Kilcoo gears up for yet another Ulster showdown—what a thrilling ride it’s been for these Down champions!
In a heart-pounding Ulster club Senior Football Championship semi-final held in Armagh city, Kilcoo from Down emerged victorious with a score of 4-12 against Erne Gaels Belleek from Fermanagh, who managed 1-10. With just three points separating the sides at halftime, the match felt like it could tip in any direction, keeping fans glued to their seats.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Kilcoo, known for their rare losses these days, unleashed a ferocious second-half display that not only secured their spot in the December 7 final but also highlighted their dominance in the province. This marks their seventh appearance in an Ulster decider over 13 seasons, and they achieved it with room to spare. Does this streak suggest they’re unbeatable, or is there a chink in their armor that opponents might exploit? Many fans debate whether their recent success is sustainable or just a lucky run.
The 11-point margin wasn’t exaggerated either; after the break, they accelerated like a sports car hitting overdrive, effortlessly outpacing Declan Bonner’s Fermanagh titleholders. Goals in the first half were netted by Paul Devlin and Eugene Branagan, while Shealan Johnston and Ceilum Doherty delivered the second-half strikes. Kilcoo boasted 10 different scorers, suggesting they might have even more firepower in reserve for upcoming challenges like Scotstown or Newbridge next month.
And this is the part most people miss: This victory represents Kilcoo’s fifth final in the last six seasons, building on their impressive record of 13 wins from 16 provincial games since kicking off their seven-in-a-row reign in Down. Still, they haven’t clinched an Ulster crown since 2021 and suffered defeat in last year’s final, so manager Martin Corey will be pushing his squad for total concentration and a sharper performance in just two weeks. It’s a reminder that even giants can stumble—do you think Kilcoo’s history of near-misses will fuel them or haunt them this time?
For Erne Gaels Belleek, it was the end of their journey, despite a late consolation goal from substitute Seamus Ryder in stoppage time. They were outscored 2-08 to 1-03 in the final 30 minutes or so, underscoring Kilcoo’s control. Belleek’s achievement of reaching this stage—marked by their first-ever provincial triumph—deserves applause, but the game exposed gaps.
Kilcoo came into Armagh with a mixed history: seven wins and five losses from their 12 outings there. Their latest encounter was the 2024 Ulster final loss to Errigal Ciaran, but they had a brighter note with three straight victories against Fermanagh sides in the city. They also eased through their quarter-final against Loughmacrory by five points, while Belleek battled to an extra-time win over Kingscourt. As four-time Fermanagh champions, Belleek aimed for another milestone, but with the wind advantage early on, they needed to be at least a point or two up by halftime.
They did snag two frees—early from Ryan Lyons and another from Barry McCann near the break—but still lagged behind. Kilcoo should have been further ahead, given their 2-04 to 0-07 halftime lead from 12 scoring chances, with four shots going wide and two falling short. For instance, in the 22nd minute, Paul Devlin, set up by Miceal Rooney, struck a shot off the post—frustrating, but they quickly capitalized by regaining possession from the kick-out and passing to Eugene Branagan on the left flank, who dashed in for the goal. That brought them to 2-03 over 0-04, following Devlin’s opener in the third minute, assisted by Ceilum Doherty.
Belleek was missing key players, including center-forward Thomas McCafferty, who tied the knot in Rome on Friday, and full-back Paul Ward, weakening their defense against Kilcoo’s penetrative attacks. In the third quarter, Kilcoo dominated completely, pulling away decisively before the whistle. Points from Callum Rogers and Doherty right after the restart signaled the onslaught, and with a high press on Belleek’s kick-outs, Ryan Johnston added two consecutive scores before Shealan Johnston grabbed their third goal off a mishandled kick-out. Doherty sealed the fourth in the 54th minute with a deft lob over the goalkeeper.
By then, Kilcoo was cruising, even introducing veteran attacker Conor Laverty—the Down manager—for the final minutes. Belleek’s late goal from Seamus Ryder, a close-range snap past Niall Kane, was a small consolation. For beginners in Gaelic football, this illustrates how momentum shifts can hinge on key plays like kick-outs and substitutions, turning a close game into a rout.
Kilcoo lineup: Niall Kane; Tiarnan Fettes, Ryan McEvoy, Niall Branagan; Miceal Rooney (0-01), Darryl Branagan, Callum Rogers (0-01); Aaron Morgan, Anthony Morgan (0-02); Shealan Johnston (1-01), Ceilum Doherty (1-01), Eugene Branagan (1-01); Paul Devlin (1-01), Ryan Johnston (0-02), Jerome Johnston.
Subs: Sean Og McCusker for Jerome Johnston (46), Lorcan Ward for Anthony Morgan (50), Jack Devlin (0-01) for Ryan Johnston (55), Barra McEvoy (0-01f) for Shealan Johnston (55), Conor Laverty for Paul Devlin (58).
Erne Gaels Belleek: Brian Ryder; Martin Gilfeddar, Ultan O’Reilly, Shane Mimna; Barry McCann (0-02, tp), Jack McCann, Oisin Kelm; Michael Og McGarrigle (0-01), Ryan Lyons (0-04, 2 tp); Brian Mullin (0-01), Ultan Kelm, Aogan Kelm; Shane Rooney (0-01, 0-01f), Odhran Johnston, Dan McCann (0-01).
Subs: Seamus Ryder (1-00) for McGarrigle (h/t), Padraig Johnston for Mimna (46), McGarrigle for Dan McCann (50), Eamn Og Magee for Gilfeddar (55).
Referee: Diarmuid Boylan (Monaghan).
So, what do you make of Kilcoo’s resurgence? Are they poised for glory, or is there an underdog waiting to topple them? And let’s talk controversy—does relying on key absences in opponents make their wins feel less earned? Jump into the comments with your opinions; we’d love to hear your take!