When it comes to digging deep and doing things the hard way, Kilcoo are in a league of their own.
As Kilmacud Crokes learned in cruel fashion in the All-Ireland final earlier this year, when they came from seven points down to snatch it at the end of extra-time, they are amazingly resilient.
So it was again in Páirc Esler in Newry on Sunday as they scrapped past St Peter’s Warrenpoint to secure a four-in-a-row of Down titles and a 10th in 11 years.
Read more: Canavan siblings inspire Errigal Ciaran to narrow win over holders Dromore
Warrenpoint were chasing a first county senior title since 1953 and they pushed the All-Ireland champions all the way — scoring the last four points of normal time to take the game to extra-time.
Kilcoo re-emerged from the dressing-rooms determined to finish the job. They fired over four unanswered points in the opening six minutes of extra-time.
Warrenpoint hauled themselves back into it thanks to the unerring placed balls of Alan Davidson, who finished with a haul of 0-7. They scored four of the remaining five points but it wasn’t enough to reel in the champions.
Ryan Johnston’s goal after 22 minutes was the major difference. A long ball in to Kilcoo stalwart and new Down inter-county manager Conor Laverty with his back to goal was quickly off-loaded with a deft pass.
Johnston still had plenty do to, but showed composure to go round a stretched defence and blast the ball into the net.
Kilcoo led 1-6 to 0-6 at half time. Niall McGovern, Paddy Murdock and Davidson’s frees and ‘45’ kept Warrenpoint in touch and eventually forcing extra-time.
Kilcoo started extra- time with verve with quickfire points from play from Devlin, Ryan Johnston, Tiernan Fettis and Eugene Branagan and while Warrenpoint stayed in the hunt, the champions had the experience to hang on.
It wasn’t vintage stuff but finals are all about winning and Kilcoo head into another Ulster club championship.
Kilcoo scorers: Ryan Johnston 1-1, Paul Devlin 0-4 (0-3fs), Miceal Rooney 0-3, Ceilum Dohery 0-2, Shealan Johnston 0-1, Eugene Branagan 0-1, Tiernan Fettes 0-1.
Warrenpoint scorers: Alan Davidson 0-7 (0-6fs, 0-1 45), Niall McGovern 0-2, Donagh McAleenan 0-2, Ruairi McCormick 0-1, Jamie Grant 0-1, Patrick Murdock 0-1, Jack Howlett 0-1.
READ NEXT:
Dunloy complete Championship double as hurlers retain Antrim SHC title
Naomh Conaill topple St Eunan’s but controversial red card mars Donegal final
Aaron O'Neill tributes paid after sudden death of Armagh GAA 'super fan'
Brighter days ahead for Enniskillen Gaels insists Simon Bradley
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
