Kilcoo land seventh-straight Down football title

Kilcoo cruised past Carryduff 1-17 to 1-11 to lift a record-extending seventh Down SFC title in a row at Pairc Esler.

Paul Devlin's first half penalty sent the Magpies on their way to an unprecedented 13th county title in 14 years.

Carryduff did threaten a late comeback as Eoin Donnelly's goal, followed up by a John McGeough two-point free, cut the gap to four entering the final 10 minutes, but Kilcoo held firm to secure the title.

Kilcoo will now advance to the quarter-final of the Ulster Club Championship where they'll meet the winners of Sunday's Tyrone final between Trillick and Loughmacrory at Healy Park on Saturday, 8 November.

Kilcoo settled quicker, racing into an early three-point lead thanks to scores from Anthony Morgan and Branagan brothers, Darryl and Aaron.

Carryduff finally got off the mark on 12 minutes through James Guinness before his brother Daniel cut the gap to one, while Pearse McCabe levelled the sides at three apiece with 10 minutes to the break.

The decisive score would come two minutes later as Owen McCabe was adjudged to have thrown the ball as he tried to clear a Kilcoo goal-bound effort and referee Colum Gribben awarded the holders a penalty.

Paul Devlin stepped up, almost taking the riggings of the net as he blasted his effort down the middle, into the roof of the net.

James Guinness and Niall Kane from a free traded two-point efforts as Kilcoo led 1-6 to 0-5 at the break.

The Magpies started to pull away early in the second half with four scores in as many minutes, Jerome Johnston and Aaron Branagan on target before a quickfire double from Paul Devlin extended the lead out to seven.

John McGeough replied before Kilcoo replied with another three scores in a row.

Just as the game looked to be petering out, Eoin Donnelly grabbed hold of the ball after a goalmouth scramble, blasting into the bottom right hand corner of the net, cutting the deficit down to six.

McGeough further reduced the arrears from the very next play, landing a two-pointer.

Carryduff had chances, but five wides in the last 10 minutes hampered their cause, with Sean Og McCusker an Ryan Johnston landing late scores, confirming title number 22 for Kilcoo.

Kilcoo: Niall Kane (0-2 2ptf); Aaron Branagan (0-3), Ryan McEvoy, Niall Branagan; Miceal Rooney, Darryl Branagan (0-2), Callum Rogers; Aaron Morgan, Anthony Morgan (0-1); Ceilum Doherty, Ryan Johnston (0-2), Shealan Johnston (0-1); Paul Devlin (1-3 1pen), Eugene Branagan, Jerome Johnston (0-2).

Subs: Jack Devlin for E Branagan (35), Sean Og McCusker (0-1) for J Johnston (51), Barra McEvoy for M Rooney (57), Conor Laverty for P Devlin (59), Christopher Rooney for S Johnston (62).

Carryduff: Ronan Lavery; Lorcan Toal, Conor Cassidy, Odhran Sherry (0-1); Michael McGrath (0-1), Daniel Guinness (0-1), Pearse McCabe (0-1); Eoin Donnelly (1-0), Tom McCarroll; Gareth Henderson, James Guinness, Owen McCabe; Joe Tunney, Ronan Beatty, John McGeough (0-3 2ptf).

Subs: Cian Clinton for J Tunney (39), Joe McFlynn (0-1) for O McCabe (45), Liam Blayney for M McGrath (49), Sean McGonigle for P McCabe (51), Ryan Elliot for O Sherry (57).

Referee: Colum Gribben (Glasdrumman)