In the end it was easy for Errigal Ciaran as they strode confidently to a third Tyrone senior football title in yesterday's disappointing final at Edendork. Their six-point win was scarcely a fair reflection of their superiority on the day, for in truth Galbally never really threatened to cause an upset in their first appearance in a decider in 34 years.

Touched by the tragedy of the loss of two of their players in a car crash just a week before, they produced a courageous performance laced with character and some fine individual displays.

But Errigal's greater experience was crucial. And the accuracy of Eoin Gormley, who scored eight points, clinched it for his side.

"It was difficult to get properly motivated for the game with the tragic evens which preceded it," said Peter Canavan, scorer of two points in what was by his standards a subdued personal input. "We built up an early lead and managed to hold on to it, and that's what was in the end important."

Stevie Canavan punched a goal for Errigal 10 minutes before the break to set them up for a 1-7 to 02 half-time lead. Peter O'Neill did pull a goal back for Galbally midway through the second half, but the never recovered from the dismissal of centre back Sean Quinn.

Errigal, with Pascal Canavan and skipper Hugh Quinn prompting from midfield, opened up an eight-point lead, and Plunkett Quinn's late goal was merely of consolation value.