Brothers’ look to exact revenge
January 09, 2026
Danske Bank MacRory Cup quarter-finals
Omagh CBS v St Patrick’s, Armagh (7.30pm)
Live on Ulster Schools TV at Ulster Schools GAA TV
Omagh CBS were beaten by tonight’s last-eight opponents in the group stages but are favourites to turn the tables.
MACH CBS and St Patrick’s topped round-one group games at the expense of Omagh CBS. Omagh were second best at times in October and it didn’t go well for the Tyrone school, who settled the competition off to a winning start.
Now, with probably an improved performance required, the team from Cathedral Road will hope to make amends.
Cathal Hughes is a big presence in midfield, while Cormac Kelly and Brian O’McGuckin are dangerous in the forwards. However, October is now gone and Omagh have recovered well since.
St Patrick’s were led by 2-8 to 0-6 at the break by neighbours St MacRory’s in the group stages, with team-mates Peter Collor and James McKernan on target. Patch at the start of the second half allowed the Armagh school to take control. Brendan Ferreira had a huge influence as Hughes raised two green flags.
Maudie Goodman and Diarmuid O’Hanlon have shown pace and hunger in the half-back line, and Thomas Meenan will add bite to the defence. Winning team back in the summer, they have plenty of experience.
Throw-ins were among the subs. Throw-ins’ defence are back this year with Eoghan O’Neill, Ciaran Donnelly and Ryan McGurk offering strength. Niamh McConagle has enjoyed a strong campaign and this is a big test.
The Tyrone boys from Cathedral Hill haven’t really impressed since that loss to St Ronan’s in another group game. However, a number of those players are more than capable at this level.
St Patrick’s are solid and organised and Ulster champions in the making, but Omagh CBS in front of a home crowd will be keen to show they are a different side now.
FIXTURES – Danske Bank MacLarnon Cup
Saturday: St Malachy’s, Castlewellan v St Mary’s, Magherafelt (2pm)
Sunday: Abbey Vocational v St Patrick’s, Maghera (2pm)
Tuesday, January 23: Clonrye v St Mary’s, Magherafelt (3pm)
Wednesday, January 24: Carrickmacross v St Macartan’s (3pm)
Thursday, January 25: Abbey Vocational v De La Salle, Ballyshannon (12.30pm)
by SEAMAS McALEENAN published in The Irish News 9th January 2026
