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Four points from the impressive Paul Devlin fired Kilcoo to an unexpected three-point win over Mayobridge in yesterday's Morgan Milk Down Senior Football Championship final at Pairc Esler.
Kilcoo dominated the game for long periods and were full value for their win, but they had to withstand some late pressure to win 2-8 to 1-8 and regain the Down Club Championship.
They got off to a great start when Down start Conor Laverty pounced for a goal in the first minute after a defensive mix-up between full-back Kevin McClorey and keeper Shealan Strain presented him with an easy tap-in.
Devlin added to the Kilcoo total with four scores, three of them from frees, and Niall McEvoy surged forward for his side's fifth point before the interval when they led 1-5 to 0-5.
Kilcoo's second goal came 10 minutes into the second half when McEvoy's long ball was claimed by McGreevy who palmed into the net and they led 2-9 to 0-6 when a goal from substitute Mayobridge's Kevin O'Rourke revived their hopes.
They battled until the last whistle, but Jim McCorry's side deserved the win and now face Monaghan champions Ballybay in the AIB Ulster Club Senior Football Championship quarter-final on Sunday, 4 November at Clones.
"We won this three years ago and have worked hard to get it back," said Kilcoo's Conor Laverty.
"It is great for the club and the parish. Football is everyting to us in Kilcoo and we are delighted to get the win."
In the Around A Pound Down Club Intermediate Football Championship St Peter's came out on top
A goal midway through the second proved to be the difference in a tense Down IFC final at Pairc Esler yesterday.
Gary McMahon found the net after Caolan McLoughlin's long ball was spilled in the Bosco defence and the seasiders went on to take the title.
St Peter's, Warrenpoint 1-8 Newry Bosco 0-8
