Connolly’s of Moy Tyrone SFC round one (Saturday)
Trillick v Eglish (Galbally, 1.30pm)
REIGNING champions Trillick are expected to clear the first hurdle in the defence of their Tyrone SFC title in today’s clash with Eglish.
Anything other than a comfortable win at Galbally for the O’Neill Cup holders would be a major surprise, given the gulf in class between the sides, as well as their contrasting fortunes this season.
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Eglish are reeling following their relegation from the Division One league, and will need an inspired display if they are to lift morale with a sensational championship result.
They come up against a Trillick outfit that looks even stronger than the team that won the title in 2023, due to Mattie Donnelly’s recovery from injury and the return from abroad of attacker Simon Garrity, two quality performers who played no part in last year’s success.
With Rory Brennan, Daire Gallagher, Richie Donnelly, Lee Brennan, Seanie O’Donnell, Ciaran Daly and the Gray brothers, Liam and Ryan, in their side, the St Macartan’s are a formidable force fully expected to have a big say in the ultimate outcome of the 2024 series.
Eglish will look to Seamus Muldoon, Matthew McGleenan, Ethan Jordan and Luke Donnelly for strong performances in their bid to cause and upset – but it will take a supreme effort for them to avoid an early exit.
Errigal Ciaran v Pomeroy (Loughmacrory, 5.30pm)
Last year’s beaten finalists Errigal Ciaran face reigning intermediate champions Pomeroy at Loughmacrory today.
Two teams that enjoyed extended championship runs in 2023, albeit in different grades, will relish their return to the arena of straight knock-out jeopardy.
Errigal’s star-studded side continues to pursue the formula for ultimate success, having suffered defeat in three deciders since their last title triumph in 2012.
The Canavan brothers, Darragh and Ruairi, Peter Harte, Cormac Quinn, Ben McDonnell and Aidan McCrory will drive their challenge as they launch another challenge for O’Neill Cup success.
Victories over Killyclogher, Greencastle and Ardboe saw them charge into last year’s final, but they came up short against Trillick.
Newly-promoted Pomeroy have made an encouraging return to senior football with a decent showing in the league, and they’ll feel that they have a chance of causing an upset.
Kieran McGeary, Frank Burns, Ronan Duffin, Ryan Loughran and Hugh McNamee have key roles to play as the Plunkett’s attempt to take out one of the title favourites.
Errigal know there’s no room for complacency, and will have prepared thoroughly for what will be a testing encounter.
“As a player I lost several first rounds with Errigal when we had a very strong team,” said Errigal manager McGinley.
“The Tyrone club championship, for as long as I’ve known it, you can be put out in any round where you don’t turn up fully committed and fully switched on, and if that’s the case against Pomeroy they will more than happily put us out of the championship, we have to be prepared for that.
“We played them in the league and they were missing a few boys that day, we know what’s ahead of us and we’ll be preparing for that.”
