Trillick Defeat Clarkes In Championship Classic

Saturday 13.09.2025

Championship Football

Trillick 0-23 1-16 Dungannon Clarkes

After a couple of false starts, the Connollys of Moy Tyrone Senior championship burst into life after Trillick and Dungannon served up a classic in Carrickmore.

These two heavyweights usually bring out the best in each other, and tonight was no different. The pulsating clash saw the sides go the distance, both sides getting off the deck at various stages but with the neutrals hoping for another day out, Trillick used all their know how and quality to somehow find a way.

A breathtaking opening half saw Seanie O’Donnell open the scoring before Paudi McNulty had the first goal chance, but his shot was smothered by Joe Maguire. Paul Donaghy opened his account in the 4th minute. It was end to end stuff. Ryan Gray scored, and then James Quinn levelled before a two pointer from Ciaran Daly and a Liam Corry point edged Trillick 3 clear on 9 minutes. A huge 50m free from Paul Donaghy and another score from a placed ball tied it up as the frantic pace continued. The score of the half arrived in the 14th minute. Dalaigh Jones survived a big hit before steadying himself a launching a two pointer., and the Clarkes were in front for the first time.

Patrick Quinn almost got the first goal but had to settle for a point after Maguire pushed his drive over.

Trillick’s response was immediate, and they seized the initiative back with Gray, Corry, and Brennan on target. A quality Donaghy point after a super dummy levelled the scores again at 9 a piece. Once again, Trillick pressed forward three scores in as many minutes with Mattie Donnelly and James Garrity stretched the lead. Dungannon bounced back. Paul Donaghy kicked a 45, and James Quinn won the kick out and tapped over before Lee Brennan had the final say of the half with a two point free to give the Reds a 14-11 lead at the interval.

Dungannon got the perfect start to the second half. Paddy Quinn’s point attempt ballooned in the air but dropped in the square. Lorcan Mallon claimed the loose ball and smashed to the net. The Clarkes were back on top with the passing of Matthew Quinn probing and setting up scores for his brother James and Donaghy. Ciaran Daly’s second two pointer brought the sides level again for the seventh time as the third quarter drew to a close.

The momentum continued to swing as Leo Hughes set up Ryan Jones but his shot cannoned back into play off the crossbar. Trillick went straight down the field, and a Ryan Gray shot beat Daire Martin but McNulty got back to clear off the line.

James Garrity edged Trillick back in front with ten remaining, but once again, the lead changed hands following a Donaghy two pointer. Both sides had opportunities, but Dungannon were still in front when five minutes of additional time was signalled.

As so often when Trillick needed coolness, they turned to Lee Brennan, and once again, he delivered. Converting a two point free to put his side in front. Garrity doubled the advantage, Dungannon will regret taking a solo and go free instead of the shot at two. With time nearly up Brennan confirmed victory with a fantastic two pointer.

A wonderful game with Trillick delighted to be in the hat for tomorrow night‘s draw.