Clonoe Secure Double

Sunday 19.10.2025

Club

Clonoe 2-13 1-14 Eglish

Clonoe claimed the Connolly’s of Moy Tyrone Intermediate title at the expense of Eglish after a riveting encounter in O’Neill Park Dungannon on Sunday evening. The O’Rahillys maintained their unbeaten record throughout their 15 league and 4 championship games, but they were pushed all the way by an excellent Eglish side.

A large crowd gathered, expecting a decent contest, and they weren’t left disappointed as both sides attacked from the outset. Captain Declan McClure got Clonoe on the scoresheet first in the sixth minute, but Eglish struck for the first goal moments later, Luke Donnelly judging a high floating delivery expertly before finishing to the net. The lead didn’t last long. Clonoe won their restart before Go Man of the match PJ Lavery combined with Conor McAliskey and Lavery cooly sloting home. Luke Donnelly and Decky McClure were both on target as the sides were level after the first quarter.

Eglish were winning the break ball around the middle, and it allowed them to race four clear helped by an Ethan Jordan two point free and a brace of Conor Holmes points. Dan McNulty having the final say in the half with a point as Clonoe trailed 1-5 to 1-8.

A 36th-minute goal from corner back James Taggart after Fintan McClure did well to keep the ball in play tied matters up. Both sides missed opportunities, but this just added to the tension. The recently introduced Eoin Mansell put Clonoe back in front, before two Conor McAliskey frees left three between eight to play. Eglish responded with a two point free from Ethan Jordan and Conor McKenna, who had been introduced just before half-time. used all his experience to fist over to level the game with six to go.

Ryan McCabe and Colm Byrne swapped points down the stretch, and the game looked like it was heading for a replay Clonoe created a goal chance for Decky McClure but the chance was smothered away. Clonoe continued to press forward and their pressure forced a 45, which Dan McNulty converted in the first of three additional minutes. Conor McAliskey added another as he burst through and fisted over. Despite Conor McKenna’s centre being fisted goalwards by the excellent Turlough Muldoon, the Clonoe defence stood firm.

Referee Kieran Eannetta sounded his whistle to joyous scenes as Clonoe celebrated on and off the pitch. Declan McClure lifting the Paddy Cullen Cup in the Dessie Slater Stand, special mention must go to the Clarkes as the pitch was in fantastic shape despite the heavy rain.