10 YEARS AGO

THE football inter-county season came to an end with Dublin winning a third title in five years, but there was also some chart-topping from Fermanagh with Roslea’s Seán Quigley finishing the year as the championship’s top scorer.

The Erne ace plundered 3-36 during Fermanagh’s run to the All-Ireland quarter-final, giving him a two-point margin over Mayo marksman Cillian O’Connor. Bernard Brogan had been a live contender right to the end with Dublin in the final against Kerry, but his 6-19 haul saw him finish well back.

In the aftermath of the All-Ireland final, Gaelic Life’s Joe Brolly, then with RTÉ, slammed Fermanagh for “dancing a merry jig” despite their heavy quarter-final defeat to the eventual champions.

Quigley, however, took issue with that.

“He comes across as a well-educated man and he should realise the commitment that it takes,” Quigley said.

“Eoin Donnelly went to hell and back to get playing in that game and he definitely didn’t go up to Dublin to be happy about getting annihilated, I can guarantee you that.”

On the field, Dublin ruled again but had to deal with gouging accusations for a Philly McMahon tackle on Kieran Donaghy.

“I went in to put my hand in and there was no intention to go for his face,” McMahon said. In later years the Dublin defender admitted he did grab his face.

Dublin were too good for the Kingdom on a day when the rain poured down at Croke Park.

It took just 15 seconds for the first score as Brian Fenton fired over for Dublin, but the scores wouldn’t flow freely with Jim Gavin’s side winning 0-12 to 0-9.

Kerry did take home the Tom Markham Cup though as they destroyed fellow Munster side Tipperary on a 4-14 to 0-6 scoreline.

Jack O’Connor could call on the likes of Seánie O’Shea, Jason Foley, Tom O’Sullivan and Gavin White who would play big roles a decade later as Sam was banked, but it was Conor Geaney – who didn’t get on in this year’s final win over Donegal – who starred with 2-4.

20 YEARS AGO

PORTGLENONE qualified for their first-ever Antrim SFC final when they overcame a disappointing Cargin challenge on a 0-12 to 0-9 scoreline.

Sean McCallion’s early trio of scores put the underdogs on their way and Cargin were never really able to get into their stride although Niall Doyle and Gerard O’Boyle did at least help them to a 0-6 to 0-5 interval lead.

McCallion’s free-taking saw the Casement’s home though with St Gall’s awaiting them.

Teemore overcame the loss of Barry Owens to injury after just five minutes as they eased past Donagh to secure a Fermanagh final date in Sean Donnelly’s first year in charge.

Gerry Quinlan’s goal early in the second half gave them the platform and they pushed on from there to book a date with Newtownbutler who saw off a late rally from holders Derrygonnelly.

Newtownbutler looked home and hosed but the Harps hit late two goals before ultimately coming up a point short.

In Derry, a fine sweeping job from Loup youngster Joe O’Kane was key as they secured a Derry final spot with a 1-9 to 0-9 win over Ballinderry.

Ronan McGuckin’s red card gave O’Kane the space to carry out the role and Shane McFlynn’s goal proved decisive.

Bellaghy were five point winners over Swatragh in the other semi-final, but it was far from a comfortable day’s work.

Swatragh had cut the gap to two points late on, but points from Joe Cassidy and Gareth Doherty saw them through.

30 YEARS AGO

TYRONE’S All-Ireland dreams were shattered by Dublin – but there was controversy surrounding the result and the famed 16th man.

The Red Hand County said they were considering an appeal as Charlie Redmond remained on the pitch for three minutes after being sent off.

Dublin ultimately held on to Sam after a 1-10 to 0-12 win with Peter Canavan hitting 10 frees and a point from play for the losers with the late Jody Gormley scoring Tyrone’s only other score.

It was a tough day for Ulster all round as Derry lost the minor final to Westmeath, 1-10 to 0-11.

It was the county’s first national football title since an All-Ireland Junior crown in 1929 and sparked wild celebrations.

Derry were unhappy with a goal controversially disallowed for square ball as they came out second best on the day.