Kilcoo set sights on Ulster Club crown

12 October 2016

KILCOO’S senior footballers set out on their quest for Ulster glory in the cauldron of Clones on Sunday.

The Down champions make their fifth consecutive trip into Ulster and standing in the way of a quarter-final berth are Monaghan’s mighty Scotstown.

The Monaghan champions go into the game as 10/11 favourites with Kilcoo quoted at a generous 6/5, but anything can happen in championship football.

The Magpies curtailed their post Down championship celebrations in order to have themselves in the best possible shape for a provincial assault.

Read nothing into their hammering at the hands of Burren in the league on Saturday. Management played a second string side as they had already made the league final.

There are reported to be some injury concerns in the Kilcoo ranks and this week will have been crucial in terms of managing rehab.

Scotstown won the Monaghan SFC for the second year after getting by Clontibret 2-13 to 1-12 in Castleblayney. Two goals in one second half minute were the catalyst for the title retention.

An Bhóth’s challenge is spearheaded by county stars and brothers Kieran and Darren Hughes.

Kieran operates at centre half back and is well capable of getting forward and scoring.

Darren Hughes is a fine exponent at full forward, but his resolve could be tested by Daryl Branagan.

Rory Beggan in nets is deadly from set pieces while Donal Morgan and free taker Shane Carey are of supreme quality at this level.

Kilcoo’s Johnston’s, Ryan and Jerome, are well on the road to recovery and should be on decent shape for this clash. The experience of Conor Laverty and Aidan Brannigan will be needed to help guide the attack and defence respectively.

Scotstown are very direct and like to go for the kill. Kilcoo will get change from their defence though. The game will be a shootout between two talented sets of forwards.

The more economical outfit will make it through.

Meanwhile, Kilclief’s camogs have their work cut out when they face Antrim’s Brídíní Óga in the Ulster Club Junior Championship final for the Bridie McMenamin Shield in Moy, County Tyrone, on Sunday.

Kilclief have a good blend of youth and experience in their set-up, but the Antrim champions are a quality side and will be a hard unit to stop.

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