Tyrone champions face first foray into provincial competition

For the first time since 2012, a team other than Kilcoo will enter the Ulster Club SFC as Down’s representatives.

Clonduff bridged a 26-year gap to their last senior county success by defeating Burren in the Down final on October 11.

They have had time to celebrate that win and get themselves read for a return to the Ulster championship.

By contrast, Tyrone have produced a new champion in the form of Edendork. No team has successfully defended the Tyrone championship since 2005 meaning the Red Hands have sent a different representative to Ulster every year since.

Edendork face a quick turnaround after defeating Errigal Ciaran in the Tyrone SFC final replay last Friday.

All-Star goalkeeper Niall Morgan kicked the match-winning score on that occasion and club-mate Conn Kilpatrick joined him in winning an All-Star last night. The club now boasts three All-Stars with forward Darren McCurry collecting one in 2021.

He has been in fine form throughout his club’s run to their first ever Tyrone senior title.

Clonduff have some firepower themselves in the form of Down forward Eamon Brown, who kicked three two-pointers in the county final.

Charlie Carr was a driving force from midfield that day while joint captain Stephen McConville provides experience in attack.