Ulster SFC Final: History within sight as Derry champs Slaughtneil seek final piece of jigsaw

by ORLAGH MULLAN

History waits for no man but on Sunday Derry champions Slaughtneil could write their own when they take to the field in the Ulster Championship final being played at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh (throw-in 2.30pm).

Provincial titles in both hurling and camogie have already been achieved and it is first-time opponents in Down’s Kilcoo who stand in the way of the missing piece.

The Emmets’ opponents have fallen into an “always the bridesmaid” mantra and despite many cracks at it they have yet to secure that elusive Seamus McFerran Cup.

Despite the Magpies’ lack of experience there are few people surprised at their appearance in this showdown game though equally a lot would say this could be a step too far.

The Down men have come through one game more than their opponents having taken on Scotstown in the first round of the campaign but that will have little effect on this tie.

Mickey Moran has been calm and collected throughout both the Derry and Ulster run and despite the historic treble that awaits the final whistle the seasoned manager will bring that to his team this weekend.

On the other side there is also a strong Derry theme running through the Kilcoo management team. Paul McIver is a former teacher at Lumen Christi College in Derry and is now in his second term at the helm. Goalkeeping coach Johnny Kelly hails from Magherafelt while team psychologist Ciaran Kearney has experience working with Derry teams at both senior and minor level.

Looking on the pitch there is a wealth of talent on offer from either side – both capable of pushing their respective team to victory.

It has been three years since Kilcoo’s famous replay victory against Ulster giants Crossmaglen and while six of that side have moved on there is still a wealth of experience.

Having said that the new injection of youth, pace and creativity to the Magpies team has been the driving force behind wins against Scotstown, Glenswilly and a comprehensive semi-final win over Maghery.

Anyone examining Kilcoo will have their eyes drawn firstly to forward Ryan Johnston who has been in simply unstoppable form for the Down men.

He has managed 2-06 to date in the campaign and hasn’t even played the full game in every fixture.

Unfortunately for Johnston, Slaughtneil have buckets of talent in defence and with Karl McKaigue and Brendan Rogers an impenetrable force Johnston’s scores may be kept down.

Joint captain Conor Laverty has been around the block at the highest level and he has been the key provider in terms of creating opportunities and space for his fellow forwards to take their scores.

He may well find himself matched against opposing captain Francis McEldowney who himself is well adapted against an energetic attacker.

Antoin McMullan pulled off a simply stunning save against Killyclogher, something which he has been protected from having to do in recent times, and it’s clear that Kilcoo will have trouble scoring four goals as they did in the last round.

In the Magpies nets Niall Kane has taken up the mantle from brother Steven and there is no doubt that the newest number one will have a busy day.

The combination play of Cormac O’Doherty and the McGuigans (Shane and Se) has been quite simply breath taking at times and the Emmets’ ability to keep the ball and build patiently from midfield has been well carried out.

Shane, in particular, has been unpredictable throughout games with both Derrygonnelly and Killyclogher often dropping back but equally taking risks around the square under the dropping ball.

They will also be met in defence by the colossus that is Darragh O’Hanlon.

Not only is he capable of cutting out the counter attacks but he is also often responsible for starting some of his own.

O’Hanlon was the man who hit a 50 metre free to earn that replay against Crossmaglen and while Slaughtneil will certainly try to keep their opponents trapped outside the half-forward line any cheap fouls could be costly.

Astonishingly O’Hanlon is likely to be joined on the back line by no less than four brothers.

The Branagans play a major part in Kilcoo’s ability to frustrate teams and win the breaking ball and their close relationship could be vital on Sunday.

Another key battle, as it always is, will be that of the midfield.

It goes without saying that Patsy Bradley has already created plenty individual history for himself but there is no doubt the experienced number 8 will be as hungry for Ulster as he has ever been.

Padraig Cassidy has been a revelation for the Emmet’s alongside him in the middle of the park. He took the man of the match accolade in the county final against Loup and has gone from strength to strength.

Kilcoo boast a strong midfield of their own with Aaron Morgan and James McClean poised to go head to head with some of Derry’s finest.

So far Slaughtneil’s opponents have tried to smother their attack with a blanket defence but there can be no doubt that Kilcoo will go hell for leather to take the cup on Sunday and that should make for a superb encounter.