Gaoth Dobhair are heading off in search of another Ulster voyage on Saturday as the club’s Under-16s take part in the quarter-final of the Paul McGirr Ulster Under-16 Club Champions Tournament.
Gaoth Dobhair face Ardboe in the last of the quarter-finals at Dromore on Saturday (throw-in 2.15pm).
Both clubs are making their maiden appearances in the showpiece tournament, but going on their successful seasons so far both will have eyes on the coveted Ulster title.
Gaoth Dobhair have won Ulster titles at senior and under-21 level in recent times and will look to make inroads here, too.
Gaoth Dobhair defeated Aodh Ruadh 4-12 to 2-8 in the Donegal U16 final in July when Cathal De Burca (2-1), Ronan Heffernan (1-1) and Fionnan Coyle (1-1) did the damage.
Eamon McBride, Daragh Ferry and Cian McEntee form part of a sturdy defence that has conceded very little all season, their hard running midfield pairing of Sean Mcfadden and Stephen McFadden will have an interesting battle with Michael Forbes and co they will look to Coyle, Aidan McGowan and De Burca for the scores to get them over the line.
Manager Michael Ferry is hoping the long lay off doesn’t have any effect on his team.
“The lads are thrilled with the opportunity to play in the Paul McGirr tournament and test themselves against the best in Ulster,” he said.
“It’s been a long wait since the 7th July when we won the county title but huge credit to the lads they continued to train despite having very little match opportunities.
“Having seen a formidable Ardboe team win a tight Tyrone final at the weekend we know we will be up against it but the lads are focused on the challenge and really looking forward to it.
“We’re very grateful to the Dromore club and McGirr family for their huge efforts in organising such a wonderful showcase of underage football.’
Tyrone champions Ardboe last weekend defeated a fancied Donaghmore team to claim the Tyrone title.
Forbes, Jack Martin, Cormac Devlin and Daniel Quinn are among the key protagonists on the Ardboe side.
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