'We believe we can go far' says Trillick's Richie Donnelly

Lee Brennan celebrates after Trillick's Ulster club quarter-final win over Crossmaglen

Richie Donnelly says there is "stern belief" in the Trillick players that they can mount a strong challenge for the Ulster Club Championship.

The Tyrone champions beat six-time All-Ireland winners Crossmaglen in Saturday's quarter-final in Omagh.

"We want to see how far we can go, how far teams can push us and how far we can respond," said Donnelly, "we believe we can go far".

Trillick will play either Kilcoo or Scotstown in an Ulster semi-final.

Crossmaglen were held scoreless in the second half at Healy Park as Trillick came from 0-4 to 0-2 down to win by 0-9 to 0-4.

Cross skipper Jamie Clarke received a straight red card late on, despite being booked earlier in the game, for an apparent strike on Sean O'Donnell who was forced off the field.

Crossmaglen captain Jamie Clarke received a straight red card six minutes from the end of the club's defeat by Trillick

Donnelly says it was pleasing for Trillick to back up their impressive Tyrone final win over Errigal Ciaran by winning their first ever meeting with Crossmaglen, who have won 11 Ulster titles in the last three decades.

"There were a few cobwebs in the first half, maybe we were still psychologically at ease a bit coming in from the Tyrone Championship, but we came to the party in the second half," he added.

"It was a strong showing from us and a good sign of the energy levels in the group. The legs we have and desire we have to play for each other."

Donnelly admitted the victory was way more comfortable than Trillick could have hoped for, with Cross looking a dejected, beaten team long before the finish.

"That only became the case in the last 10 minutes, you could start to see the momentum shift in the last 10 minutes and when we went a man up we managed that situation quite well," says the midfielder.

"Not to say it was easy as such, we still had to work hard to finish it through.

"Some lads came up really strong and the older boys are just doing what is expected at this stage."

Crossmaglen's Rian O'Neill holds onto possession

Reigning Derry and Ulster champions Glen along with 2022 All-Ireland winners Kilcoo are regarded as the big two still left in the draw, but Donnelly is not afraid to throw Trillick's name into the mix.

"The semi-final opponent will be the toughest yet but it's a game we're excited for.

"We want to put ourselves up against these top teams in Ulster and see where we can go and I suppose put a bit of respect for Trillick on the provincial map.

"There is great belief in the group. The boys have shown that in every game.

"We have won a lot of games by a point in league and championship this year and are quite comfortable in our position.

"There is a really stern belief in this group, and it's going to have be strong the next day."