PREVIEWS: Errigal Ciaran put their titles on the line in Tyrone

TYRONE and Ulster champions Errigal Ciaran put their titles on the line on Thursday night against Ardboe as the Tyrone SFC kicks into gear.

Here is a glance at all the games…

TYRONE SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND

Errigal Ciaran v Ardboe

Thursday, Dungannon, 7.15pm

TITLE holders Errigal Ciaran face Ardboe in the Tyrone Senior Championship opener this Thursday evening. Ardboe are bringing through a lot of talented young players but it’d still be a shock if Errigal don’t find a way through.

Verdict: Errigal Ciaran

Gortin v Pomeroy

Friday, Omagh, 6.45pm

TWO teams that struggled to make their mark in Division One this year. Gortin are playing in their first senior championship game for a long time, while Pomeroy are more experienced at this level. Pomeroy are the safer bet.

Verdict: Pomeroy

Killyclogher v Loughmacrory

Friday, Healy Park, 8.30pm

A REALLY exciting clash this one. Loughmacrory have been unlucky with injuries heading into this season’s campaign, but they’re still a very strong side. As are Killyclogher, so this could really go either way.

Verdict: Loughmacrory

Dungannon v Trilick

Saturday, Carrickmore, 6pm

A BUMPER crowd is expected at this one as Trillick and Dungannon meet for the third year running. Trillick are bidding for their third successive championship victory against the Clarke’s and maybe they’ll edge it by a point or two.

Verdict: Trillick

Omagh v Derrylaughan

Sunday, Pomeroy, 1.30pm

THIS was always going to be a difficult task for Derrylaughan and they haven’t been helped by a season-ending injury to their main score-getter Tomas Carney. Omagh should take their spot in the quarters.

Verdict: Omagh

Dromore v Edendork

Sunday, Pomeroy, 3.15pm

DROMORE are on a hot streak heading into this year’s championship while Edendork will also be happy with how their league campaign played out. Could be a really good game, this.

Verdict: Dromore

Carrickmore v Moortown

Sunday, Dungannon, 5.30pm

CARRICKMORE have been especially unlucky with injuries and they’re coming up against a Moortown side that won’t lie down. Maybe Carrickmore but an upset isn’t out of the question.

Verdict: Carrickmore

Galbally v Donaghmore

Sunday, Dungnanon, 7.15pm

THE big parish derby and it’s another tough one to call. Galbally had a super start to the season but their form took a dip in the latter stages of the league. A toss of the coin, really.

Verdict: Donaghmore

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND REPLAY

Beragh v Drumquin

Sunday, Killyclogher, 12pm

PRE-MATCH favourites Beragh were slow to get going in their drawn encounter against Drumquin on Sunday. Perhaps they’ll feel they have more room to improve when they meet again.

Verdict: Beragh

JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FIRST ROUND REPLAY

Derrytresk v Errigal Ciaran Thirds

Saturday, Carrickmore, 3.30pm

THESE two teams played out a topsy-turvy game last weekend that was very much influenced by the blustery weather conditions. Errigal did well to snatch a draw while Derrytresk also played some good stuff.

Verdict: Derrytresk