Erne Gaels defeat Derrygonnelly in Fermanagh replay

Erne Gaels captain Ryan Lyons lifts the New York Gold Cup

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.

Gaels on top at the half

Ultan Kelm cracks home a first-half goal for Erne Gaels

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.