Erne Gaels defeat Derrygonnelly in Fermanagh replay

Erne Gaels withstood a second half comeback from Derrygonnelly Harps to secure back-to-back Fermanagh Senior Championship titles with a 1-12 to 1-9 victory at Brewster Park.

Kelm brothers Oisin and Ultan burned brightest for Belleek in the opening period, scoring 1-5 between them to give the holders a 1-9 to 0-4 lead at the break.

Harps refused to relent and made inroads on the deficit with a man advantage as Thomas McCaffrey sat in the sin bin upon the restart.

A terrific Leigh Jones strike to the net and Stephen McGullion's two-pointer brought Derrygonelly to within two.

There was no score at either end until the 53rd minute when Seamus Ryder pointed a crucial effort to nudge Belleek further in front.

Gary McKenna clipped over a free for the Harps heading into stoppage time, but Aogan Kelm settled proceedings to clinch successive New York Gold Cups.

After an enthralling encounter seven nights ago in which Derrygonnelly played for 48 minutes with just 14 men, Sean Flanagan's men raced into a two-point lead but failed to score for 19 minutes thereafter.

A spell that yielded 1-5 without reply for Belleek as they established control.

Ultan Kelm plundered to the net while brother Oisin roved forward on three occasions from half-back to raise a white flag.

A rousing two-pointer from Ultan just before the half-time whistle meant that the reigning holders led 1-9 to 0-4 at the break.

With McCaffrey black carded, Derrygonnelly staged a fightback.

Jones' thunderbolt slashed the arrears as Derrygonnelly made a roaring start to the second half scoring 1-4 before Belleek were restored to 15.

However, Erne Gaels managed to stem the attacking tide and kept their opponents scoreless until the 60th minute.

Ryder landed a huge settler for Belleek to keep the Harps at bay and Aogan Kelm's score sealed the victory.