Mattie Donnelly won’t be in action this weekend, but he’s looking forward to seeing his side compete against Crossmaglen.
The 2021 All-Ireland winner missed Trillick’s run to championship glory and remains sidelined through injury.
“I think every household in the country will know about Crossmaglen as a club and their credentials,” said Donnelly. “They have some of the best players in the country to call on.
We need know introduction; we’ll not have to do too much video work in that regard. We know how good they are and it’s really exciting for our boys, a small village in the west of Tyrone to pit themselves against a team like Crossmaglen.
“It’s something boys of my vintage would have been raised on, watching Crossmaglen and what they’ve achieved. So, to actually see your own club compete against them is always a good thing.”
Rivalry
Armagh and Tyrone clash this weekend as part of a double header in Omagh. First up, Pomeroy meet Cullyhanna while Crossmaglen clash with Trillick.
“That rivalry has obviously stood the test of time,” added Donnelly. From our perspective on the club scene, we’ve never played anyone in recent history from Armagh.
“I think back in the day we played Clan na Gael and that so it’s fairly novel in that regard. But obviously both ourselves and Pomeroy will be looking to represent Tyrone with pride.
“And our clubs with great pride first and foremost, as we’ve been doing all year. It’s an exciting competition.
“It’s good to pit your wits against the best in Ulster and that’s we’re looking forward to.”
There’s not much recent history between the two clubs, but there are a few connections. Former Trillick boss Nigel Seeley is married to Oisin and Rian O’Neill’s auntie.
“I’m sure the banter will be good between them,” suggested Donnelly. That’s all part of it and that’s what makes the Ulster Club a deadly competition.
“In today’s world there’s no secrets really. We know what Cross are going to bring, they’ll know what we’re going to bring and both teams will try and bring the best of themselves and see who wins.”
