Donaghmore Defeat Galbally In Pulsating Contest

Sunday 14.09.2025

Championship Football

Tyrone’s feast of championship football came to an end on Sunday evening at O’Neill Park Dungannon with the derby clash between Galbally and parish rivals Donaghmore.

Many in the huge crowd assembled were expecting blood and thunder but what we had instead was a game for the ages with all that is good in Gaelic football once more on view for all to see.

Galbally looked the part early doors and on a couple of occasions led by six. However a patient and resolute Donaghmore side not only reduced the deficit but  had levelled the game by half time. Indeed a Conor Cush point early in the second half put his team in front for the first time leading 2-10 to 1-12.

The game got under way with Enda Mc Garrity opening the scoring as Galbally began with great pace to their game. The elusive Darragh Donaghy hit the net after eight minutes to put his team 1-2 to 0-1 in front with Donaghmore’s first point coming from Ryan Cush.

Both sides fired over some fine scores as the pace and intensity of the game built. Cormac Donnelly, Donaghy, Eoin O’Neill and Daniel Kerr landed points for the Galbally lads while Ronan Cassidy and Fergal Donaghy pointed for the Village and Noah Grimes hit the net.

There was little between the sides in terms of possession and chances and although Galbally led by five 1-9 to 1-4 it was clear that the pace and movement of the Donaghmore attack was causing their defence problems.

By the time the teams reached half time it was all square and momentum had shifted in favour of Donaghmore. Ronan Nugent and Daniel Kerr added points for Galbally but Conor Cush, Ronan Donnelly, Grimes and Cassidy pointed to narrow the gap. A second Donaghmore goal came courtesy of Joey Clarke and when Conor Cush scored just after the restart the comeback was all but complete. Noah Grimes came more into the game and caused Galbally all sorts of problems with his pace and movement. It was point for point as both teams went for broke but when it was needed most the Donaghmore team had the composure and finishing power to see them home. Ronan Cassidy’s goal with six minutes left was a body blow to the Pearses and although they battled hard to get back into the contest Galbally ran out of legs and ideas.

The game finished 3-24 to 1-24 in favour of Donaghmore but the real winner on the night was Tyrone football and the Connolly’s of Moy Football Championship.