Kilcoo take Down title as red cards cost Loughlinisland

Kilcoo 2-9 Loughlinisland 1-4

Kilcoo held Loughlinisland scoreless in the second half as they powered to their first Down SFC title since 1937 at Pairc Esler, Newry this afternoon.

It was a game which saw both sides enjoy periods of dominance, but Kilcoo dug deep when it mattered most to claim a history-making 2-9 to 1-4 victory.

Jamie O'Reilly's goal helped Loughlinisland to 1-4 to 0-5 interval lead, but things took a turn for the worst for his side in the second half.

Red cards for Down midfielder Dan Gordon and Seamus O'Hare were major blows for Loughlinisland, as Kilcoo seized full control.

A 39th minute goal from Dominic McEvoy and Paul Devlin's successful penalty kick were vital scores, although Kilcoo were reduced to 14 men late on following the dismissal of Aidan Brannigan, who got involved in a scuffle with Gordon.