Derby final showdown beckons

Derby final showdown beckons

7 October 2015

THE clash of neighbours Kilcoo and Castlewellan in the Morgan Fuels Down SFC final has a lot of intrigue attached to it.

Both sets of players know each other well as a host of them came through together at St Malachy’s High School in Castlewellan.

Throw in the fact they are parish neighbours and all the ingredients are there for a feisty encounter.

Kilcoo are going for a four in a row of senior titles.

New manager Paul McIver has bedded in well and he will be very confident of returning the silverware to Owen Roe Park once again.

Castlewellan were impressive in their semi-final win over Ballyholland.

Kevin Duffin dictates proceedings from centre half back while Rory Burns always puts in a commendable shift at midfield.

The Town have a stylish finisher in Aidan Burns and a strong supporting cast of Cahal Crilly and Sean Dornan.

Reigning champions Kilcoo have an embarrassment of riches with strength in depth on the bench.

Jerome Johnston has been one of the top players in the county this year and he should bring a bit of class to this game.

Conor Laverty will look to get involved from the off with Darragh O’Hanlon and Ryan Johnston important cogs in their respective roles.

The best man marker in Down, Daryl Branagan, will shore up the Magpies defence with the assistance of three of his brothers and this makes their rearguard a very strong proposition.

Castlewellan will hold no fear of Kilcoo as they go in search of their first SFC in 20 years. There is unlikely to be a shock as Kilcoo are not likely to relinquish their throne easily.

Kilcoo are seasoned campaigners with an unbelievable knack of grinding out victories. It is theirs to lose.