Errigal Ciaran always looking to the next step

By Niall Gartland

A STATEMENT victory over Trillick will count ‘for nothing’ if Errigal Ciaran falter in their bid to reach the county final, according to their experienced centre-half back Niall Kelly.

The draw for the semi-finals was made in the immediate aftermath of their 1-16 to 0-12 victory over Trillick, and there were plenty of oohs and aahs when Errigal were paired off against last year’s champions, Loughmacrory.

It’s a blockbuster billing with a bumper crowd, including a healthy smattering of neutrals, expected in Carrickmore this Sunday afternoon (4pm) to witness the heavy hitters collide for a place in the Senior Championship final, which takes place this year on Sunday, October 18.

Errigal Ciaran have played in three senior finals since the turn of the decade, winning the 2022 and 2024 showdowns against Carrickmore and Trillick respectively, so ambitions are naturally high in the squad.

Indeed, Niall Kelly acknowledges that their win over Trillick will be quickly forgotten if they don’t find a way past Loughmacrory this weekend.

Reflecting on their win over Trillick, with whom they’ve shared a keen rivalry in recent years, Kelly said: “We’ve had massive battles over the years, and have massive respect for them. They’re a great side and have shown that for a long time. We’re just glad we got over the line on this occasion. But it means nothing if we don’t keep on going and we’ve a huge game ahead of us.”

Younger faces like Shea McDermott, Aodhan Quinn and Ronan O’Sullivan have really caught the eye in Errigal Ciaran’s championship outings to date, while their recent win over Trillick also marked the return of previously injured duo Joe Oguz and Ruairi Canavan, both of whom were sprung from the bench in the second half. That blend of youth and experience represents a potent concoction.

“It’s great to get a couple of those young boys in, and the experienced boys back, but again, it’s about getting through to the next round and taking it from there.”

Kelly acknowledged that a smashing first- half goal from McDermott was a pivotal moment in their quarter-final win over Trillick. At the same time, they could never afford to switch off against a team the calibre of Trillick.

“The goal is big in any game, but I suppose with the two points, you can never be too far ahead. We saw Trillick come back against Galbally, they were seven points down, so we’re just glad we got the goal and were able to keep a clean sheet at the other end.”

But while Errigal Ciaran will be hell-bent on securing a third O’Neill Cup in five years, Kelly doesn’t take it for granted that they’re still in the hunt, citing the all-round competitiveness at the senior grade in Tyrone this year.

“You could see it in the league this year – Omagh are a strong team and they’ve ended up going down. Every team was really strong, so we’re glad to be still alive and have the opportunity to prepare for a semi-final.”