Adult Reports 2004

Congratulations to Pomeroy on completing the Intermediate double, and to Killeeshil who will join them in Senior football next year.

A goal in the opening minute from Drumquin's Emmet McPhilemy transpired to be the difference in this Division 2 promotion play-off in a muddy Drumquin on Sunday afternoon. McPhilemy's strike giving the Tones a 3-point cushion that set up a clash with Eskra for a place in the intermediate play-off final.

In a tough, uncompromising fixture, the home side extended their advantage via Paul McLaughlin, and McPhilemy again, before Mickey Dooher tapped over the visitor's first point of the afternoon on 14 minutes. Minutes later Sean OgDevine replicated to give the Leckpatrick side hope.

Within 5 minutes of Devine's score, Brendan Boggs left the field of play after picking up an injury on the ankle that denied the County Minor star from an All-Ireland starting berth. Thankfully scans later showed up a bad sprain, and not the break that was first feared. In the last minute of the half McLaughlin tagged on another effort for the hosts to give them a half time lead of 4 points.

The first scores of the second period would be crucial to the eventual outcome of this game, and unfortunately for Owen Roe it was the men in white shirts that hit them, Ryan McMenamin and the influential Liam Patterson in range. Paddy McNulty pulled another back for the Glen men, before Ciaran Colton regained the six-point buffer with only 12 minutes to go.

The Roe's though were far from finished; Declan McCrossan got his first for the day from a dead ball, and almost immediately repeated the dose to stoke up the flames of hope. At this stage the O'Neills were on top, and were encamped in the Drumquin half. With 6 minutes left they almost got a major boost when Kevin Moore was tumbled on his way to goal, but the ref adjudged the foul to have occurred outside the penalty zone. McNulty tapped over a minute later to narrow the gap, but Drumquin defended stoically and suffocated the O'Neill's attack preventing them from getting the goal they craved. Eventually the ref blew for time to give the Wolf Tones revenge for their earlier Championship defeat.

This now ends the football season for Owen Roe. A season where the target of establishing their place in Div 2 was attained, and also coming within a few seconds of a County final. For Drumquin, it is off to Beragh on Sunday for a clash with Eskra. Click here to view more actions shots from this game.

Owen Roe: Dylan Early, Paul Kelly, Kevin Doherty, Paul Phillips, Aidan Christy, Noel Mullen, Steven Dooher, Declan McCrossan (0-2), Kevin Moore, Mickey Kelly snr, Brendan Boggs, Paddy McNulty (0-2), Sean OgDevine (0-1), Ronan Parker, Mickey Dooher (0-1) Subs: Stephen Kelly

The footballers of Owen Roe caused a minor upset on Sunday, by ending the promotion bid of Rock by four points at a gusty Greencastle. However both sides had a somewhat makeshift look about them, as prior engagements denied the contest of several key performers, the Doherty brothers Willie and Kevin among the missing for Leckpatrick, and Tyrone’s Ciaran Gourley among the absent for Rock.

It was the O’Neills who started the game the brighter, and backed by a healthy breeze opened the scoring via a Ronan Parker free on five minutes. If the North Tyrone outfit were hoping to build on this good start they got it one minute later. Declan McCrossan picked up the ball in his own half, and scythed through the heart of the Rock rearguard brushing aside several challenges. McCrossan’s flicked pass to Sean Og Devine gave the full forward the easy opportunity of slamming the ball past the keeper, which he did with conviction.

At this stage Owen Roe were rampant with McCrossan to the fore in all the positive play that they produced. In the 11^th minute the All-Ireland winner knocked over a 45 to open his account for the day, and repeated the feat twice in the ensuing ten minutes to maintain the Roe’s momentum. McCrossan’s third point a monster score from 50 yards out.

In between all this though Rock could’ve got back into it. A high ball into the attacking zone caused hesitation, which was apprehended by the St.Patrick’s attacker whose shot was beat away by the diving Dylan Early.

As the half closed, Leckpatrick continued to attack knowing that a first half buffer was required in order to neutralise the second half breeze that Rock would have. Brendan Boggs picked up the ball in midfield and fed McCrossan once more. The ball eventually coming to Parker who teed up the gallivanting halfback Steven Dooher who notched up an eight-point interval lead.

It was expected that Rock would come back into the fixture more in the second half in a bid to salvage their season. However it was a McCrossan free that opened the second half scoring account to leave the East Tyrone outfit nine points adrift. Rock nonetheless were down, but not yet out, and within minutes of McCrossan’s effort had chalked up three points. However the Roe’s had a point to prove, and determined defending by Noel Mullan, Paul Phillips and the tireless Devine repressed the attacking threat that was being delivered.

With 18 minutes of the contest remaining Rock were given a lifeline as the referee sent Mark O’Neill to the line for an incident seen only by the man in the middle. With five minutes remaining, Mickey Kelly was given his senior debut in place of the injured Paul Kelly.

Numerical advantage was not to prove decisive however as Rock were only able to notch on two further scores to leave Owen Roe victors on a 1-6 to 0-5 scoreline.

Next up for the Leckpatrick side is a trip to Drumquin in, what for all intents and purposes, is a promotion quarterfinal. Throw in is at 2pm with the winners facing Eskra in the next phase.

Picture Above: McCrossan's point is clapped by Ronan Parker, and the Rock defender looks abject.

It was very much a case of mission accomplished at Pairc an Ghleanna on Sunday, as the home side secured the two points that were required to retain Intermediate status for another year. However word filtered through after the final whistle that Rock had dropped a point in Eskra leaving the St.Patricks level on points with the North Tyrone side in the last promotion play-off spot. Unfortunately the club’s celebrations were muted due to a horrific first half injury picked up by midfielder Chris Kelly.

Half forward Paddy McNulty was first to trouble the scorers on Sunday with a well-taken point in the opening seconds. Brackaville, contrary to some sections of the media, did not lie down but came back strong, and pushed the O’Neills back with intense, combative football. Within 10 minutes of McNulty’s opener, the visitors had a 3-point lead with Paul Rouse among the scorers.

Brendan Boggs, making his first appearance in Club colours since June switched to midfield, and started to unsettle the Brackaville play with his energetic bursts. When Declan McCrossan clipped over on 22 minutes, it lifted a relentless spell of pressure that the East Tyrone men had applied.

With four minutes of the half, came a harrowing moment. Chris Kelly the O’Neill’s number 8 appeared to slip on the turf and landed awkwardly. A 45-minute delay followed as an ambulance was called for to take the midfielder to hospital, where a bad leg break was treated. If the home side had appeared lethargic, and nervous before this, a different side emerged from the dressing room after this. Fired up by the will to win, Sean og Devine shot over just pre the half time whistle to leave one in it.

Suddenly the green and reds individually upped their game, Kevin Doherty, and Aiden Christy galvanising the defence into the first stage of attack. In the top third of the field, Mark O’Neill was putting on an exhibition of wing forward football, and Ronan Parker was fighting to offer a great outlet for balls into the forwards. Within minutes McCrossan had them level, and could’ve had a goal when his fisted effort was beat away.

With a third of the contest remaining Mark O’Neill clipped over a top class point, after Stevie Dooher had recovered the ball in a breaking situation. McCrossan added another as the huge Leckpatrick support sensed that safety was in sight.

Brackaville were reduce to 14 men in the 47th minute, as their half back picked up a second yellow, which provides an indication of the hunger and passion that Brackaville brought to Glenmornan. Numerical disadvantage did not seem to deter the away side, as the pointed to reduce the arrears to one with just ten minutes to go. The game was back in the melting pot, as it swayed from end to end. Nevertheless O’Neill, following work from Parker, dissected the sticks with two minutes left to finally see off the challenge.

This victory secured Division 2 football in Leckpatrick for another season, and Rock’s dropped points in Eskra mean that on Sunday at 2pm the St.Patricks and O’Neills meet in Greencastle in a contest to earn the right to join the promotion play-off slot.

Post game however, everyone’s thoughts were not of survival, or of promotion, but of their fellow club man Chris Kelly. All at Owen Roe wish the big man well, and hope to see him back in the number 8 jersey soon.

One of the most controversial two points gained ever by an Owen Roe side, could prove to be crucial in the Club's bid to avoid the relegation play-offs. The Owen Roe side took to the field at 4.15pm yesterday to warm up for the 5pm throw in. Referee Alan Richardson arrived in Glenmornan at approx 4:35pm, and waited for the visiting Rock side to emerge. With no sign of the visitors, the ref decided at 5:25 that the game should begin.

Kevin Moore contested the throw-in and sent Sean Og Devine away who shot to an empty net. The referee then ended the game. At this stage the Rock squad arrived by coach to the realization of what had occurred. Obviously this game may end up being decided in the board rooms.

This crucial relegation ‘4 pointer’ saw the North Tyrone side emerge winners in the clash of Brackaville Owen Roe and Owen Roe Leckpatrick. In truth this was hardly a game for the purists, with absolutely atrocious conditions making any sort of conducive football nigh on impossible. This was reflected in the underused score board which ended up with an improbable 0-4 to 0-3 result.

However although low in skill, the game was high on endeavor and spirit, as both teams battled to get the two points that would be crucial in their bids to stave off the relegation play-off zone. It was the visitors who emerged quickest from the whistle and were encamped in the Brackaville half for much of the opening period. However the hosts were first to raise a white flag as they fired over after just two minutes of the contest.

The Leckpatrick response was swift, but unfortunately it was not prolific as Sean og Devine, and both Aidan and Declan McCrossan fired over when placed. Minutes later came the best move of the contest. Defensive duo Kevin Doherty and Noel Mullen worked the ball out well to Chris Kelly. Kelly in turn sent Ronan Parker away, whose rasping dive smashed off the cross bar and back into play. However the O’Neill outfit got back on level terms in the 16^th minute when Chris Kelly knocked over a free kick.

The lead didn’t last long as Brackaville went back in front with eight minutes of the half remaining. At the other end last year’s Junior League winners were still making chances, none more so than the one fashioned in the 26^th minute of the half. Half forward Declan McCrossan picked up the ball with his back to goal, before skinning the Brackaville defender. McCrossan though shot agonisingly wide with just the keeper to beat. This left the half-time score an incredible 0-2 to 0-1 in favour of the men from East Tyrone.

Minutes into the second half Brackaville had extended their advantage to 0-3 to 0-1, before they too missed a critical gilt edge chance to hit the net, as the Brackaville hit man screwed his shot wide of the posts with just the keeper to beat. Kevin Moore got Palor McNulty’s men back within touching distance with a point from play on the 41-minute mark. Both defences continued to dominate though, as Aidan Christy, Noel Mullan and Kevin Doherty all covered valuable ground in aid of the cause.

With 7 minutes of the game to go, the scores were tied as Declan McCrossan glided over a free from 25 yards out. The game was now in the melting point, and one kick of the ball could spell the difference between another season in Division 2 or relegation to Division 3. Both times tried frantically to get the opening that could provide the haven of victory.

As the game entered the last minute of the contest it was the visitors who sprung a hero from the bench. Sub Mickey Dooher, who had just come on minutes earlier, picked up the ball some 30 yards from goal, almost tight on the sideline. However the experienced Dooher was unperturbed as he stepped inside the challenge before bending a beautiful point between the sticks to give his two points that could be so, so crucial when the season ends.

The extreme of possibilities provided by the new ‘play-off’ style system incorporated in Tyrone has resulted in a diverse awry of potential outcomes to the 2004 football season. Only weeks ago the O’Neills found themselves into the last four of the Championship, and nicely placed for a promotion play-off spot. Now the Championship dream has ended, and on Sunday the realistic spectre of relegation has loomed over Leckpatrick, as Clogher took the spoils 1-8 to 0-8.

To be fair this was an Owen Roe side that was still suffering from the aches and bruises of the previous week’s Championship heartache. Willie Doherty and Paul Kelly missed their first games of the season, and when Kevin Doherty went off injured after 20 minutes, the entire first choice fullback line had been eradicated. Noel Mullan, Paul Bradley, Stephen Boyle and Sean OgDevine also failing to make throw in.

Despite this the O’Neills started with a flurry and knocked over a couple of early scores which it was hoped would provide a platform for victory, with Declan McCrossan, Mal Gallagher, and Aidan McCrossan all sending over the bar in the opening quarter. Clogher hit back with a couple of scores of their own, but at half time the men from Leckpatrick were playing well, and led 0-7 to 0-4. Three more Aidan McCrossan scores, and one from the other McCrossan sibling doing the damage.

The second half though was to be 30 minutes that the North Tyrone side will want to forget. Despite dominating possession for extended periods, it seemed like the shooting boots had been left in the dressing room. At the other end Clogher edged slowly back into the contest. Eventually Chris Kelly registered a score for the green and reds to give them back a two-point lead.

Despite being condemned to a relegation play-off, Clogher were determined to keep picking up points that could prove valuable when determining their end of season play-off fate. With five minutes remaining they struck for what proved to be match-winning goal, as the full forward drove an effort past the diving Dylan Early in goal. The green and reds were crest fallen, and the valley men tagged on two more points, to end the tie 1-8 to 0-8 to Clogher.

Team: Dylan Early, Paul Phillips, Kevin Doherty,Mickey Kelly, Sean Mor Devine, Steven Dooher, Aidan Christy, Kevin Moore, Chris Kelly (0-1), Ronan Parker, Declan McCrossan (0-2), Paddy McNulty, Mal Gallagher (0-1), Mickey Dooher, Aidan McCrossan (0-4).

The diversity of emotion of Championship football was very much in evidence in Newtonstewart on Saturday evening as the footballers of Eskra and Owen Roes squared up for this semi-final replay. With time up on the watch at the end of extra-time wing-forward Joe McCarroll popped over a winning free kick to send the Emmets into the Paddy Cullen Championship final for the first time in their history.

As well as having the last say, McCarroll also had the first as he notched over the opening point of the contest in the 6^th minute. However the lead didn’t last long, as Declan McCrossan knocked over twice in succession to give the O’Neills the advantage. By the twenty-minute mark, Aidan McCrossan and Chris Kelly had added to the Roes’ lead as the green and reds wrested control of proceedings.

The previous Friday both of these sides had fought out a ding-dong encounter, with the lead changing hands several times, and Saturday nights follow up was going to provide the same course. One minute after Kelly’s effort, Eskra were level. Paul Kelly, and Mark McCarroll contested a ball into the danger zone, and it was the Eskra number 14 who managed to glove it past Dylan Early in goal. This strike visibly lifted the men from the valley, as Cathal McNamee started to shine in midfield.

Suddenly Eskra were on fire. As half time approached, Joe McCarroll knocked over three points to complement one from Paul Turbett. From such a strong position the Leckpatrick side found themselves 1-5 to 0-4 down at the break.

At half time, Palor McNulty sent Mickey Dooher into the fray to add some strength to the Roes’ forward line, and what an impact the sub was to have. Within a minute of the restart Declan McCrossan had reduced the arrears, before Dooher struck. An elevated ball into the box was well caught by the substitute who swiveled and rifled a thumping shot past the Eskra keeper to level the contest. Turbett hit back straight away, but Roes were on the ascendancy as D McCrossan from a free knocked over to level again.

The contest was now up for grabs. By the 42^nd minute the North Tyrone men held a two-point advantage, as twice Mickey Dooher knocked over to the delight of the green and red hoards in the crowd. Joe McCarroll struck back almost straight away to reduce the gap to the bare minimum once more. It really was edge of the seat football, as both sides pressed for the score that would prove to be most crucial. Credit however to both defences as clear scoring chances was rare. Niall McGinn for Eskra impressing, as did Aidan Christy and Stephen Dooher for the O’Neills. Nonetheless with only minutes of the game remaining fortune swung in favour of Eskra. Sean OgDevine had a fine shot that clipped the upright before coming back into play. Substitute Keirnan Kelly was first to react yards out, but couldn’t quite get to the ball with the keeper stranded.

Just when time looked to have finally caught up with Eskra they were afforded one last chance. As was the case just eight days earlier the Emmets were awarded a free-kick deep into injury time, and once more it was that man McCarroll who proved to be the coolest person in the ground as he typically knocked over to send the tie into extra-time.

Despite the last gasp body blow afflicted on them the O’Neills were first out of the blocks in extra time, as Kevin Moore, and Paul Bradley started to win the midfield battle. Chances though were going begging as fatigue inevitably started to tell. At the other end though Joe McCarroll again proved his value to send over a free at the half time change. Just after the change it was the turn of Mark McCarroll to send over to give his side a two-point cushion. But this tie still wasn’t over.

Ronan Parker got Owen Roes back in touch with a fine score, before Stephen Dooher galloped forward from his wingback roll to level things yet again in the last minute of the contest. From the kick out Kevin Moore crucially won possession to fed Declan McCrossan who powered forward. As McCrossan lined up to shoot, he appeared to be brought down by the defending side. Play was waved on and it was the turn of the Emmets to break as the game entered the one-minute of injury time that was signalled.

Eskra broke at pace, and earned a free of their own just inside the Roe’s 45 yard line. Amazingly for the third time in the contest, Joe McCarroll was given the opportunity of striking a last gasp free. This time though the free wasn’t a game saving one, but a match winning one. Typically McCarroll dispatched it with impressive coolness to end the contest and break the hearts of the men from North Tyrone. Click here for more action shots, including Kevin Moores great high catch.

Owen Roes: Dylan Early, Paul Kelly, Kevin Doherty, Willie Doherty, Stephen Dooher (0-1), Noel Mullen, Aidan Christy, Chris Kelly (0-1), Kevin Moore, Sean og Devine, Paddy McNulty, Mickey Kelly, Mal Gallagher, Declan McCrossan (0-4), Aidan McCrossan (0-1).

Subs: Mickey Dooher (1-2) for Mickey Kelly 30mins, Ronan Parker (0-1) for Mal Gallagher 36mins, Paul Bradley for Paddy McNulty 40mins, Kiernan Kelly for Aidan McCrossan 49mins, Paddy McNulty for Chris Kelly 55mins, Aidan McCrossan for Paddy McNulty 67mins, Chris Kelly for Kiernan Kelly 75mins, Mickey Kelly for Paul Kelly 78mins.

Read how others viewed the match below is an extract from the match report from The Tyrone Times' Damien Donnelly

From Tyrone Times, Friday, September 10th:

Intermediate championship semi-final replay

Epic episode ends with applause all round
Eskra…………………………………… 1-11
Owen Roes…………………………… 1-10
AET

TROUBLED BBC soap, 'Eastenders', could do with the sort of dramatic, cliff hanging script that made this Intermediate semi-final replay at Newtownstewart on Saturday evening real edge-of-the-seat entertainment, writes Damien Donnelly.

This was proper reality viewing, a game that had just about everything, a sequel wrought with highs and lows that swung every which way but loose before going into more screen time with 20 extra minutes at the end to finally sort out who would reach the Cullen Cup showdown scene.
In an ideal world, both these brave teams would have taken some reward from their exertions. But this is the real world of sport and there cannot be happy endings for everyone, Owen Roes the unfortunate side to miss out after putting in some two and a half hours of toil over the two games.
Eskra just shaded the story here, Joe McCarroll the cool hero of the piece with a majestic winning point arriving right as the credits were about to roll at the end of extra time.

McCarroll had played much more than a cameo role in this football soap opera, as had so many players on both teams. He annexed 1-7 the week before and rattled over eight points in this replay, equalising points at the end of normal time in both games testimony to his nerve under pressure.
Joe, though, will be the first to concede that this replay, like the week before, was not about any one individual.

It was about two honest, committed teams who gave their all and then some more. Limbs and various parts ot the anatomy ached after it was all over, not in the sense of a violent game by any means but rather because of the added playing time involved and the high octane effort levels put in from both camps.

It all began, as most good productions do, rather tamely with the two sets of players taking time to settle as the rain fell. But that man McCarroll opened the scoring with a point on 5 minutes, Declan McCrossan cancelling the point out on the 10-minute mark.
McCrossan then gave his side the lead for the first time with another clever point from play on 12 minutes, Aidan McCrossan and Chris Kelly adding singles as the Roes enjoyed a decent spell on top.

They should have made more of such a spell, though, Eskra coming back to parity with one key strike on 20 minutes, Conor McGirr knocking the ball through the centre and Mark McCarroll got a second bite before flicking into the net beyond Roes keeper Dylan Early.
Eskra now hit a productive patch, Joe McCarroll and Danny Woods landing points prior to a brace of first-rate McCarroll points, the last of which owed much to the quick thinking of Woods.

That burst left Eskra 1-5 to 0-4 in front at the interval but the pendulum swung back once more in favour of Owen Roes after the restart, the influential Declan McCrossan, now operating around midfield, hoisting over a super point on 31 minutes.
Roes sub Mickey Dooher made a quick impact on 33 minutes, capitalising on a defensive slip to crack the ball into the roof of the Eskra net, levelling the tie in the process.

Paul Turbitt had a steadying point for the Emmets but McCrossan thumped over a free to square matters again after 37 minutes.
Dooher grabbed a point on 40 minutes but McCarroll hit the target to enable Eskra to share the lead, Dooher again making his mark 10 minutes from time with a well-judged point.

Eskra full-back Dermot Cullen had to come off injured at this point, the Emmets later losing impressive midfielder Cathal McNamee through injury as well, the Roes also introducing fresh legs at regular intervals.

Time was ticking away for Eska but a long-range McCarroll free on 60 minutes sent the game into extra time, the teams locked together on 1-8 each.
The first period of extra time was somewhat cagey, both sides off target but McCarroll pointed a free near the short whistle to leave Eskra slender 1-9 to 1-8 leaders with 10 more minutes to play.

Mark McCarroll was playing well out at midfield now, Stephen McKenna moving effectively into full-back. McCarroll had a precious point as well midway through the second period as his side crept closer to a final spot.

Owen Roes were not finished yet, however, Ronan Parker pulling a point back and then half-back Stephen Dooher fired over an equaliser on 79 minutes.
The game went into added time at the end and all looked set for another replay until Joe McCarroll delivered from that all-important free, Owen Roes feeling aggrieved that Declan McCrossan had not won a free just before. But McCarroll was destined to have the final heroic act of this absorbing double episode.

The senior footballers of Owen Roe O’Neills and Eskra Emmets have to fight it out all over again for a place in the 2004 Intermediate Championship Final, after a superb ding-dong clash ended all square on Friday evening in Newtonstewart. With time up on the watch, and the contest in deepest injury time Joe McCarroll knocked over a majestic free to earn a reprieve for his Eskra side that was probably deserved over the 60 minutes.

Indeed it was the Emmets who hit the ground running, and found themselves two points up by the sixth minute. However within four minutes they found themselves two points down. Willie Doherty won the ball in the Roe’s back line before feeding playmaker Paddy McNulty. McNulty picked out Declan McCrossan, who in turn released his younger brother Aiden. McCrossan junior still had a lot to do, before he nipped inside his marker, before blazing his drive in off the post for a finely taken goal. One minute later and the younger McCrossan pointed to give his men the lead.

However as was the case all night, Eskra marched back, and a high ball into the square saw their full forward in acres of space. Surprisingly the Emmet’s hit man decided not to pull the pull down, but instead flicked it superbly past the isolated Dylan Early in goal. Back came the O’Neills. Firstly Declan McCrossan knocked over a point, followed closely by forward partner Mal Gallagher, to put Leckpatrick one up again.

Bt the 23^rd minute things were looking good for Owen Roe. Paddy McNulty picked up the breaking ball from a kick out, and again picked out the run of Declan McCrossan. The Roe’s number 14 was tight on the touchline but sent a good cross-field ball into the arms of Gallagher lurking on the edge of the square. Gallagher turned and hammered the ball home to give the keeper no chance.

At this stage Aidan Christy, and the highly impressive Kevin Moore were on top in midfield, supplemented by Noel Mullen. Despite this Eskra were picking up enough ball to keep the scoreboard ticking over. With a minute to go McCarroll pointed again from a free to put three between them and in first half injury time, Eskra knocked over again to reduce the margin even more.

By the time 4 minutes of the second half had elapsed Owen Roe’s two point cushion had been eroded as twice in succession the lethal McCarroll found his range, only a superb Paddy McNulty point interjected another McCarroll effort, as the tie entered a tense phase of proceedings. In the 43^rd minute the Emmets took the lead for the first time since the end of the first quarter. The question now was could they press home their advantage, or would the O’Neills fight back.

Moore continued to have a fine game in the middle of the park. It was from one of the number 9s fine catches that proved to be the launch pad of an Owen Roes drive. Moore plucked the ball out of the air, and sent a great ball into D McCrossan. McCrossan was excessively tackled, and knocked over the resulting free himself to tie the contest.

Within three minutes the Roes had a two-point lead, and both from the boot of Sean OgDevine, who was in the middle of a purple patch. Things were now getting tense, but Eskra struck back again to reduce the lead to one. Indeed they might have had a goal when McCarroll was sent through on goal, but Early raced quickly from his line to intercept.

A frantic last few minutes was inevitably with Eskra pushing hard, and the O’Neills trying to break at every opportunity. As the game entered the one-minute of injury time that the referee had signalled the Emmet’s got their chance. Paul Kelly was adjudged to have fouled 35 yards from goal out on the right. Kelly then was unfortunately lined as he collected a second booking. From the resulting free kick McCarroll again found range, to end the contest in a draw. It is easy to forget after watching this most entertaining of games that both of these sides graduated from Junior football last season, and perhaps this is testament to the strength of the league structures in Tyrone. Coincidentally, the replay will be the 7th meeting of these two sides in 16 months.

Owen Roe: Dylan Early, Paul Kelly, Kevin Doherty, Willie Doherty, Stephen Dooher, Mickey Kelly, Stephen Boyle, Aidan Christy, Kevin Moore, Stephen Kelly, Sean og Devine (0-2), Paddy McNulty (0-1), Mal Gallagher (1-1), Declan McCrossan (0-2), Aidan McCrossan (1-1)

Despite dominating all of the first half Owen Roes suffered a clinical league defeat on Sunday. Greencastle emerged in the 2nd half and ran out relatively comfortable winners with a 4 point cushion.

Owen Roe: Dylan Early, Willie Doherty, Kevin Doherty, Paul Kelly, Stephen Boyle, Noel Mullen, Mickey Kelly, Chris Kelly (0-2), Aidan Christy, Sean og Devine, Stephen Dooher, Paddy McNulty (0-1), Mark O'Neill (0-1), Kevin Moore (0-1), Sean McBride Subs: Stephen Kelly, Mal Gallagher

The footballers of Owen Roe took inspiration from the Mayo team whose colours they adopted, when the Leckpatrick side defeated neighbours Drumquin in this Championship quarterfinal. Astonishingly this victory laid to rest an eight-year hoodoo for the Roes, as this was their first ever Championship victory since 1996!

The achievement was all the more remarkable when you consider the selection headache faced by the green and reds. Barely even to get 15 players summonsed up, Sean McBride lined out at full-forward nursing a broken toe, and Aidan Christy was forced to play as a make shift midfielder. Hero of the day however was Kevin Moore. Moore only arrived back in the country at 10am on the morning of the game, after travelling overnight from Spain. The last minute decision though was to pay huge dividends as the number 13 slammed in a crucial goal during the tie.

Both teams were forced to compete in horrendous conditions, as gale force wind and rain sapped the player’s energy as the game progressed. It was the Leckpatrick outfit that hit the ground running. Playing with the strong breeze Chris Kelly knocked over from 50 yards out in the 2^nd minute for a monster score, and several minutes later Mickey Dooher added to the total following great work by Sean McBride. Indeed the injured McBride was playing a blinder coming off the front two to fight for possession. In the 11^th minute this was to prove decisive.

A long raking pass was swallowed in by the corner forward, who spotted Moore breaking to the right of goal. Moore burst into the scoring zone, before thumping the ball low to the keeper’s bottom right for a maximum return. However despite Moore’s heroics Drumquin were holding on. In the defensive zones, only stout defending by Kevin Doherty, Stephen Boyle and Noel Mullen repelled the Wolf Tones attacks.

From one of these attacks Roes benefited. Mark O’Neill entered the fray for Stephen Boyle who pulled up lame. O’Neill was quickly in the action breaking at speed with Sean OgDevine. Devine’s ball into marauding half back Steven Dooher was pointed with aplomb. Drumquin though hit back straight away with their first point of the day in the 28^th minute to leave only five points in the contest. Roe’s reply though was as swift as it was vital. Within two minutes they had tagged on two further scores through Chris Kelly, and an impressive point from sub O’Neill.

If the O’Neill’s dominated the first half the second was certainly all Drumquin, as the Tones used the strong breeze to their benefit. Within 6 minutes of the restart they had rattled off 3 points, with two of them coming from the boot of Paul McLaughlin. Only 4 points stood between both sides, as the contest entered a captivating period. Critically for Owen Roe they pointed minutes later, with Devine bursting through to score.

A score now was going to prove crucial. Drumquin were now hoarding centre field in an attempt to close the gap. The 1994 Intermediate Champions were trying to break through the Roe’s rearguard, but typically resilient defending by Paul Kelly, Willie Doherty and co afforded them no path. As the game entered the final minutes the Roes looked home and dry, but Drumquin showed why they are near the top of Division 2 as they fought gallantly. Three scores in three minutes closed the gap to two, as nerves kicked in with the Leckpatrick men. Fortunately for them Drumquin just fell short, as the referee ended the contest to see Owen Roe advance to the Semi-Final of the Intermediate Championship.

Owen Roe: Dylan Early, Willie Doherty, Kevin Doherty, Paul Kelly, Stephen Boyle, Stephen Dooher (0-1), Noel Mullen, Chris Kelly (0-2), Aidan Christy, Sean og Devine (0-1), Paddy McNulty, Mickey Kelly, Kevin Moore (1-0), Mickey Dooher (0-1), Sean McBride Sub: Mark O’Neill (0-1)

The race for the promotion play-offs in division 2 is going to down to the wire. Following Owen Roe’s unfortunate one point reverse by Tattyreagh on Friday night, three points separate Drumquin in 4^th and Augher in the relegation zone of 9^th!

The Leckpatrick side should find themselves very unlucky to depart Tattyreagh pointless after dominating much of the game. Chris Kelly struck over after four minutes for an early lead, however for the second week in succession the green and reds feel foul of a penalty decision. The Tatt’s number 14 was adjudged to have been held in the area, the resulting penalty sent Dylan Early the wrong way for what turned out to be an important score.

Kelly struck back almost straight away to put the minimum between the sides, with a great Mickey Kelly score sandwiching another St.Patrick’s free. This trend continued as the half ended, Tattyreagh pointing again, before Mark O’Neill fired when wife out right.

The injury crisis that has swept the North Tyrone club continues to give difficulty, with Declan McCrossan picking up an injury that rules him out of the forthcoming Championship clash as well, as well as being unable to feature in this fixture. However this is a changed Owen Roe side and no matter who wears the jersey the fighting spirit that is displayed means that they will always have a chance. The industrious Mickey Kelly and the tenacious Stevie Dooher who battled gamely all night typified this.

It was a Dooher, Kelly combination that sent O’Neill away to caress his second score of the evening to level it once again, but four minutes later the Tatts regained the lead. This was a prelude to the game entering a scoreless 25 minutes, which swung from end to end, but both full back lines dominated; with Kevin Doherty filling in at Full back for the Roes performing well. As the contest entered stoppage time the hosts struck again for a crucial score, but the visitors struck back. Mickey Dooher swallowed up a high ball into the scoring zone. Dooher swivelled and hit first time, but unfortunately the ball dipped too late and went over the bar, to end the contest.

It is Championship time this weekend, as Drumquin and Owen Roe go head to head in Sigerson Park on Sunday, in the Intermediate Quarter Final.

Owen Roe: Dylan Early, Willie Doherty, Kevin Doherty, Paul Kelly, Stephen Boyle, Stephen Dooher, Noel Mullan, Chris Kelly (0-2), Aidan Christy, Keirnan Kelly, Sean og Devine, Mickey Kelly (0-1), Mickey Dooher (0-1), Mark O’Neill (0-2), Sean McBride. Subs: Danny Barr and Sean Foley

For the first time in 18 months, a visiting team departed from Leckpatrick with points in the bag, as Augher triumphed over a depleted Owen Roe side, on a 0-14 to 3-8 score line.

Most of the damage in the contest was down in the opening 30, as Augher went into an early lead after Kevin Doherty was adjudged to have committed a foul in the box. The penalty dispatched past Dylan Early with aplomb. This conversion supplemented 2 opening points from the St.Macartans. Roes through struck back with efforts from Chris Kelly and Sean Og Devine. As was the case all day though, as the Roes edged closer Augher broke clear once more, as again the back of the net was found following a mix up in the Roes’ back line.

As the half closed out, Roes managed to again crawl back into the contest via points from Declan McCrossan twice, Mickey Kelly, and Paddy McNulty twice, who had his best game of the summer. As the whistle blew the visitors knocked over a couple more, to leave them with a 3-point interval advantage.

To be fair to the hosts the side was down to its bare bones, with Kevin Moore, Noel Mullen, Stephen Kelly, Mal Gallagher, Barry Porter, and Brendy Boggs among around a dozen players unavailable for selection. Coach Palor McNulty was forced to expedite Kernan Kelly and Kevin Doherty back from lengthy injuries, and hand a senior debut to 16-year-old Danny Barr to supplement the panel.

The second half followed the same pattern as the first 30 minutes, with two points from McNulty, and one each from Mickey Kelly, full back Aidan Christy and Mickey Dooher, being replicated by Augher, who just would not submit. However as the clock closed in the Roes had closed to two, and were inducing the pressure. As happens though a quick break by the guests resulted in a stretched Roes rearguard. The back tracking Steven Dooher found himself getting caught up in a tangle of limbs, which resulted in a 2^nd spot kick for the gleeful Augher side, with the maximum returns again ensuing. A late Chris Kelly point proved consolatory.

Owen Roe are back in league action on Friday night with a trip to Tattyreagh. Coach McNulty will be checking on the fitness of several players prior to throw in, however the players that came in should remember that 0-14 is the side’s highest return all season, so selection might not be so straight forward.

Owen Roe: Dylan Early, Willie Doherty, Aidan Christy (0-1), Paul Kelly, Stephen Boyle, Kevin Doherty, Stephen Dooher, Chris Kelly (0-2), Declan McCrossan (0-3), Sean og Devine (0-1), Paddy McNulty (0-4), Mickey Kelly (0-2), Kernan Kelly, Mickey Dooher (0-1), Sean McBride. Subs: Danny Barr

For the second time this season the footballers of Leckpatrick were able to afford to give high-flying Pomeroy a 6-point lead, but still come away with a point. After suffering the indignity of trailing at half-time 0-5 to no score, the Roes came out in the second half to put on a trademark determined, belligerent performance to stun Pomeroy.

The first half performance was one that Palor McNulty’s men will want to forget. After going behind early on, the visitors found themselves a man behind also, the referee giving Steven Kelly a straight red for an off the ball incident, that was spotted by the linesman. However mid way through the first half, just after the Plunkets had tagged on two more points, the head count was evened out, with Jarlath Quinn being dismissed for 2 tame yellows, minutes apart.

The two red cards did little to open the contest up, as a tactical, strategic game developed, with players moving from one place to another. The Roes were failing to find any rhythm at all, and as the half closed out they found themselves 5 points adrift, as title chasing Pomeroy pressed on. Five points down and not a score on the board, things could hardly have been worse for the Leckpatrick side, but this was to prove false. A minute before half time, Mal Gallagher found himself another recipient of a straight red, again for an off the ball incident that was flagged by the linesman.

When Pomeroy added a sixth score minutes into the 2^nd period the way back seemed bleak. That though would be unfair on a Roes side that have found themselves at the foot of many mountains this season, but continue to battle back where stronger teams would flounder. In the 37^th minute of this contest the first step was taken in this comeback. The goal started with a massive kick-out by Dylan Early in goals that travelled three quarters the length of the pitch. Early managed to marry accuracy and distance, with Sean McBride the recipient. McBride’s lay off reached Declan McCrossan who quickly looked up to feed the gallivanting Stevie Dooher who smashed the ball home. The goal was no more than Dooher deserved for a tireless performance at halfback.

Pomeroy hit back with a free of their own, but the visitors were now dominating possession, Paddy McNulty, and sub Mickey Dooher clipped over to reel the lead in. Suddenly it looked as if Owen Roes could take maximum spoils. Nevertheless domination and chances were not being transformed into scores as panic set in. With 10 minutes left, Pomeroy still held a two-point advantage, but when McCrossan’s first point of the day was followed four minutes later by his second the lead had been exhausted. In the final six minutes, on several occasions, the Roes could’ve won the game, but in the end a draw was a result that keeps the promotion drive on course.

An under strength Owen Roes side traveled to Aghaloo, and will find themselves a tiny bit unfortunate to miss out on the points. In a close contest throughout, only a late goal and a point by the hosts eventually sealed the game.

The Leckpatrick side started without Declan and Aidan McCrossan, Noel Mullan, Kiernan Kelly, Kevin Doherty, and Brendan Boggs, and had to use several players who had just completed the reserve fixture!

One pleasing aspect of the result was the 3 points scored by the half back line, two to Stevie Dooher and one for Stephen Boyle, to aid their attacking colleagues.

Two days before the longest day of the year, the footballers and supporters of Owen Roes experienced the longest hour of their season. In this ACL division 2 clash, Killeeshil simply powered through the Leckpatrick club with a fine display of football.

In truth the contest was over before the Roes even got started. Shane Mallon and co. knocking over 12 first half points, with the visitors only reply being a point from the boot of Stephen Kelly. Indeed just shortly after Killeeshil had opened up a five point advantage in the 7^th minute, goal keeper Dylan Early was forced into a good save to avoid further damage to the scoreboard.

To be fair to the Leckpatrick side, one thing they haven’t lacked this season has been fight and determination, and as the second half commenced they emerged determined to put a bit of respectability back into their performance. Declan McCrossan clipped over minutes into the half, with the point coming minutes after two goal opportunities. Firstly the full forward had a drive that the keeper did well to parry, and the second clipped the outside of the post before going wide.

However the St. Mary’s outfit remained classy. Switching the ball at pace from wing to wing, they terrorised the Leckpatrick defence. When they knocked over four more points they effectively killed off the game. Going into this match, Killeeshil were clear at the top of Division 2, and this performance showed why.

With 10 minutes to go Roes fought back, with a couple of three pointers in the space of three minutes. Sean og Devine firstly sprinted through to slam home. Stephen Kelly then repeated the dose in the 54^th minute, curling the ball off the outside of his right boot into the corner of the goal.

In the last few minutes Roes remained on the offensive, substitutes Barry Porter and Kevin Gibbons springing into action to point, but it was all to little to late, as the hosts replied to leave the final score at Killeeshil 0-18 Owen Roes 2-4. Owen Roes next game is expected to be a re-arranged fixture in Brackaville next Sunday.

Owen Roes: Dylan Early, Paul Kelly, Aiden Christy, Willie Doherty, Stephen Boyle, Brendan Boggs, Steven Dooher, Chris Kelly, Stephen Kelly (1-1), Sean Og Devine (1-0), Kevin Moore, Paddy McNulty, Mal Gallagher, Declan McCrossan (0-1), Sean McBride. Subs: Mickey Kelly, Mickey Dooher, Barry Porter (0-1), Kevin Gibbons (0-1)

Pairc an Ghleanna hosted the proverbial 4 pointer on Sunday last, and after a hour of football it was the Leckpatrick side that emerged winners by 5 points.

Played in stifling conditions, Owen Roes played into a very stiff breeze in the first half. However this tactic seemed to suit the hosts as they went into a 3-point lead. Paddy McNulty opening the scoring, before a couple of cracking points from Declan McCrossan. Eskra struck back with 2 points of their own, before McCrossan and Chris Kelly restored the 3-point cushion.

This lead was doubled in the 23^rd minute when Keirnan Kelly hit the net. Chris Kelly played a good ball in behind the defence, where the nippy half forward ghosted in to slot home. As the half ticked through Eskra hit back to send over 2 points of their own.

As the second half started the Roes’ possessed a four-point lead, and within two minutes they had doubled it. Paddy McNulty stroking over a good point before Chris Kelly charged through to find the net with a great drive.

Prior to throw in both these sides were separated by just 2 points, as 3^rd played 4^th, so victory was crucial. Eskra, who had beaten Owen Roes in series 1 of the season, knew this and took the game to them. Mid-way through the 2^nd half and they were on a charge.

Paul Marlow was doing the damage. Time after time the impressive halfback charged up field to support his colleagues. In a six-minute period, the St.Patrick’s side had rattled off four points, with Marlow instrumental in every one.

For the first time in the contest the O’Neill men were under the cosh, but once again the side’s fullback line were peerless. Corner back Paul Kelly twice blocking down as the Eskra attack closed in for that crucial goal. It was the second of Kelly’s blocks that Owen Roes broke to score. Brendan Boggs picking up from Kelly’s heroics to send McCrossan scampering away, the captain making no mistake.

As the contest kicked on, Eskra continued to battle, showing why they are where they are in Division 2. Unfortunately for them, their next 2 points for them was simply a prompt for their opponents to break quickly and point, McCrossan yet again, and Mark O’Neill on target.

Owen Roes: Dylan Early, Paul Kelly, Aiden Christy, Willie Doherty, Stephen Boyle, Brendan Boggs, Stevie Dooher, Kevin Moore, Chris Kelly (1-1), Keirnan Kelly (1-0), Paddy McNulty (0-2), Mark O’Neill (0-1), Malachy Gallagher, Declan McCrossan (0-5), Sean McBride. Subs: Mickey Dooher (30), Stephen Kelly (48), Barry Porter (52), Michael Caldwell (58)

Friday night in Drumquin could prove to be a watershed in the season for Owen Roes. For the first time all season the Leckpatrick side had an extra passenger on their journey home in the shape of two points. In what proved to be a incredibly hard-hitting affair the visitors emerged winners on a 1-8 to 0-7 score line.

The Roes inflicted most of the damage on the Wolfe Tones’ scoreboard in the opening 22 minutes. Chris Kelly, and Declan McCrossan finding range early on, before a crucial moment of the challenge. A high ball into the Wolfe Tones’ square bounced loose, however Sean McBride reacted quickest to smash the ball to the net, to open up a 5-point lead that would remain intact.

The goal did not signal a easing of the Roes’ attacking intentions. Kelly twice and McCrossan again knocking over, as the visitors reacted quicker to every situation. Everything had been going to script, but minutes later this all radically changed.

Firstly Kevin Doherty had to be taken off in the 23^rd minute victim of a weighty challenge. 30secs later his halfback colleague Noel Mullen was red carded following an off the ball encounter with his marker. Coach McNulty was forced into a reshuffle, which saw young Michael Caldwell make his senior debut.

Before the Leckpatrick men had time to regroup, Drumquin had closed the gap by knocking over 3 scores, only a Chris Kelly free on the whistle earning a reprieve.

The second half proved to be a fractious affair. A couple of early Drumquin points edging them closer and closer. Indeed they could have got closer again, Dylan Early making a point blank block as the hosts broke 2 on 1, and Paul Kelly clearing off the line on the occasion that his keeper had been beaten.

However the attacks were sporadic, Aiden Christy, Stephen Boyle, Mark O’Neill and Willie Doherty binding the defence into an impenetrable unit. The contest then went point for point until the end. The home side’s two points being cancelled out by McCrossan and Kelly, who had now stuck over 5 points. There was still time for some heroic defending by Kevin Moore. As Drumquin searched for a goal, a rasping drive, which was on target, was bravely blocked down by the midfielder using his head! This was typical of the effort shown by the players all evening, as the green and reds finally got the monkey of no away points all season off their back.

Owen Roes: Andy Devine, Paul Kelly, Aiden Christy, Willie Doherty, Kevin Doherty, Noel Mullen, Stephen Boyle, Kevin Moore, Declan McCrossan (0-3), Mark O’Neill, Paddy McNulty, Sean Og Devine, Sean McBride (1-0), Chris Kelly (0-5), Malcolm Gallagher. Subs: Michael Caldwell (24), Dylan Early (30), Kiernan Kelly (30), Kevin Gibbons (37), Stephen Kelly (54)

Owen Roes 0-11 Pomeroy 1-5

Injury ravaged Owen Roes welcomed highflying Pomeroy to the Glen on Sunday in a crucial ACL Div 2 game. Palor McNulty didn’t have his troubles to seek, as the home side started without Declan McCrossan, Aiden McCrossan, Mickey Kelly, Aiden Christy and Keirnan Kelly. However played in front of a huge crowd, McNulty’s men stamped their promotion credentials all over this tie, in one of the finest encounters seen in recent times.

It all started so badly for home side, as Pomeroy raced out of the blocks, to build up a 1-4 to 0-1 lead, with only Chris Kelly on target for the Leckpatrick side. However when the visitors knocked over their 5^th point in the 20^th minute of the game, this was the final action that the umpires at Dylan Early’s goal would see. Aiden McCrossan, Aiden Christy both carrying knocks entered the fray, but it was Kevin Doherty’s switch to centre half back that galvanised the side. Doherty drove the home side forward time after time.

As the half closed, the hosts were creeping back into it. McCrossan on three occasions finding range brilliantly, and Paddy McNulty curling home to reduce the deficit to three points.

The second half saw the home side power on, the defence fighting for every ball, squeezing the play, Chris Kelly and Kevin Moore in the middle of the park, reducing ex Tyrone man Jarlath Quinn to scraps, and the forward unit working over time to rattle the men from Pomeroy.

Several minutes into the second half, All Ireland winner Declan McCrossan entered the fray, heavily strapped from an injury picked up against Tattyreagh. It was one-way traffic, Moore and D.McCrossan twice knocking over, before the Plunketts were reduced to 14 men, when their half forward got his orders for two bookings. The work rate was incessant, Mark O’Neill, Brendan Boggs, Mal Gallagher, and Paddy McNulty foraging thanklessly, to create another chance, which A.McCrossan caressed over.

As the game entered its final 5 minutes, it was nail-biting stuff. Pomeroy showed their calibre and desire but they refused to wilt. However their attacks floundered as Aiden Christy and his back line defended heroically. Twice in the final few minutes the defence broke quickly, and on both occasions the McCrossan brothers pointed. Minutes later the referee signalled time to end a fantastic comeback by the hosts.

Every single player can take heart from this performance. Attitude, hunger, desire and determination all to the fore, as Owen Roes keep on the tails of the leaders in division 2.

A powerful 2^nd half performance was the catalyst for Owen Roes picking up the 4^th home win on the trot in Glenmornan on Friday evening. Trailing by 2 points at the turn, the homesters restricted the away side to just 3 points in the second period to win by 2 points.

Played on an excellent surface, it was Tattyreagh who got the first score of the evening in the first minute, before Owen Roes struck back through Declan McCrossan and Kevin Moore. In the 18^th minute though came one of the contest’s key moments, a high ball into the square was misjudged by Dylan Early in the bright sun, and a Tattyreagh forward was on head to punch home.

Both sides picked off 2 scores each in the remaining 12 minutes, McCrossan and Chris Kelly, making his first start of the season, for the Roes.

The second half was a different tale, as the Green and Reds dominated. C.Kelly twice and McCrossan again knocking over to tie the game. Tattyreagh hit back, before the O’Neills found a purple patch, C.Kelly and McCrossan both finding target, as well as half back Stevie Dooher, and the score of the evening from Brendan Boggs.

The contest though was far from over. As the game entered stoppage time two more scores from the visitors put the minimum into the contest once more. An accidental collision saw Declan McCrossan leave the field for a head injury. This led to 8 minutes injury time being played.

Tattyreagh who have had 4 draws in the 7 fixtures this year pushed on. The home side were now under the cosh, but the Owen Roes defence, which was excellent all evening held firm. As the game closed in, Paddy McNulty knocked over a free to the relief of home followers, to signal the end of the game.

Owen Roes: Dylan Early, Paul Kelly, Kevin Doherty, Willie Doherty, Stevie Dooher (0-1), Noel Mullan, Stephen Boyle, Declan McCrossan (0-4), Kevin Moore (0-1), Sean McBride, Paddy McNulty (0-1), Chris Kelly (0-3), Sean og Devine, Brendan Boggs (0-1), Keirnan Kelly Subs: Mark O’Neill for Sean McBride, Kevin Gibbons for Stephen Boyle, Stephen Kelly for Declan McCrossan

Despite a plethora of wides a more physical and stronger Greencastle overcame the challenge of Owen Roe O’Neills on Friday night past. Indeed Owen Roes troubles started prior to throw-in, Dylan Early, Declan McCrossan, and Brendan Boggs all unavailable for one reason or another.

However for the second week in a row, the Leckpatrick side raced into a quick lead. Aiden McCrossan looking particularly sharp. Twice the young forward sent over fine scores, to match an opening converted 45. When Paddy McNulty weighed in with a score with 5 mins on the clock, the Roes were running riot.

Like last week though in Augher, this was as good as it got. The physical presence of the St.Patrick’s midfield started to take hold, and despite 9 first half wides, they still managed to knock over 5 unanswered points.

At half-time manager Palor McNulty was forced to change it around. Aiden McCrossan and Stephen Kelly, both picking up knocks and needed to be replaced. Chris Kelly and Mickey Dooher coming in.

The second half started in much the same vein as the first ended, two more Greencastle points making it 0-7 to 0-4. A 13 metre free by Paddy McNulty getting the visitors a score. To be fair Owen Roes probably dominated possession in the 2^nd half, but the home sides defence was impressive, constantly closing down any attempts at goal. When control was lost, the hosts broke quickly at every opportunity.

By the midway point of the second half, they had done this 3 further times to almost put the game out of reach. With 14 minutes to go Kevin Gibbons made his senior team debut, and just after a Kiernan Kelly point reduced the margin. Seconds later the game was over. A quick free on the right, found the St. Patrick’s forward in yards of space, and he galloped through to give Andy Devine no chance with a rasping drive.

A Chris Kelly point from a free reduced the margin slightly, but there was still time for Greencastle to tag on another score.

Tattyreagh are the visitors to Leckpatrick next weekend. A continuation of impressive home form will need to be in evidence for the Roes to maintain their top half position in Division 2.

A Francis McMeel goal in the 2^nd half ensured that Owen Roes symmetrical start to the season continued in Father Hackett Park on Sunday evening. With 6 games of the season gone, the Roes have now picked up maximum points from 3 home games, but remain pointless on their travels.

However after ten minutes of this contest, it all looked so different, as the visitors raced into a three-point lead. Sean McBride firing over with 10 seconds on the clock, and Sean og Devine replicating from the kick out. When Declan McCrossan curled in a wonder score just yards in from the end line it looked bleak for Augher.

Mid-way through the half though and the scores had been levelled, as the hosts went on the offensive. And the onslaught continued until McCrossan’s 2^nd score of the day brought the hosts back into touch at 6 points to 4. As the half time whistle blew, the Leckpatrick side's heads were down, but with a stiff breeze at their back there was promise for the 2^nd half.

It was Augher though that emerged determined to pick up the points. Within minutes of the restart they had moved to double scores, and despite an Aiden McCrossan free, the visitors had little to offer. On 38 minutes came the turning point of the contest. Francis McMeel picked the ball up near the touchline, waltzed through the Roe's rearguard before letting fly. His unstoppable drive smashing into the net past Dylan Early, for a stunning goal.

The contest looked over, but Owen Roes fought back. Stevie Dooher clipped over to keep the contest alive, while shortly after Keirnan Kelly had a rasping drive off the St Macartan’s cross bar. As Owen Roes held possession, it was Augher who picked off the scores at the opposite end, to move to 1-9 to 0-6 lead.

In the 50^th minute though Kevin Moore burst forward from midfield and slammed the ball home to reduce the arrears to 3. The goal came minutes after both Moore and Mickey Kelly, had goal efforts blocked down by the Augher last line.

As time ticked on though, it was all to no avail. An insurance point deep into time was the clincher for the hosts, on a score line of Augher 1-10 Owen Roes 1-6.

A cracking goal by Kernan Kelly with 5 minutes of this Division 2 clash remaining, stole the points for Owen Roes. The Leckpatrick side had trailed almost from start to finish, when a high ball into the square by Brendan Boggs, saw Kelly rise high above the centre back and keeper to fist the ball to the top corner.

It was the visitors that started the contest the quicker, racing into a 0-2 to no score lead. Indeed things could’ve been worse for the hosts. After 3 minutes keeper Dylan Early stood up well to block the Clogher forward as he raced in on goal. By the 13^th minute, Roes had one back, Aiden McCrossan shooting over from a free.

Clogher hit back again, converting two more shooting opportunities, as the men from the valley got to grips with an unpredictable surface quicker than the hosts. However, decisively, there was always a maximum of one score between the sides. McCrossan twice more pointing within minutes of each other. A Sean og Devine point seconds after Clogher had increased their lead, keep two points between the sides at half time.

The second half saw a more determined Leckpatrick side emerge, within 5 minutes the sides were tied. Sean McBride, following great work by Mickey Kelly and Kevin Moore, and another McCrossan free the scorers.

Clogher though refused to wilt. Again they pressed forward, as the contest swung from end to end. Again they knocked over two scores to keep the narrow cushion they had held since the opening minutes. Nevertheless Aiden McCrossan was keeping the umpires busy, as he chalked over his 5^th score of the day, as time ticked on.

With 7 minutes of the contest remaining, Chris Kelly entered the fray to add some strength to Owen Roes. Minutes later came the games crucial moment, as Kernan Kelly struck, to hand the initiative to the home side for the first time.

A battling Clogher outfit belied their place at the foot of the Intermediate division and struck back, to set up a nervy final few minutes. However from the kick off, sub Kelly bombed forward to strike over a mammoth point from outside the 45, to all but seal in. All was left was for Declan McCrossan to knock over his only score of the day, to win the game.

The senior footballers of Owen Roes travelled to play Rock on Sunday evening, in the 4^th round of the Tyrone ACL. In what proved to be a scrappy encounter, it was the home side that emerged victors.

Owen Roes made two changes from the side that had beaten Killeeshil the previous weekend. Sean Og Devine replacing Paul Bradley, and Brendan Boggs, fresh from pocketing an All-Ireland VS medal, coming into centre field for Declan McCrossan. McCrossan, pulling out due to injury.

To be fair, this was a game Rock always looked to be in control of. They emerged hungrier and more determined than the visitors. This was borne out by the score. By the time Sean McBride had opened the Owen Roes account, Rock were already 4 points to the good.

Further points by Kevin Moore and Aiden McCrossan, signified a possible comeback, but with several minutes of the half remaining an innocuous shot appeared to be heading wide of Dylan Early’s right hand post, but the ball deflected past the keeper into the net. Another free by McCrossan, was cancelled out by another Rock score, to leave the Leckpatrick side down at the interval 1-5 o 0-4.

If the first half was poor, the second half did not get any better. The two sides traded early scores, McCrossan again on target. With 10 minutes of the 2^nd half gone, Owen Roes were back in the hunt. A ball into the Rock area, caused confusion and Kernan Kelly appeared to get the final touch in the ensuing scramble to find the net. However this was as good as it got for the North Tyrone outfit.

The game was very disjointed. However Rock’s hunger was carrying them through. With 5 minutes to go, Paul Kelly was adjudged to have fouled his opponent, to forfeit a penalty kick. The Rock marksman made no mistake, to all but put the game safe. A follow on insurance point was the last bit of action.

Owen Roes: Dylan Early, Paul Kelly, Aiden Christie, Willie Doherty, Mickey Kelly, Kevin Doherty, Noel Mullen, Brendan Boggs, Kevin Moore (0-1), Sean McBride (0-1), Paddy McNulty, Sean OgDevine, Aiden McCrossan (0-3), Stevie Dooher, Kernan Kelly (1-0)

Owen Roes Class Keels Killeeshil

Owen Roes 0-13 Killeeshil 0-6

This game had been billed as the clash of the All-Ireland winners, as Tyrone’s Kevin Hughes and Declan McCrossan came head to head in this Division 2 ACL clash. Following 60 minutes of pulsating football, it was McCrossan and Owen Roes who emerged victorious.

McCrossan may take the headlines from this clash, however many of the O’Neill’s men could stake claim to that honour. Kevin Moore, Paddy McNulty and Paul Bradley foraged tirelessly in centre field, winning possession on countless occasions. Aiden McCrossan, the younger of the siblings, fired over several quality scores. And the Roes’ back line who’s claustrophobic defending, forced recent county minor Ciaran Bannon deep into his own half in search of possession.

The first score of this encounter appeared with 3 minutes on the watch. Declan McCrossan gliding over a fine point from the deep. Several minutes later young half-forward Sean McBride doubled the advantage. The St Mary’s side replying with a free from Shane Mallon, before Aiden McCrossan sent over a 45, followed by a score from the boot of Kevin Moore.

Killeeshil appeared rattled. Coming into the game East Tyrone club, were the only Intermediate side with a 100% record. As the half entered its closing minutes, another free by Mallon was cancelled out as Aiden McCrossan did like-wise at the opposite end.

The start of the second half was always going to be crucial, with the opening score destined to set the tempo. With McCrossan leading his troops, the Leckpatrick men were aware of this, and emerged determined that their work in the first 30 minutes was not going to be futile. Within three minutes of the 2^nd half commencing they had started to pull away, as twice Aiden McCrossan knocked quality frees.

St Mary’s though had their spell with Mallon again, and McGill notching scores, keeping them in touch. However the Roes’ back line were immense, with Killeeshil’s frustration grabbing hold. Noel Mullan in particular making two fantastic blocks to deny point opportunities.

It was score for score. Two Declan McCrossan frees were replies to Killeeshil scores. There was still only three between them, when Owen Roes had their biggest fright of the day. With 10 minutes left a high ball into the area, pin-balled about, before Bannon snatched at the chance. However Dylan Early dived smartly to his right to deny the young attacker.

This was as good as it got for St Marys. Another Aiden McCrossan 45, was sandwiched either side of another couple of scores from Owen Roes’ captain Declan McCrossan, to leave double scores. All was left was for substitute Ronan Parker to cap a great day for the Leckpatrick lads on a final score of 13 points to 6.

Owen Roes: Dylan Early, Paul Kelly, Aiden Christie, Willie Doherty, Mickey Kelly, Kevin Doherty, Noel Mullen, Declan McCrossan (0-5), Kevin Moore (0-1), Sean McBride (0-1), Paddy McNulty, Paul Bradley, Aiden McCrossan (0-5), Stevie Dooher, Kernan Kelly. Subs: Ronan Parker (0-1)

Killeeshil: Danny O’Hagan, Ciaran Small, Ciaran Holland, M McMullan, M Hammill, J Dowl, P Doran, Kevin Hughes, Brian McKenna, Shane Mallon, Gary Riley, G McAleer, Ciaran Bannon, C McGill, G McAllen

Following Owen Roes defeat on the opening Sunday of the season, few would have predicted that the visit of Aghaloo to the Glen, would have yielded the North Tyrone club the points. Nevertheless following a fantastic display, of competitive, intelligent, free flowing football, the border club were forced to return home empty handed.

Owen Roes welcomed back Declan McCrossan, and halfback Kevin Doherty to the starting 15. McCrossan’s return in particular, softening the loss of Brendan Boggs, who was absent on Tyrone duty.

Right from the opening whistle Palor McNulty’s men had the O’Neill outfit on the back foot, with Kevin Moore excelling in the midfield sector. It was from a fine Moore pass that the Roes’ went ahead after just 2 minutes with a point from Sean Og Devine. A few minutes later and the lead was trebled, as Sean McBride and McCrossan shot over.

At this stage the Leckpatrick men were running riot, with McBride and Moore especially to the fore. Indeed by the quarter hour mark the lead had stretched to six points to no score. Stevie Dooher, playing at full forward, pointing followed by scores from Kernan Kelly, and Aiden McCrossan, as the full forward line started to dominate.

Aghaloo eventually got on the board via a Stephen Donnelly free, in the 18^th minute. Within minutes of the kick out though last season’s junior league winners stretched their lead again with a crucial score. A long ball into the forward line eluded everyone, except for Kernan Kelly. Kelly alive to the opportunity raced through on goal, to slot the ball coolly to the keeper’s left.

Aghaloo, who were in senior football last season, were rocking. Any attempts to strike back were snuffed out by a tight Roes rearguard. Only a soft free, in the final minute of the half, adding to their tally.

The second half saw a resolute Aghaloo side emerge, and a couple of scores in the opening minutes of the half suggested a possible comeback. Dooher’s second point of the game, and another score by McBride cancelled these out, to put a halt to thoughts of return. The dangerous Donnelly though was starting to find his range with his clinical free taking.

Entering the final few minutes of the contest the lead was reduced to three points. The Roes were not to be denied. Digging deep into their reserves they battled gamely. Aiden Christie, and Paul Kelly protecting Dylan Early’s goal imperiously. As the clock entered stoppage time, Declan McCrossan stormed forward again to send over a great insurance point, to finally kill off the challenge of the visitors.

Although getting points on the board is the priority, this result will also serve to boost confidence, and perhaps allay the notion that the club should feel privileged to play at this level. Performances like this show that Owen Roes have earned their right to compete in division 2.

Owen Roes: Dylan Early, Paul Kelly, Aiden Christie, Willie Doherty, Mickey Kelly, Kevin Doherty, Noel Mullen, Declan McCrossan (0-2), Kevin Moore, Sean McBride (0-2), Paddy McNulty, Sean Og Devine (0-1), Aiden McCrossan (0-1), Stevie Dooher(0-2), Kernan Kelly(1-1). Subs: Paul Bradley (46), Ronan Parker (57)

Owen Roes return to intermediate football was a far from happy one, as this clash of last season's junior clubs ended in a 4 point victory from the men from Eskra. If truth were told, Owen Roes never really got into the contest over the 60 minutes.

Eskra, playing their first ever game at this level, raced out of the blocks straight from the throw in, with Tyrone U-21 star Joe McCarroll firing over a great early score. Indeed Owen Roes found themselves four points in arrears, before half-back Stevie Dooher raced forward to score a swash-buckling point. Unfortunately this only added fuel to Eskra's fire, and two further points from free-kicks extended their advantage.

It took points from Paddy McNulty, and Sean Og Devine to half the deficit. This was as good as it got for the Glen men though, as again Eskra fired back. Two points from play, left the half-time score 0-8 to 0-3 in favour of Eskra.

The second-half began with Owen Roes in more determined mood to gain revenge on the Emmet's outfit, for their championship defeat in 2003. However with only minutes on the clock, came the pivotal moment of the game. Full back Aiden Christie, played goalkeeper Dylan Early into trouble inside his own box, and when the stopper inexplicably delayed his clearance, the ball was displaced from his grasp by the Eskra full forward, for the softest of goals.

Palor McNulty's troops though did not give up the ghost. Aiden McCrossan firing over two quick frees, before an aggressive burst from Steven Kelly from centre field, resulted in the midfielder being hauled to the floor for a penalty. Young Kernan Kelly showed great composure to slot home to put three between the sides again. At this stage it looked like the Leckpatrick club could steal it, but Eskra were not to be denied.

Again the Emmets pressed forward, and when Paul Marlow won possession in the middle of the park, his great ball fed the Eskra forward who again found the middle of the posts. Sean OgDevine got Owen Roes final score, before Joe McCaroll again slotted over to complete a historic victory for Eskra Emmets.

Aghaloo are the visitors to Glenmornan next week, and it will need a vastly improved showing if Owen Roes are to get their season up and running.

Owen Roes: Dylan Early, Paul Kelly, Aiden Christie, Willie Doherty (C), Noel Mullen, Stevie Dooher (0-1), Mickey Kelly, Kevin Moore, Steven Kelly, Brendan Boggs, Paddy McNulty (0-1), Sean McBride, Sean Og Devine (0-2), Aiden McCrossan (0-2), Kernan Kelly (1-0)

Team	Played	Won	Drew	Lose	Points
Pomeroy	22	15	3	4	33
Killeeshil	22	15	1	6	31
Drumquin	22	11	5	6	27
Eskra	22	10	5	7	25
Aghaloo	22	10	2	10	22
Rock	22	9	3	10	21
Owen Roes	22	10	1	11	21
Tattyreagh	22	8	4	10	20
Augher	22	9	2	11	20
Greencastle	22	8	3	11	19
Brackaville	22	5	5	12	15
Clogher	22	5	0	17	10