ULSTER GAA has revealed the full fixtures itinerary for the 2023 McKenna Cup, which is set to commence on Wednesday, January 4. Defending champions Monaghan begin their campaign on that evening against Down, with both teams under new management for the coming season. Each county will pay two group stage games, with the semi finals […]
The groups for the 2023 Dr McKenna Cup have been drawn
THE 2023 Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup draw was made on Tuesday night in Cookstown’s Glenavon Hotel. Champions Monaghan, under new manager Vinny Corey are grouped with last year’s runners up Donegal and Down who have Paddy Carr and Conor Laverty respectively in charge for the first time. Ulster champions Derry will face neighbours […]
Another battle of fine margins
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Ulster Club SFC final Kilcoo v Glen Sunday, Athletic Grounds, 1pm By Michael McMullan WHEN Conor Glass kicked his ‘45 over the bar to put Glen ahead for the first time, early in extra-time, the Derry men looked to have turned the final corner. Kilcoo almost won last year’s semi-final in normal time until Emmett […]
Kilcoo’s comfort comes from years of practice
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By Michael McMullan A LOOK at Kilcoo’s starting team from their win over Enniskillen. From the games they’ve played across the Down and Ulster championship, scores are dripping across every line. Niall Kane’s four points all came from placed balls. Every bother person has scored from play. Eugene Branagan didn’t start, but add in his […]
Mickey Donnelly added to Down management team
FORMER Tyrone minor manager Mickey Donnelly has been added to Conor Laverty’s backroom team. The Kilcoo man, who also has Martin Clarke and Declan Morgan in his coaching panel, has snagged a man who has been involved in the Mourne County previously having managed Mayobridge. As well as the Tyrone minors, Donnelly has been manager […]
Guiding the stars of the future
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Antrim U-17s Name: Tbc Club: Tbc Background: It remains to be seen who will manage the Antrim U-17s next season. They did well this year to claim a surprise win over Monaghan in the first round of Ulster, before they were brought back down to an earth with a bump against Tyrone. Paul McErlean, who […]
McConville set to remain with Armagh u-20s
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By Shaun Casey 2002 All-Ireland winner Oisin McConville is set to stay with Armagh’s u-20 side in a coaching capacity for the 2023 season. McConville teamed up with former teammate Barry O’Hagan when the pair took over the Orchard youngsters last season. Armagh lost out to Donegal in the opening round of the Ulster U-20 […]
Another weekend of action on the Down club scene
THERE will be a weekend of action in down both in the front door and in the qualifiers as teams enter the last chance saloon. SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND TWO LOUGHINISLAND V WARRENPOINT Friday, Kilcoo, 7.30pm Warrenpoint eased past Saul in the first round, team captain Donagh McAleenan excelling, but they’ll face a much stiffer […]
STEVEN POACHER: No quick fix to Mourne County ills
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THIS week Conor Laverty was announced as the new Down senior manager for the 2023 season. Most outsiders looking in at Down football often wonder what is going on and why can a county with rich tradition and history not be able to compete at the top table. Let me take you back 15 years […]
Gilligan: Laverty can be uniting force in Down football
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By Niall McCoy KILCOO joint-manager Conleith Gilligan has backed new Down manager Conor Laverty to be a uniting force for the Mourne County as they attempt to bounce back from a difficult few seasons. When the new season comes around, it will be 29 years since they last tasted Ulster success. Their last piece of […]









