Donnelly relieved as Carrickmore maintain unbeaten run

BY ALAN RODGERS

DIVISION One leaders Carrickmore maintained their unbeaten streak in the Tyrone All-County League despite being held to a draw in an exciting finale as action continued at the weekend.

It was back to action for clubs after a week’s break. There was no shortage of football and the clash of Carmen against Donaghmore ranks among the very best of a busy schedule.

A goal from Sean Donnelly put the visitors in pole position for the two points, but then Donaghmore struck back thanks to a Noah Grimes goal and they drew level right at the end courtesy of Ronan Donnelly’s equaliser.

Nevertheless, Carrickmore attacker Rory Donnelly was pleased with another highly-competitive encounter.

“We were well-placed to have got the win, but Donaghmore are a very strong team and they got the equaliser right at the finish,” he said afterwards.

“Both teams missed a lot of chances but it was a good, hard game to be fair at this time of year. It takes a bit to get back up to that level after the break which probably showed in our first-half performance and then we showed a lot of good work in the second-half and maybe we should have held on.

“It’s important to stay up near the top of the table and we’re definitely going out trying to win every game. There’s a few lads back from injury as well, compared to this time last year.

“I suppose all teams have the same target at this stage. There’s eight or nine games left and they’re all going to be tough fights. It’s going to be hard to stay up there.”

Carrickmore reached the county semi-final in 2025 after what was at times shaky league form. They will, of course, be aiming to maintain the momentum of an encouraging start as this 2026 league season approaches its climax in the next six weeks or so.

“When you’re getting competitive games week in week out then you can’t complain. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the schedule,” added Donnelly.

“You have to manage things and teams also have one eye on the championship. It’s about making sure you’re ready and just looking forward to playing the games.

“We have a strong backroom team and this is a group of players who have been together for four or five years.

“It’s up to us to push things on and hopefully the end result will be the right one.”