Loughmacrory Reach Connolly’s Of Moy Semi final

Sunday 28.09.2025

Championship Football

Loughmacrory 1-17 2-10 Donaghmore

Loughmacrory created club history on Sunday afternoon when they qualified for their first Tyrone Senior semi-final at the expense of Donaghmore, following a highly entertaining Connollys of Moy Senior championship game in Dungannon.

The large crowd saw Loughmacrory get off to a rapid start. Pauric Meenagh opening the scoring in the first minute with a two pointer. Cathaoir Gallagher tested Cormac McCartan’s reflexes in the next attack, but the keeper did well to push the shot around the post.

McCartan was called upon again in the 8th minute, denying Ruairi McCullagh, but Oisin McCallan was on hand to finish the rebound to the net. Gareth Donaghy extended the lead to six, but Donaghmore finally sprang into life in the 13th minute. Ronan Donnelly kicked a two pointer before Joey Clarke played a one two with Ronan Cassidy and fired to the net.

Loughmacrory countered with Cathaoir Gallagher and a two pointer from Go Man of the match Cathal Donaghy to re-establish a four point advantage. Gareth Donaghy’s shot was tipped over the bar as Loughmacrory continued to set the pace. Ruairi McCullagh’s point was probably the score of the half, but Donaghmore clawed themselves back into the contest with three late scores from Cormac McCann to reduce the deficit to three at the interval. (1-9  to 1-6).

Ronan Cassidy reduced the lead further before Loughmacrory pushed forward with scores from McCullagh, Eoin McElholm and a two pointer from McCullagh saw the lead grow to seven as the game entered its final quarter. Donaghmore’s shooting was poor during this period with five wides and a couple of shots dropping short into the grateful hands of Oisin O’Kane.

The game seemed to be getting away from Donaghmore but a two pointer from Conor Cush sparked a revival and when Joey Clarke combined again with Cassidy he was left in oceans of space before unleashing an unstoppable shot and it was game on, with ten to play. Things nearly got even better for the village, but Noah Grimes, who had been well marshalled by Arnoldas Macidulskas, dragged his shot wide.

Needing a score, Cathal Donaghy struck an important point and late points from Ruairi McCullagh kicking a brace of frees to confirm a memorable victory and a semi final place for the lads from the Loch.