Connolly's of Moy Tyrone SFC round one: Errigal Ciaran v Killyclogher (Thursday, O'Neills Healy Park, 7.30pm)
THE Connollys of Moy Tyrone SFC swings into action on Thursday evening with the high-profile clash of Killyclogher and holders Errigal Ciaran under the new floodlights at O’Neills Healy Park.
Errigal, home club of new Derry manager Mickey Harte and managed by his son Mark, are hampered by injuries as they begin the defence of their title, with a couple of key defenders set to miss the O’Neill Cup opener.
Tyrone defenders Cormac Quinn and Niall Kelly have been absent for virtually the entire league campaign, and will be a big loss.
It’s still straight knock-out in Tyrone, and the champions face the prospect of crashing out on the very first day of the 2023 series.
But Errigal are blessed with an array of exciting talents, including the Canavan brothers, Darragh and Ruairi, who pose an ominous twin threat up front.
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With Peter Harte, Joe Oguz, Tommy Canavan, Aidan McCrory and Mark Kavanagh powering their system, they will defend their crown with vigour and pride.
Killyclogher have not won the title since 2016, but are among the chief contenders once again this year, having built a solid foundation with a strong league campaign, reaching the semi-finals, which have yet to be played.
Former Tyrone attacker Mark Bradley combines with Conall McCann, Mark Hayes and Gavin Potter in a potent forward division, and they have experienced defenders in Tiernan McCann, Danny Gorman and Michael Rafferty.
Errigal will be well aware of the fact that it’s 18 years since any club has retained the Tyrone SFC title, and it remains one of the most competitive in the country.
But they will feel they have the depth and the talent to negotiate this difficult first hurdle and progress to the last eight.
First round ties, all of which will be completed this weekend, will be played to a finish on the day, with extra-time and penalties if required, but replays return from the quarter-finals onwards following a three-year lapse.
Round one
Thursday, September 21
Errigal Ciaran v Killyclogher (O’Neills Healy Park, 7.30pm)
Friday, September 22
Moortown v Donaghmore (Eoghan Ruadh HC, 7.30pm)
Loughmacrory v Trillick (O’Neills Healy Park, 8.30pm)
Saturday, September 23
Omagh v Ardboe (Galbally, 1.45pm)
Greencastle v Coalisland (Pomeroy, 3.30pm)
Edendork v Carrickmore (Pomeroy, 5.15pm)
Sunday, September 24
Eglish v Dungannon (Edendork, 2.30pm)
Galbally v Dromore (Carrickmore, 5.30pm)
