Mulholland says Kilcoo’s success is great for Down

BY NIALL GARTLAND

FORMER Down forward Shane Mulholland thinks that Kilcoo’s unforgettable run to the All-Ireland final is a massive shot in the arm for the county as a whole – and wouldn’t be surprised either if Paddy Tally comes-a-knocking after next Sunday’s decider against Corofin.

Kilcoo produced a stunning performance in Saturday’s semi-final against Ballyboden, and Mulholland says that the rest of the county have rowed in behind them, noting that hasn’t always been the case.

“When you’re so successful and have dominated the way they have, naturally enough people will start to dislike you and want to see you knocked off your perch.

“Now they’ve got through Ulster, there’s more of a support for them and it’s a shot in the arm for the rest of Down football generally.

“They were beaten in a few matches in Division One this year, so clubs will look at that and think why can’t we do as well as them.

“In saying that, it was obvious that they were blooding new players and trying different things and had different fish to fry. Now they’re in an All-Ireland final and it’s a phenomenal achievement.”

Mulholland also expects Down manager Paddy Tally to make a few calls after Kilcoo’s campaign winds down. There isn’t as many Kilcoo players on the Down panel as you might expect, and it remains to be seen whether that will now change.

“I remember going to school with the Crossmaglen boys and going to the first All-Ireland final they won. A raft of those players filtered through to the county panel even though at one point of time there was a perception that they didn’t really engage with Armagh.

“There’s parallels there with Kilcoo, but I imagine Daryl and Aaron Branagan are two players who will be come into the panel. I’ve been very impressed with Niall Branagan, his one-on-one defence has been top drawer.

“Caolan Ward has been injured and I imagine Paddy Tally will be looking at him when he comes back, and Dylan Ward is developing into a fine footballer as well. He didn’t see out the year when I was Down minor manager but he’s developing into a prototypical footballer, full of mobility and athleticism.”

Mulholland also believes that Kilcoo will embrace the task of facing three-in-a-row seeking Corofin on the big day at Croke Park.

“In a way it’s a pity that it’s Corofin, you wish it was a team that maybe didn’t have their pedigree or experience.The way they play in Croke park will be a challenge for Kilcoo. Will Kilcoo be able to protect their defence and how will they cope with Corofin’s kick-passing?

“I think Corofin have a lot of miles on the legs, isn’t it a brilliant game to have because they’re the best team in Ireland and you have the chance to topple them, Knowing the mentality in Kilcoo they’ll want the best team they can play so good luck to them.”