Despite many sports clubs taking a well-deserved summer break we were still treated to some fantastic action throughout the month of June.
We begin with Gaelic football and at the start of the month Tyrone ACL Division 3 opponents Clogher Eire Ogs and Beragh Red Knight contested an entertaining game, which included a great exhibition of scores, and resulted in both teams sharing the points. In Division 1, the month of June proved mixed for Carrickmore St Colmcilles. Seamus McCallan’s side firstly recorded a comfortable home victory over Greencastle St Patricks, thanks to two goals from Aidan Fullerton, before travelling to Clonoe a week and a half later where they were defeated by an impressive Rahilly’s side after going down to 14 men near the end of the first half. The win for the Rahilly’s kept them on course to stay on top of the Division 1 table.
In another midweek game John McKeever’s Coalisland snatched a late victory over rivals Ardboe thanks to a late goal from forward Patrick McNeice. The win also keeps their top 4 ambitions alive.
From Tyrone ACL to Ulster provincial and Down met a fancied Monaghan side in the Ulster Senior Football championship semi-finals at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh. This game proved to be the game of the 2017 Championship season so far, as Eamon Burns’s side defied all the odds to deservedly book their place in the Ulster Senior Football Championship final where they will now meet Tyrone in what will hopefully be an equally exciting encounter.
Finally, in the Tyrone Senior Hurling league, Dungannon Eoghan Ruadh recorded a comfortable victory over county opponents Killyclogher St Marys, a day after Lawerence McHugh’s side had recorded a massive victory over Carryduff in the Antrim Division 3/4 Senior Hurling league. After what has been a fantastic season so far, they currently sit top of that league as well.
In other sports news Fermanagh and Western club Dunbreen Rovers hosted a charity football match with proceedings going to the Keep Billy Alive 2 campaign in aid of Castlederg youngster Billy Caldwell who is seeking treatment to aid his continuous battle with epilepsy. A very well organised event which provided a day of entertainment throughout, including astonishing saves from goalkeeper Martin McGillion.
Congratulations once again too to all the teams and individuals who gained success in the last month! We can look forward to another great month of local sport ahead.
This blog is dedicated to Dominic Earley, a young, ambitious sports enthusiast who tragically lost his life as a result of a Road Traffic Accident at the beginning of the month. Dominic was a valuable gael for Tattyreagh St Patrick's and member of backroom staff for Cavan GAA. Condolences to his loving family, friends and his partner Maria at this very sad time.