By Shaun Casey

KILCOO are no stranger to the big occasion and after coming through a massive challenge in Cavan’s Crosserlough the last day, manager Karl Lacey hopes that will stand to his side ahead of their semi-final showdown against Scotstown.

It’s a repeat of their clash 12 months ago, when the Monaghan kingpins edged out Down’s finest by the minimum of margins at Páirc Esler, Newry. The Magpies will need no reminding of that result on Saturday evening.

With All-Ireland champions Glen now out of the picture, Kilcoo look to be the team to beat in the northern province and Lacey’s men will be eyeing up their first Ulster title since 2021, when they went all the way to the All-Ireland crown.

“It was maybe something we lacked last year when it came to the crunch, and we suffered,” said Lacey of the competitive contest Kilcoo came through in the opening round. “We are glad we have come through that (Crosserlough) game.

“It was a test of character, when we needed dirty ball and we needed men to stand up, we got that and got over the line. That will hopefully stand to us now in terms of prep for the next game.

“Even analysis of ourselves and looking at areas of our game, because it was such a tight game. You can watch them back and you can really find areas for improvement in games like that.

“In the Down Championship, we looked back and we were going in sometimes at half time six or seven points up and is the second half a true reflection really? It is a bit of a misconception. That game will hopefully stand to us.”

Kilcoo waltzed through the Mourne County without a glove being laid on them, which possibly wasn’t the best preparation for meeting the best the province has to offer.

“It does play in your head,” admitted the former Donegal star.

“All we can do is create competitive training and we do the best we can with really competitive in-house training. We have a panel of 35 players, but nothing beats championship nights and Crosserlough and Ulster football.

“They missed out last time after 2020, so there was a lot of motivation with them as well.

“They threw the kitchen sink at it, there is no doubt about that, they are a good side, and I was really impressed with them.

“We are just glad that we got that test now in relation to prep going forward and looking back we probably didn’t get that before the Scotstown game (last year).”

A boost for Kilcoo was the return of Ryan Johnston from injury for Ulster having missed a chunk of the Down SFC.

“Ryan hasn’t played for seven or eight weeks; he has come through it well and there is definitely more in him.

“Nothing beats games in terms of fitness, getting hands on the ball and that game environment.

“Nothing beats championship games for that fitness, so that will take him on.”