Edendork have secured their place in the Connollys of Moy Tyrone Senior Football Championship (SFC) semi-finals after a dramatic seven-point victory over Clonoe.

The high-scoring quarter-final encounter, played at O’Neill Park in Dungannon, saw Edendork ultimately prevail with a score of 3-25 (34 points) to Clonoe’s 4-15 (27 points). Edendork came from six points behind to overcome their rivals in what was described by The Irish News as a “rip-roaring championship encounter” and a “furious shoot-out”.

Match Highlights and Key Moments

The first half was a treat of attacking football, with momentum shifting multiple times. Clonoe initially edged two points ahead before Edendork struck two goals in quick succession. Harry Og Conlan netted at the second attempt, followed by Conn Kilpatrick who raced through to finish clinically. Tommy Taggart responded with a two-pointer for Clonoe, who then retook the lead with a Ryan McCabe goal and another from substitute Eoin Mansell.

The teams went into the break level at 2-11 apiece. Edendork, with the wind in their backs for the second half, were initially rocked by two Clonoe goals from Connor McAliskey and Pascal McClure. However, Edendork remained composed, with Darren McCurry adding points and Steven Corr contributing a two-pointer to wipe out the deficit.

Luke Ferguson’s goal in the 51st minute put Edendork back in front, and they maintained their scoring power in the closing stages. Clonoe finished the game with 14 men after Fintan McClure was dismissed. Darren McCurry was a significant contributor for Edendork, registering a 10-point haul, including three two-pointers.

Edendork’s scorers included: Conn Kilpatrick 1-2, Luke Ferguson 1-0, Harry Og Conlan 1-0, Darren McCurry 0-10, Niall Morgan 0-4, Conall Mallon 0-2, Paul McLernon 0-2, Steven Corr 0-2, Niall Kilpatrick 0-1, Ronan Nelis 0-1, and Cathal Bell 0-1.

Clonoe’s scorers were: Connor McAliskey 1-5, Ryan McCabe 1-1, Pascal McClure 1-0, Eoin Mansell 1-0, Tommy Taggart 0-4, Darragh McGrath 0-2, Ryan Donnelly 0-2, and Fintan McClure 0-1.

Emotional Victory for Edendork

The victory carried a deep emotional significance for Edendork, as acknowledged by manager Brian McGuckin. Speaking to We Are Tyrone, McGuckin expressed “sheer relief” and hoped the triumph would help lift the mood in the club after a difficult few weeks.

The community had recently experienced the sad passing of St Malachy’s stalwarts Martin Currie and Declan Cullen, with a minute’s silence observed before the match. McGuckin stated, “As a community over this last couple of weeks, it has been really tough losing a couple of real Edendork stalwarts.” He added that the team’s aim was to “put a bit of a smile back on the Edendork faithful even if it was just for tonight.”

Despite trailing by six points after 45 minutes, McGuckin remained confident due to the team’s potential for goalscoring opportunities and two-pointers. He also noted that Clonoe’s reduction to 14 men “worked in our favour,” allowing Edendork to control the game in the final minutes.

Clonoe’s Championship Ambitions

Prior to the quarter-final, Clonoe skipper Declan McClure had spoken to Gaelic Life about the team’s aspirations, following their return to the top flight after winning the Intermediate double last year. McClure expressed excitement about the prospect of a “proper Championship run” and hoped to reach the Senior Championship semi-finals for the first time since 2022.

Clonoe boasts players of stature such as McClure, Connor McAliskey, and Mickey O’Neill, all of whom possess O’Neill Cup medals, alongside younger talents like Tommy Taggart and Shea Coney. McClure had previously highlighted the emotional intensity of their first-round win against rivals Coalisland, noting the “years and years of tradition” and “bragging rights at stake.”

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who won the Tyrone SFC quarter-final between Edendork and Clonoe?

  Edendork defeated Clonoe to secure a spot in the Connollys of Moy Tyrone Senior Football Championship semi-finals.

• What was the final score of the Edendork vs Clonoe match?

  Edendork won the thrilling encounter with a final score of 3-25 (34 points) to Clonoe’s 4-15 (27 points), securing a seven-point victory.

• Why was the Edendork victory particularly emotional for the club?

  The win followed a difficult period for the Edendork community, which had recently mourned the sad passing of St Malachy’s stalwarts Martin Currie and Declan Cullen, making the triumph an emotional uplift.

• Who were the main goal scorers for Edendork?

  Edendork’s goals were scored by Conn Kilpatrick, Luke Ferguson, and Harry Og Conlan during the match.