Rory Brennan has been waiting for this chance to exorcise
[ the demons of 2020Opens in new window ]
, when Trillick finished on the losing side of the only penalty shoot-out ever to decide a Tyrone SFC final.
They’re back in a decider for the first time since the devastating loss to Dungannon, their shot at redemption teed up in Sunday’s showpiece clash with defending champions
[ Errigal CiaranOpens in new window ]
.
“2020 was a sore one, there’s no doubt about it, it’s one that keeps you up at night, but we’re delighted to get back to a county final in a reasonably short period of time,” said Brennan.
“We have bled in a few players since that, and a few lads have got a few years under their belt and a bit more experience, and we also have the older statesmen who bring that experience with them too.
“We’re glad to get back into a county final with a chance to right the wrongs of 2020.”
Unlike the O’Neill Cup holders, Trillick’s progression to the final has faced many challenges, and they’ve had to battle fiercely for narrow victories.
Former Tyrone defender Brennan was at Carrickmore to witness Errigal’s dominant semi-final display against Ardboe, an awesome exhibition of attacking football that earned them a massive 18 points win.
“I was impressed at the way they went about their business early on, the efficiency they showed, the press they put on Ardboe.
“They really did smell blood, they played at a different level, they were ruthless.
“The amount of players they have right across the board, they probably have 20, 25 men that have represented their county at some level.
“They have a lot of threats, and it’s going to be hard to nullify those, but we’ll try to do our best to negate those threats.”
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Trillick’s team has grown and matured over the past few seasons with players like Liam and Ryan Gray and Ciaran Daly taking their game to new levels and becoming increasingly influential.
“Those boys got a taste for it in 2018, they were coming in as young lads, but now, with that wee bit more experience in them, they got pipped in the final in 2020, that has all brought them on.
“They have brought their game to another level this year, the likes of the two Gray brothers, Ciaran Daly, and Daley Tunney has come in and added a lot to the group, and Seanie O’Donnell has added a lot as well.
“We’re blessed with some great lads and great talent across the team.”
Jody Gormley’s first year as manager has taken the St Macartan’s to the verge of a ninth senior title.
He was a member of the backroom team last year, stepping up following the departure of Nigel Seaney to form a fresh set-up that involves Fermanagh’s Peter McGinnity.
“Nigel was there for eight years and Jody came in last year and got his footing in there, got a feel for it and got to know the players,” said Brennan.
“Himself and Peter have come in and brought that bit of freshness and new ideas.
“The boys are in great shape, and hats off to the management, we couldn’t have asked for any more.
“They have come in and led us to a county final. They have put in serious work and serious hours, and we’re glad to have them on board.”
Managers come and go, the squad transitions and renews, but in Trillick, high standards never waver, and a proud tradition sustains.
“There’s a massive amount of effort that goes in to driving those standards, but I suppose in Tyrone football, that’s the way it has to be.
“If you look at any of the teams across Tyrone, there’s high standards and there’s a lot of time invested in the coaching and in the support staff around that.
“Nearly every team has an S&C coach, there’s video work, with attention to detail across the board. Club football is coming almost to the same level as county.
“In Trillick, we have good lads there who play to those standards and live up to them. We’re blessed with a great bunch of lads that are willing to put in the hard work, and they’re a really dedicated bunch.”
