GAA: History making Slaughtneil win the AIB Ulster Club Senior Football Championship title

Slaughtneil have won the AIB Ulster Club Senior Football Championship Final at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh by overcoming Down champions Kilcoo 0-12 to 0-9 in front of a crowd of 9,125.

So Slaughtneil have created history as the club has now completed a unique treble, having already won the hurling and camogie titles at provincial level.

Slaughtneil, the Derry champions, started positively and led by 0-3 to 0-1 after seven minutes.

But Kilcoo, who ended the hopes of Donegal champions Glenswilly in the quarter-finals, kept plugging away and the sides were level at four points each after 20 minutes.

Slaughtneil, seeking a second Ulster title in three years, went ahead again but once more were pegged back and it was 0-5 apiece after 25 minutes.

But Slaughtneil then enjoyed a flurry of points with Christopher Bradley and Cormac Doherty among the scorers before the break as they led 0-9 to 0-5.

Kilcoo, who have won five Down titles on the spin, were determined not to let the gap get any bigger and they began the second half well.

Indeed, 21 minutes into the half, they had reduced the arrears to just a point, and trailed 0-10 to 0-9 after a point from Celium Doherty.

But Slaughtneil then stepped things up again and led 0-11 to 0-9 some 25 minutes into the second half.

A further point from Paul Bradley ensured victory on a final scoreline of 0-12 to 0-9 with the final whistle being greeted by scenes of sheer jubilation as fans, players, mentors and all associated with the club celebrated the wonderful moment.

Photo above: Ulster GAA

Main photo: Mary K. Burke.