Kilcoo boss Martin Corey says his side will be ready for the winner of Newbridge v Scotstown replay in Ulster Final
Martin Corey’s Kilcoo side overcame Erne Gaels in their Semi-Final clash
It’s is quite safe to say — or write — that Kilcoo manager Martin Corey will be the most preoccupied person in the ground when he takes in Sunday’s Ulster Club Senior Football Championship Semi-Final between Scotstown and Newbridge at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, Armagh (4.00 pm).
Corey was understandably “disappointed” when referee Joe McQuillan called a premature halt to the game between the sides last Sunday because he felt the condition of the O’Neill’s Healy Park playing pitch constituted a threat to the players.
He has since applied himself to the task of preparing his team to face the winner of the replay.
With whoever comes out on to due to meet Kilcoo in the Final, there is no doubt that the competition could come to a spectacular climax.
”This is expected to be a cracking Semi-Final between two well matched sides and I think that the Final will be another contest that will create huge interest,” maintains Corey, “We have put in a big effort in training this week and we want to prove our worth now. Hopefully the weather will remain fine for the match so that it becomes a spectacle worthy of the occasion.”
A view of pitch conditions after the match between Newbridge and Scotstown was abandoned
In overcoming Loughmacrory and Erne Gaels to date, Kilcoo have shown their experience and composure and now that the winners will have a huge test ahead of them given that there is considerable interest in the outcome of tomorrow’s game it could prove to be a spell-binding encounter.
Scotstown have shown that they have considerable experience with seasoned Monaghan county players such as Rory Beggan, Kieran Hughes, Jack McCarron and Shane Carey in their line-up as well as extremely accomplished other players in Darragh Murray, Max Maguire and Francis Maguire.
Corey makes no bones about what he expects from what will be a fired-up Scotstown side in particular.
“I think that both sides will be keen to take it to the limit in this one. They will strive to hit the ground running and maintain their effort to the final whistle. We know that both sides will be up for the battle, that’s for sure,” insists Corey.
Referee Joe McQuillan inspects the Healy Park pitch at half-time
Certainly Newbridge have their quota of talent raring to unveil their skills but they are taking nothing for granted.
Skipper Conor McAteer leads a side that is well balanced and has acquired a playing style that tends to make them difficult opponents.
In Oisin Doherty, Patrick McMullan, Eamon and Sean Young and the McGrogan triumvirate Mark, Shane and Padraig, Newbridge have players who are well versed in battling for success and there is no doubt that they are determined to do themselves proud on this occasion.
