aodhan Donaghy, Dara Curran and Conall Grimes are driving forces.
There will be crucial match-ups all over the field, any of which could tip the balance in either direction and prove decisive in what is expected to be a close contest.
