Kildress won their first major title since 2011 and their first-ever Under 21 crown when they won the Tyrone Grade II 21 title with a convincing win over neighbours Greencastle at Dungannon today. Whilst Colm Loughran’s 2-2 and Matty McGuigan’s 0-5 caught the eye, this was a victory underpinned by an outstanding defence where Adam Connolly absolutely sparkled as sweeper.
Playing into a strong wind in the first half Kildress nonetheless reached half-time with an 0-5 to 0-4 lead. With the wind now in their favour, a searing run from Matty Mullan set up Corey Holland for the first goal and Mullan then immediately placed Colm Loughran for a point, putting Kildress into a commanding five-point lead.
Driven on by Sean Fox and Gavin Slane, Greencastle refused to wilt but were held out by a water-tight Tones defence whilst at the other end Kildress racked up a further 2-3 to reach a final score of Kildress 3-9, Greencastle 0-5.
This was a great team performance with everybody playing their part but a special mention should go to that outstanding defence. At the end of the game Kildress captain Jonathon Connolly was presented with the trophy from Adrian Scullin from the Tyrone Competitions Control Committee. Well done all from everybody in the Club and a special mention for the Team Management for all their efforts over the summer in winning this first title.
Team and scorers: Ruari Monaghan, Martin Loughran, Eoghan Hagan, Aaron Loughran, Shane McNally, Jonathon Connolly, Stephen Loughran, Enda McAleer (0-1), Darren O’Kane (0-1), Corey Holland (1-0), Cormac McNally, Matthew Mullan, Matthew McGuigan (0-5), Colum Loughran (2-2) and Adam Connolly. Subs: Charlie Conway, Cormac McNally, Ruari Quinn, Michael John Connolly, Caolan Mullin, Francis Og Quinn, Conal Heagney, Peter Daly, Conor Quinn and Caolan Loughran
