Kilcoo’s Stunning Goal Blitz Dashes Scotstown’s Ulster Semi-Final Hopes

Kilcoo’s Stunning Goal Blitz Dashes Scotstown’s Ulster Semi-Final Hopes

November 23, 2024 Catherine Williams - Chief Editor Sports

Kilcoo 5-10 Scotstown 0-14

Kilcoo dominated Scotstown at the Box-It Athletic Grounds. They scored four goals in an eight-minute burst before and after halftime, ensuring a strong lead.

Kilcoo’s performance was impressive, as they avenged last year’s semi-final loss. They advanced to their fourth Ulster Club SFC final in six years. Their early goals shifted control, forcing Scotstown to chase the game.

Miceal Rooney scored two goals, while Christopher Rooney and Ceilum Doherty added one each. An own goal by Shane Carey also contributed to Kilcoo’s scoring. The Down team aimed for their third provincial title in six years.

Scotstown started strong, applying pressure despite the wind. Kilcoo maintained composure, leading 0-3 to 0-1 early on. Anthony Morgan and Ryan Johnston were key players, aided by Shealan Johnston and Eugene Branagan.

Scotstown fought back, leveling the score at 0-4 by the 24th minute with points from Rory Beggan and Conor McCarthy. But Kilcoo found their rhythm, creating three goal chances and converting two, ending the half with a 2-6 to 0-5 lead.

Key moments included a remarkable save by Beggan, who stopped a shot from Shealan Johnston. However, the ball deflected in for an own goal by Carey, and Christopher Rooney scored a minute later.

The second half began with two more Kilcoo goals in five minutes. Miceal Rooney scored with a powerful shot, and Ceilum Doherty finished a quick break. Kilcoo led by 13 points, playing confidently for the remainder of the match.

Kilcoo maintained pace, precision, and decision-making, despite the challenging wind. They added points through Jerome Johnston, Rooney, and Morgan. Scotstown managed a few scores, but they struggled to match Kilcoo’s performance.

In the closing minutes, Scotstown pressed with all players involved, earning scores from Mark McPhillips and Ross McKenna. However, Kilcoo scored again through Rooney.

Kilcoo Scorers:

  • N Kane: 0-01
  • M Rooney: 2-00
  • A Morgan: 0-01
  • R Johnston: 0-02
  • C Rooney: 1-01
  • S Johnston: 0-01
  • C Doherty: 1-00
  • J Johnston: 0-03 (1 free)

Scotstown Scorers:

  • R Beggan: 0-02 (2 frees)
  • D Murray: 0-02
  • C McCarthy: 0-01
  • M McCarville: 0-01
  • S Carey: 0-01 (1 own goal for Kilcoo)
  • J Hamill: 0-02
  • J McCarron: 0-02 (1 free)

Referee: S Hurson (Tyrone)