Kilcoo back in final yet again

Kilcoo back in final yet again

2 October 2013

REIGNING champions Kilcoo displayed all their battling qualities as they survived a late scare to book a final slot with Burren.

Benny Coulter’s goal near the full time whistle put the Magpies under severe pressure and in the resultant attack a goalmouth scramble ensued, but the Bridge got a 45’ from it and not a third major.

Kilcoo started the game with drive and gusto. They were 0-6 to 0-1 ahead after 13 minutes.

Kevin O’Rourke got Mayobridge out of the stalls but a classy effort from Darragh O’Hanlon drew the sides level.

Daryl Brannigan catapulted Kilcoo clear before Paul Devlin got his first score of the night. Benny Coulter then went close with an effort.

While the ‘Bridge continued to waste chances, Jerome Johnston popped up with a double, which was added to by Darragh O’Hanlon.

Michael Walsh brought Conor Garvey into the fray and his impact was instant as he scored within a minute of being sent on.

A Kevin O’Rourke free put three between the sides before Ryan Brady’s crafted 22nd minute point nudged the ‘Bridge closer.

Darragh O’Hanlon resumed Kilcoo’s charge with a free but Garvey’s second point since coming on kept his side in touch.

Conor Laverty won a free for the Magpies after being on the end of a heavy knock. Paul Devlin was on hand to punt over the set-piece.

Just when it looked like the ‘Bridge were fading they won a penalty a minute before half-time.

Former Armagh star Kevin O’Rourke took responsibility for the kick as he confidently drove it home.

Kilcoo needed a strong response and they nearly got a goal, only for a memorable save from Shealan Strain. Jerome Johnston popped over the rebound.

The lively Darragh O’Hanlon got the second half up and running with another score.

Benny Coulter struck back for Mayobridge to put one in it and Kevin O’Rourke tapped over a free.

Paul Devlin swung the momentum back towards the Magpies’ and Johnston built on this.

Yet another Devlin prompting encouraged Kilcoo as tempers flared. In the last five minutes Devlin drove over a free which was followed by an effort from O’Hanlon.

The Bridge gave their all in the dying embers and they were rewarded with Benny Coulter’s goal.

The late scramble raised the tension levels, but Kilcoo held on to make yet another final and a date with Burren.

Kilcoo scorers: D. O’Hanlon (0-5, 2F), P. Devlin (0-5, 2F), J. Johnston (0-4), D. Brannigan (0-1).

Mayobridge scorers: K. O’Rourke (1-3, 1P, 2F), B. Coulter (1-1), C. Garvey (0-2), R. Brady (0-1).

Kilcoo 0-15

Mayobridge 2-7

DOWN SFC SEMI-FINAL