Loughmacrory Make History

Sunday 26.10.2025

Championship Football

Loughmacrory 0-18 2-11 Trillick

Loughmacrory have been crowned Connollys of Moy Tyrone Senior champions for the first time in their history. The St Teresa’s men defeated a classy Trillick side in an excellent, highly entertaining showpiece at Healy Park on Sunday afternoon.

Loughmacrory played with wind advantage in the first half but it was Trillick who opened brightly, Charlie Donnelly, Lee Brennan and Simon Garrity on target in the opening five minutes.

Loughmacrory soon found their rhythm however and reeled off seven points in as many minutes to firmly seize control. Cathal Donaghy kicking a two pointer, as the winners dominated the restarts, with Ronan Fox particularly effective. Lough almost claimed the opening goal but Eoin McElholm saw his shot rebound off the post after he intercepted the kick out in the 11th minute.

A fine point from Rory Brennan after he claimed the kick out and drove forward was followed by his brother Lee attempting a two pointer but it fell short and wasn’t dealt with properly and Ciaran Daly forced the ball home to level the game with 20 minutes gone.

The sides exchanged the next four scores before a super McElholm two pointer and a point from Aodhan Donaghy saw Loughmacrory lead 0-12 1-6 at the interval.

Go Man of the match Cathal Donaghy kicked the opening two scores on the resumption but Trillick were back in the game in the third minute. Joe Maguire’s kick out was flicked on to Ciaran Daly who raced forward in tandem with Mattie Donnelly. They combined before Daly drilled the size five to the net for his second goal of the afternoon.

Cathal Donaghy kicked the next score to keep three between them. Mattie Donnelly and Ruairi McCullagh swapped quality points before scores from Liam Gray and Lee Brennan left the minimum in it at the beginning of the final quarter.

A sixth point from Ruairi McCullagh doubled the lead with ten minutes remaining. Trillick pressed forward and Richie Donnelly punched over and Lee Brennan had the easiest free to level aftera Loughmacrory 3 man breach. The final five minutes saw both sides miss chances but in the final minute a fantastic run from McElholm gave Gareth Donaghy the opportunity for him to put Loughmacrory back in front.

The final three minutes of additional time saw Loughmacrory retain possession and hold on for a deserved and historic victory. Nathan Kelly delivered an outstanding acceptance speech and raised the O’Neill Cup as Loughmacrory etched their name into the history books.