Big guns return as Kilcoo continue Down dominance

Kilcoo 2-12 Burren 1-09

Kilcoo were crowned Down SFC champions for the 11th time in 12 years with a convincing win over a disappointing Burren.

Magpies manager Karl Lacey brought in the big guns with Down senior football manager Conor Laverty and Aaron Branagan making their first starts of the season, while Paul Devlin was another elder member who impressed in only his second game back this year.

Jim McCorry's Burren were caught a bit flat-footed it seemed and were tame against a ruthless and Kilcoo who showed their killer instinct.

Micheal Rooney’s goal early in the second half put the game beyond Burren and Paul Devlin’s converted penalty made sure the Frank O’Hare Cup was going back to where it has been over the past 12 months.

Rooney picked up player of the match, while Ryan McEvoy was tremendous at full-back, with Aaron Branagan and Laverty popping up everywhere to torment Burren.

Odhran Murdock, Gerard McGovern, Danny Magill, young Darra Mussen and Liam Kerr tried to bring the challenge to Kilcoo but only in fits and starts. It wasn’t the epic battle many assumed that would unfold and was a one-side affair.

Indeed, there was more drama before the game with the controversy over the referee appointment by the county board.

Burren grabbed the opening two point, Kerr and Mussen, before Kilcoo hit back with a ruthless six in a row. Shealan Johnston, Niall Kane (free), Aaron Morgan, Ryan Johnston, Aaron Branagan and Eugene Branagan were all on target before teenager Mussen’s second point on 25 minutes.

Kilcoo were in control as they led 0-08 to 0-03 at the break and player of the match award winner Rooney fired home a goal from close range on 39 minutes after watching the ball crash off the post.

Burren rallied and squandered a