Tyrone SFC final: Loughmacrory make history with first title

Trillick were aiming to win the title for a second time in three years, so it was no surprise when they settled quicker with three early scores through Charlie Donnelly, Lee Brennan and Simon Garrity.

Once the Loughmacrory nerves settled, they grew into the contest and dominated the Trillick kick-out, rattling off six scores without reply.

Ruairi McCullagh got the ball rolling before two from McElholm, another from Cathaoir Gallagher and an outrageous two-point score from the left boot of Cathal Donaghy.

Despite the Lough’s dominance, Trillick replied with a fortuitous major of their own as Lee Brennan’s shot dropped short but was spilled by Oisin O’Kane and Daly couldn’t believe his luck as he tapped into the empty net.

McCullagh and Brennan (Trillick’s first score in 13 minutes) exchanged scores before an inspirational McElholm two-pointer gave the underdogs a 0-12 to 1-6 lead the break.

Cathal Donaghy continued to dominate the middle third and kicked off the second half with two quickfire points.

Trillick replied once again with a rapid restart, Mattie Donnelly feeding Daly to fire his second goal to the net.

Donaghy and Donnelly traded efforts before substitute Richie Donnelly put one between the sides with five to play.

With a grandstand finish ensured in Omagh, Loughmacrory were punished for failing to keep three players in their attack, with Brennan opting to slot over from 20 metres to level the sides for the first time since the 28th minute.

The fourth official’s board showed three minutes of additional time, but it was the men in black and amber who had possession of the ball, with Gareth Donaghy driving over the bar to put his club one ahead.

Loughmacrory would keep the ball for two and a half minutes after taking the lead, but momentarily lost possession before regaining it in the middle of the field with time up.

Referee Mark Loughran’s whistle was met by a mix of pandemonium and raw emotion, as Loughmacrory were crowned kings of Tyrone for the first time in their history.