Omagh lost narrowly to Slaughtneil on Saturday evening in a game that demonstrated clearly what a quality side the Derry champions are.
In spite of losing talisman Chrissy Mc Keague to a black card in the second half Slaughtneil demonstrated enormous composure and self belief as they edged to a narrow but deserved win. With leadership required following Mc Kaigue’s dismissal Brendan Rodgers, Padraig Cassidy and Meehaul Mc Grath stood up when they were most needed and helped see the reigning champions through to a clash with Kilcar in the semi final.
The Derry side were profligate at times in the first half but opened up a four point lead by the twelfth minute with Christopher Bradley, Padraig Cassidy and Shane Mc Guigan on target. Omagh settled to the challenge and by the 24th minute had reduced the gap to a single point in spite of playing against a strong breeze. Conor O’Donnell, Hugh Gallagher and Conan Grugan each hit the target for the Tyrone champions as they took the battle to their highly rated opponents.
Both teams added two further points apiece as Omagh reached the break 0-6 to 0-5 behind but having played against the conditions in the first half they would have been reasonably happy with the situation.
Omagh began the second half well and came close to snatching a goal when Barry Tierney and Conor Meyler combined to create the chance of a major only for Tierney to see his shot miss narrowly.
A brace of points from Se Mc Guigan eased Slaughtneil three in front while the loss of Chrissy Mc Kaigue was scarcely felt by the Derry outfit. Conor O’Donnell, Ronan O’Neill and Joe Mc Mahon scored to reduce the gap to a single point but Se Mc Guigan converted a late free to help ease his team to a narrow win.
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