Hot Tattyreagh signal intent by marching into the semi-finals

IT was the turn of the province’s unsung clubs to step into the spotlight yesterday and no side took advantage of the opportunity that presented itself more than ambitious Tyrone junior champions Tattyreagh.

Confronted by Monaghan title holders Currin, including current county star Jack McCarron and the vastly experienced Dick Clerkin, the Red Hand representatives threw off the shackles and their expansive, free-running game proved their passport into the Ulster junior semi-finals.

It might have taken a late Brendan Armstrong goal to embellish the final score of 3-14 to 2-12, but Tattyreagh’s movement, cohesion and finishing were such that Currin were unable to last the pace.

Eoghain Murray and Jarlath McDonagh bagged Tattyreagh’s other goals while the ever-accurate James Darcy chipped in with his customary haul of points from frees to leave manager Stephen McHugh pondering a place in the decider.

And fledgling Derry side Doire Trasna also underlined their intention of having a say in where the trophy might eventually land by the emphatic manner in which they left Armagh outfit Ballyhegan floundering in their wake at the Athletic Grounds.

A brace of goals from Caolan O’Connell and another from Dee Starrett put the Oak Leaf side in the driving seat long before they finished up by winning 4-9 to 0-10.

Fermanagh side Belnaleck showed that Derrygonnelly could not solely bask in Erne plaudits over the weekend when they overcame Down champions Dundrum by 2-13 to 2-6 to reach the last four.

Belnaleck looked to be coasting when they led by 0-9 to 0-1 at half-time but Dundrum rallied briefly before goals from Darragh McGurn and Peter Monaghan were to prove decisive in Belnaleck’s win.

Ciaran McBrien and Dermot Lewsley also made considerable contributions by the way in which they struck points from play to help sustain their team’s momentum.