Branagan remains a doubt for Ulster final showdown

KILCOO manager Martin Corey said the extra week has “helped” his injured defender Aaron Branagan who has yet to return to full training.

Branagan went off early in the Magpies’ first-round provinical win over Loughmacrory and sat out their semi-final with Erne Gaels.

Speaking after victory over the Fermanagh champions, Corey said it would be a race against time ahead of the decider.

With Scotstown and Newbridge’s clash abandoned, the re-fixture pushed the final back, giving Kilcoo three weeks as they eye a third Ulster title.

“It’s probably something you just have to embrace,” Corey said of the three-week break.

“You have to make it work for you. It’s not ideal. We’d love it if it was every two weeks but you have to be respectful of Sco tstown and Newbridgeand the winner that came out of that.

“To be fair to them, the two weeks was fair. We won’t be making any excuses regardless of the result.”

It’s a third meeting of Scotstown and Kilcoo in as many seasons with the record level going into their showdown, a game that will be televised live on RTÉ.

In terms of the extra week, it still leaves the Kilcoo management unsure on the availability of Branagan.

“It has helped Aaron but, unfortunately, when he trains, he’s liable to pick up an injury. I’d rather it was just the two weeks nearly, to get him to the game,” said Corey, confirming he is not back in full training:

“He’s not there yet but I suppose the extra week has definitely helped our cause. Still, he could get a setback very quickly.

“That’s it with Aaron, so until we get him to the game, we’ll just have to wait and see.”

l Check out next week’s edition for moreUlster final coverage.