Kingscourt are stars of the show

By Niall Gartland

LIFE-LONG memories were formed amidst the celebrations following Kingscourt Stars’ stunning victory over Gowna in Sunday’s Cavan Senior Championship final, according to manager Colin Kelly.

Their 2-16 to 0-13 victory marked a first title at this level for the club in a full ten years, and it also achieved sweet redemption for a bruising loss to Gowna in the 2023 showdown.

On that occasion they coughed up five goals but Sunday’s game couldn’t have been more different – Gowna only had three different scorers on the day in a hugely warranted victory for the men from Kingscourt.

They did actually endure a slow enough start (they trailed 0-4 to no score after 20 minutes) but once they got going they never looked back, moving into a 2-7 to 0-8 lead at the break and holding firm in the second-half.

Kelly said: “We had spoken about the fact that games can sometimes take on a life of their own in county championship finals, and momentum is huge.

“We didn’t get our hands on the ball much in those first 10 minutes in particular.

“We were struggling for primary possession, but at no stage did we panic because these boys have shown immense resilience right throughout the championship.

“We got the two goals at the right time. Even though it was nine scores each at the break, I felt we had a good foothold on the game and our defending was very, very strong.”

This was the Louth native’s first year at the helm and he says that it’s an “honour” to lead this talented group of players at club backboned by an impressive history.

On the celebrations after the game, Kelly said: “It was fantastic, all those situations are.

“They’re memories for life, if you’re being 100 per cent honest about it.

“The scenes on the pitch, the emotions for the players, their families and supporters – that’s what the GAA is all about and I’m just very lucky to be part of it.”

He added: “Heading up the coaching in the group is a real honour, and to stand on the sideline on county final day and watch the lads play how we’ve tried to shape them, it’s just very pleasing.”

While Kingscourt can call upon familiar name like Padraig Faulkner and Jordan Morris, both of whom were in top form against Gowna, Kelly was also keen to praise the significant influence of their supporting cast.

“It’s a great testament to the coaching at the club that there’s great young lads coming through and it makes my job easier.

“Everyone’s aware of Padraig and Jordan, but I also can’t speak highly enough of guys like Paddy Meade, Peter Corrigan, Aaron and Ciaran Shekelton. They’re potential intercounty players in their own right, and while it’s great to have players of the calibre of Padraig and Jordan, the supporting cast is very, very good as well.”