Derrytresk and Brackaville have secured their places in the next round of the Connollys of Moy Junior Football Championship following today’s preliminary round.
Derrytresk power past Donaghmore in Championship opener
Derrytresk 4-14 (26)
Donaghmore 1-9 (12)
Derrytresk produced a powerful display in Augher this afternoon to book their place in the first round proper of the Connollys of Moy Junior Football Championship, running out convincing 4-14 to 1-9 winners over Donaghmore.
Donaghmore opened the scoring with a Dermot McAleer free before Derrytresk quickly responded through an Eoin McNally goal on four minutes. Moments later McAleer netted at the other end, and Donaghmore edged further ahead with points from Sean McCall. However, Derrytresk’s reply was emphatic – Pat Campbell struck twice in quick succession, his goals in the 14th and 17th minutes swinging the tie firmly in the Hill men’s favour. Ultan McKee and McNally added points to stretch the gap to leave Derrytresk ahead, 3-3 to 1-5, at the break.
Derrytresk took full control on the restart. Cathal O’Neill landed a two-point free early in the half and further scores from Ciaran McKee, Liam Slater and Eoin McNally saw the lead steadily increase. Donaghmore to their credit continued to work the ball well and were rewarded with scores from McAleer and Aodhan Molloy.
A fourth goal arrived on 57 minutes when Liam Slater finished clinically. Caolan Quinn hit a two pointer for Donaghmore, followed by a point from Conall Heron however Derrytresk’s Conor Fitzgerald added the final point as Derrytresk closed out the game in style.
Brackaville stage dramatic late comeback to stun Tattyreagh
Tattyreagh 3-12 (21)
Brackaville 2-16 (22)
The opening day of the Championship produced a dramatic finish in Augher as Brackaville came from nowhere to snatch a one-point win over Tattyreagh. A last-gasp goal from Conor Stock sealed a remarkable 2-16 to 3-12 victory for the Owen Roes after they had trailed by nine points midway through the second half.
Early scores from Aidan Martin and Gareth Mimnagh set the tone for Tattyreagh before a Mimnagh goal on 10 minutes gave them the initiative. Keelan McDonagh and Peadar Mullan added further points, with McDonagh striking Tattyreagh’s second goal in the 23rd minute to put clear daylight between the sides. Brackaville had kept in touch up to the second goal, with scores from Jason O’Neill and Ronan McHugh keeping the scoreboard ticking.
At half-time, Tattyreagh led 2-9 to 0-8, their efficiency in front of goal punishing Brackaville despite the efforts of O’Neill and McHugh in attack – both hitting two pointers in addition to their single points.
The Tatts stretched their lead after the break, with Peadar Mullan finding the net on 40 minutes to make it 3-9 to 0-9. Brackaville were denied repeatedly by the outstanding Coly Mimnagh in goals, but they simply refused to fold.
O’Neill, Conor Stock and McHugh clipped over scores to chip away at the margin before Daire Fee blasted in a goal on 58 minutes to spark real belief.
Then came the dramatic finale. Deep into injury time, Brackaville worked the ball forward and Stock pounced, rifling home the decisive goal to complete an incredible turnaround.
The final whistle was met with disbelief and jubilation in equal measure – Tattyreagh dissapointed after letting their lead slip, Brackaville celebrating one of the great comebacks in recent memory.
By Rory Cox Sat 23rd Aug
