Kilcoo champs crowned

Kilcoo champs crowned

25 September 2013

THE pre-match focus in this game centred around the involvement of 50 year-old Down legend Mickey Linden who had played a massive part in getting Mayobridge to this decider.

However, Linden’s cameo was overshadowed by a first rate team performance from Kilcoo, who packed too much of a punch for Benny Coulter’s third string.

Mayobridge were 0-2 to no score up after ten minutes. Jamie McManus and Robbie Coulter both bagged frees.

The Magpies got their first score on 14 minutes when midfielder Dominic McEvoy pounced. Another Robbie Coulter free put the ‘Bridge two up, but a superb long range effort from McEvoy kept Kilcoo in contention.

Gary Kane levelled for the Magpies and further scores from McEvoy, Eugene Brannigan and Gary O’Hare put Kilcoo three up.

The ever reliable Robbie Coulter then pointed a free to bring his team to within two at the break.

Christopher Annett gave Mayobridge the best possible start as he got the Sky Blues back within the minimum at the start of the second half.

The joy was short-lived though as Paul Cunningham received his marching orders for a second yellow card.

Kilcoo pushed on and Dominic McEvoy’s 44th minute goal provided them with the upper hand.

Thomas O’Hare’s strike from distance in the 50th minute attempted to spark the ‘Bridge into life, but they couldn’t build on it.

Conor Morgan plus a Dominic McEvoy double sealed the game before former Down defender Brendan Grant minored on the hour mark.

A frantic injury time saw Michael McLaughlin major for Kilcoo and Ollie McClean point with the outside of the boot.

Mickey Linden did manage a last minute score but Kilcoo hung on to emerge worthy winners.

Kilcoo scorers: D. McEvoy (1-5, 2F), M. McLaughlin (1-0), O. McClean (0-1), C. Morgan (0-1), G. O’Hare (0-1), E. Brannigan (0-1).

Mayobridge: R. Coulter (0-3, 3F), J. McManus (0-1, 1F), M. Linden (0-1), B. Grant (0-1), T. O’Hare (0-1), C. Annett (0-1).

Kilcoo 2-9

Mayobridge 0-8

DOWN RFC FINAL