Last season’s All-Ireland runners-up have a chance to make it eight out of nine in Down. On the other side, Carryduff are the surprise package in this year’s Championship.

Click for live scores from Down football final

Last weekend, the Magpies overcame St. Peter’s Warrenpoint in the semi-final. It was neck-in-neck for much of the game before Kilcoo pulled away in the second half. Niall Kane nailed a couple of long frees at crucial times. Then, ten minutes into the second half, Jerome Johnston found the net. Mickey Moran’s team never looked back after that and it ended 1-18 to 2-06. As a result, Kilcoo return to the final for the ninth time in a row.

Only one of these finals have ended in defeat. In 2018, St. Mary’s Burren halted the Kilcoo freight train. In spite of this, the Eoghan Rua side returned last year to right that wrong. Previously, they have won six-in-a-row between 2012 and 2017.

Surprisingly, Kilcoo have already tasted defeat in this year’s Club Championship. Early on they lost by a point to Cumann Pheader Naofa. Yet, this only spurred them on and Kilcoo’s desire has not relented.

On the other hand, Carryduff needed extra-time to beat Ballyholland Harps. In the end, they finished stronger and won by the bare minimum. Veteran Ronan Murtagh brought calm to the ship and led by example. This is Carryduff’s first-ever final.

Like Kilcoo, they have also lost a game already. Clonduff defeated them 4-11 to 1-09. But this will be long forgotten in Carryduff come Sunday.

Kilcoo are the team to beat in Down and Carryduff will relish the test. The presence of fans adds to the sense of occasion and will be welcomed by the players.

Down Club Football Championship Final: Carryduff vs Kilcoo, Sunday 20th September 7 pm (Páirc Esler, Newry). 

Morgan Fuels Down SFC Semi Final

Cill Chua 1-18 Cumann Pheadair Naofa 2-6

Well done to our players and management, a tenth county final appearance in 12 years awaits. #UTM

— Kilcoo GAC (@KilcooGAC) September 13, 2020

https://twitter.com/KilcooGAC/status/1305235851308412929

https://3.249.64.60/feature/tipperary-senior-hurling-final-preview-kiladangan-v-loughmore-castleinery/

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