Errigal Ciaran win dramatic final to claim first Ulster title in 22 years
BIG MOMENT: Errigal Ciaran's Joe Oguz celebrates after scoring a goal for his side in the Ulster SFC final against Kilcoo. Picture: ©INPHO/Ben Brady
Peter Og McCartan soared to legendary status as the man who sealed a third Ulster title for Errigal Ciaran with a brilliantly executed stoppage time winning point at the Box-It Athletic Grounds.
It was a score worthy of settling any game, and this one was quite special in terms of the pride and effort invested in the battle for provincial supremacy by both teams.
Kilcoo, the All-Ireland champions of 2002, had to play the last 20 minutes with 14 men, but they trusted their nous, their grit and the experience that has seen them contest six finals since 2012.
But an Errigal side, back in the showpiece occasion for the first time in 22 years, seized the crucial moments going down the stretch to find an equaliser and then a winner.
They remain the only Tyrone club ever to have won the Seamus McFerran Cup, and carry a proud tradition into their All-Ireland semi-final against Munster champions Dr Crokes in the New Year.
Manager Enda McGinley hailed his match-winner, an all-action wing back, who has enjoyed the season of his life.
“Peter Og is an exceptional player and again so many of our players, you live in the shadows of our stars and yet we know what they are capable of too,” said McGinley, a member of the last Errigal team to win Ulster in 2002.
“Thankfully Peter Og stepped up today but on other days Joe Oguz has stepped up, Ben McDonnell, Peter Harte, the Canavans themselves have stepped up, delighted for those boys, they've been on the road a long time within Tyrone and have taken plenty of knock-backs.”
McGinley sensed that his players were ready to write their own passage of history as they prepared for the biggest game of their lives.
“The dressing-room before the game was just one of those special places where you just know there's a hunger, energy and pride in them that it's going to take something very special to beat them.
“Everyone knows Kilcoo have nothing to make in terms of an additional reputation, they are a phenomenal side but I knew our boys were a special place beforehand.
“All week there was a sense among the group, they're a special group anyway.”
#GAABEO 64 nóim @ErrigalCiaran1 1-08 (11)@KilcooGAC 0-010 (10)
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) December 8, 2024
SCÓR CINNIÚNACH😱😱
THE WINNER BY McCartan !!#GAA #GaelicFootball
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A game gripped by intensity was always going to go right down to the wire, scores incredibly difficult to create and execute as two teams emptied their bodies and their souls into the fight.
But when Kilcoo had centre back Darym Branagan sent off 14 minutes into the second half, it looked as if the Tyrone men could tip the balance in their favour.
But the Down champions twice went ahead through the closing stages, and looked capable of at least sending the game to extra-time.
“I thought they were brilliant,” McGinley admitted.
“With Kilcoo, we talked plenty about their threats but we also talked about the fact that we had to believe in ourselves.” Errigal had made a dream start with a Joe Oguz goal after just four minutes, palmed to the net from Darragh Canavan’s cross.
Kilcoo showed no signs of panic, pressing the opposition kick-out, taking the lead as goalkeeper Niall Kane converted a long range free, followed by a Miceal Rooney point.
Tommy Canavan edged Errigal back in front early in the second quarter, but Kilcoo, raiding at pace from deep, went back in front through Paul Devlin.
Their dynamic half back line contributed four scores from play in that first half, Daryl Branagan giving the, a two points lead immediately after Errigal’s Tiarnan Colhoun had a goal disallowed for a square ball infringement.
But it was the Red Hand champions who scored the last two points of the half, displaying excellent ball retention for Darragh Canavan to bring them level, 1-3 to 0-6 at the break.
Kilcoo created momentum off the runners from deep as they stretched the Errigal cover, Eugene Branagan’s second score sending them ahead again, but in the 44th minute they suffered a blow when centre back Daryl Branagan was shown a straight red card.
Peter Harte immediately shot Errigal level, but the Down men displayed immense courage to twice regain the lead through Anthony Morgan and Paul Devlin, McCartan had sliced over a gem for the Red Hand side.
Defending a slender lead, Kilcoo diced with danger as they attempted to hold possession in their own half to run down the clock, and they were punished as possession was turned over and Tommy Canavan equalised.
And in the fourth minute of stoppage time, McCartan landed a glorious winner.
J Oguz (1-0), T Canavan (0-3, 3f), P Og McCartan (0-2), D Canavan, P Harte, Ciaran Quinn (0-1 each).
P Devlin (0-3, 2f), E Branagan, M Rooney (0-2 each), D Branagan, N Kane (1f), A Morgan (0-1 each).
D McAnenly; Cormac Quinn, A McCrory, Ciaran Quinn; P Og McCartan, N Kelly, T Colhoun; B McDonnell, J Oguz; T Canavan, P Harte, C McGinley; R Canavan, O Robinson, D Canavan.
M Kavanagh for Ciaran Quinn (45), P McGirr for Robinson (51), R McRory for McGinley (60).
N Kane; N Branagan, R McEvoy, C Rodgers; M Rooney, D Branagan, E Branagan; A Morgan, R Johnston; J Devlin, A Morgan, S Johnston; C Doherty, J Johnston, P Devlin.
C Laverty for J Devlin (48), C Rooney for J Johnston (60).
N Mooney (Cavan).
