Warrenpoint shootout star Boyle ready for Kilcoo test

On the Sunday night after Warrenpoint's dramatic Down semi-final win over Loughinisland, an image was shared on social media of defender John Boyle’s head superimposed onto the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. He had, after all, performed miracles to bring the 'Point back to their second final in four years.

We say defender, but it was his goalkeeping that caused the fanfare, and Boyle is hoping for more against All-Ireland champions Kilcoo in Sunday's decider as Shane Mulholland’s men try to complete a fantasy run that saw them dump out heavyweights Burren and Loughinisland in spot-kicks in the space of seven heady days.

Boyle’s record across those two shootouts speaks for itself. Five penalties scored out of five, but perhaps just as importantly was his save from Loughinisland’s Dean McLaughlin that kept the Cumann Pheadair Naofa men alive last time out, before Rory Mason hit the post with the 22nd penalty to send Mulholland’s side through.

Boyle was in goals for 10 of 11 penalties as regular goalkeeper Gary McMahon, who was also a designated kick-taker, put his shoulder out when brilliantly saving a Stefan Mason effort.

Confusion reigned as officials tried to work out how McMahon could be replaced. Frantic calls were put in by Down officials to determine whether or not a substitute goalkeeper could come in or would it have to be someone from one of the four remaining designated kick-takers. In the end, it was the latter with the experienced Boyle having to step up.

"Gary made an unbelievable save and put his shoulder out," Boyle said.

"Then there was the drama about what does happen from there. Seán Óg [McAteer, Down GAA secretary] was on the phone alright.

"Gary was going to hit a penalty too, so there were a