Glen (Derry) 1-12 Kilcoo (Down) 1-06
Nearly a year to the day, Glen Watty Grahams avenged their loss to Kilcoo to become Ulster champions for the first time, dumping out the reigning All-Ireland champions in the process.
The rematch between the sides was highly anticipated and it delivered in spades. After a blistering start, the Derry Champions controlled the game and never went behind throughout.
Alex Doherty sealed the tenacious performance with a goal in the finish for the newly crowned champions.
The opening exchanges were pulsating. The first fixture on the 19 December 2021 was visibly in the minds of both sets of players. Relentless pressure on the ball in the final thirds meant turnovers were high and the scraps keenly fought over.
Glen's revenge mission was clear for all to see in their matchups. The Derry champion's line up changed more than Kilcoo's in order to get their set up right. After not conceding for the opening quarter Malachy O'Rourke’s tactics proved spot on.
Danny Tallon opened his account with the first of five frees after man of the match Conleth McGuckian pickpocketed Jerome Johnston to set off on a sensational counter attack.
That spark was backed up by four more points by Emmett Bradley (free), Conor Glass, McGuckian and Jack Doherty. Kilcoo were under pressure and looked perplexed. That is exactly when they are most dangerous.
Off a sideline set piece, cornerback Aaron Branagan’s lung-bursting run was found by Dylan Ward to punch to the net. Right back into the contest entirely against the run of play.
Back in the ascendancy, Kilcoo would lose Paul Devlin to a black card. Conor Laverty came out the field to slow the game down and provide some leadership. By the time Devlin came back into the fray, Tallon and full back Ryan Dougan kept Glen ahead by the minimum at half time 0-07 to 1-03.
Just before half time Devlin, fresh from his sin bin, spurned a massive chance in the game, grazing his penalty to the outside of post. That would ultimately prove costly.
The second period started with Tallon and Bradley again landing frees. The slow start again would come back to haunt the Magpies.
Devlin did reply with two frees in quick succession but thanks to resolute defending and a huge Ceilum Doherty miss Glen were able to keep their noses in front.
The sun was becoming a factor for Glen. Facing into it for the entire second half Grahams could not risk a foot pass at times and Kilcoo pinned them back, continually allowed their goalkeeper Connlan Bradley to come out the field.
Darryl Branagan whipped over a trademark point but Glen were composed and none more so than McGuckian. Having been forced to run the ball from deep he flicked the ball over Branagan’s head and the field just opened up for him to find Ethan Doherty for the clinching score.
Kilcoo could not find a way through, Tallon added another free and substitute Seán Óg McCusker picked up another black card for his team. By the time Doherty found the net, Glen’s captain Connor Carville was already preparing his speech.
Glen: Conlann Bradley; Connor Carville, Ryan Dougan (0-01), Michael Warnock; Tiarnán Flanagan, Cathal Mulholland, Ethan Doherty (0-01); Conor Glass (0-01), Emmett Bradley (0-02, 2f); Eunan Mulholland, Conleth McGuckian (0-01), Conor Convery; Jack Doherty (0-01), Danny Tallon (0-05, 5f), Alex Doherty (1-00).
Subs: Cathair McCabe for Convery (57).
Kilcoo: Niall Kane; Ryan McEvoy (0-01, 1f), Niall Branagan, Aaron Branagan (1-01); Eugene Branagan, Darryl Branagan (0-01), Miceál Rooney; Aaron Morgan, Dylan Ward; Ceilum Doherty, Ryan Johnston, Shealan Johnston; Conor Laverty, Jerome Johnston (0-01, 1m), Paul Devlin(0-02, 2f).
Subs: Anthony Morgan for Ward (ht), Sean Óg McCusker for E Branagan (56),
Referee: Joe McQuillan (Kill Shamrocks, Cavan)
