Great junior decider in prospect
Killeeshil's Darragh O'Neill is caught under pressure by the Dungannon Clarkes defence. INTT3611-703DCA
The 2011 Tyrone Junior Championship has produced a novel - but extremely appetising - concluding pairing, with Derrytresk and Killeeshil contesting Sunday’s final in Healy Park, Seamus Donnelly.
Killeeshil enter the game as favourites having secured the league honours already this year however Derrytresk’s form has been extremely impressive and will prove themselves to be more than capable opponents in the decider.
The St Mary’s will be aiming to secure their first Junior crown, indeed the only time Killeeshil ever contested a Junior Championship final was in 1976 when they were narrowly beaten by Dregish.
Incidentally Derrytresk’s last county final appearance also saw them fall to Dregish when the pair met in the 1970 Derrytresk going down 2-7 to 2-4.
The Fir an Chnoic won their only Junior title in 1955 and will be determined to bridge that 56 year gap on Sunday afternoon.
Killeeshil have been the form team in the Junior ranks this season and have already secured a quick return to the Intermediate ranks through the league.
The St Mary’s side contains a number of players who have senior championship experience with the club and that experience may stand to them on Sunday.
Their progress through the championship has been impressive thus far.
Following a comprehensive defeat of Castlederg they beat overcame neighbours Aghaloo in the quarter final.
Last time out Killeeshil enjoyed an eight point victory over Fintona to progress to Sunday’s final.
Earl Gormley, Kevin Magill and James Morris give the side a strong defensive shape while county star Kevin Hughes and John McMullan have the ability to dominate the midfield exchanges.
Shane Mallon and Ciaran Bannon have a great deal of experience and an eye for a score while Gary Reilly at centre half forward grabbed himself 5 points in the semi final and will be ignored at Derrytresk’s peril.
Derrytresk have also shown great form on their march to the final.
Having surprised Dungannon in the first round tie the Hill have grown in confidence as the championship has progressed.
They then overcame Drumquin in the last eight tie before seeing impressively seeing off Errigal Ciaran IIIs in their semi final encounter.
Derrytresk have proven themselves to be tight at the back this season, with goalkeeper Aidan Quinn marshalling his defence well.
Kevin Campbell and former county minor star Cathal O’Neill backbone the Derrytresk challenge. O’Neill, in particular, is well capable of getting forward for a score having spent much of his career to date as a forward.
The Derrytresk forward division led by Joe McKee and the experienced Mickey Rea have proven to be a serious handful for opposing defences, while Niall Gavin has been in prolific form as an attacker all season.
Gavin has the ability to take scores both from frees and play and the former county minor star’s consistency has been one of the main reasons for Derrytresk’s rejuvenated fortunes this year.
One twist to Sunday’s final means that should Killeeshil win Derrytresk’s fierce rivals Brocagh will be promoted automatically as league runners up.
This could provide the Hill men with a little extra motivation to triumph in Sunday’s decider
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Weather for Dungannon
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
