Down SFC: merciless Magpies march on

Kilcoo's Paul Devlin gets a fist pass away during the Down SFC Group 2 clash against Clonduff in Newry ©INPHO/Tom Maher

Defending champions Kilcoo became the third side through to the 2026 Down senior football championship semi-finals when thumping Loughinisland at Newry.

Martin Corey’s men only won by five points when the sides met at the same stage last year but on Sunday afternoon at the county grounds the eight-in-a-row chasers proved far too strong as they claimed a resounding 6-17 to 0-13 victory to take their place in Monday night’s draw.

Beaten only after extra time in the 2025 Ulster Club final, the unstoppable holders led by 2-9 to 0-8 at half time, full forward Sean Og Cusker and Christopher Rooney with fine finishes to the net. Jack Devlin added the third major following points from goalkeeper Niall Kane, McCusker and Anthony Morgan.

As the onslaught continued, Miceal Rooney and Barra McEvoy added quickfire goals to stretch the gap out to 17. The influential Ruairi Madine tapped home the sixth goal from close range in the final minute and there was still time for Kane to execute a sensational double save to preserve his clean sheet.

In Saturday’s quarter-finals, Burren defeated Bryansford by 3-22 to 1-5 at An Riocht to also sail into the semi-finals, while Carryduff had eleven points to spare against Saul at Downpatrick – 0-18 to 0-7

A Donnach Murdock goal after only 14 seconds set the tone for Burren and the winners led by 2-12 to 0-1 at the break, Ronan McGrath with the second goal. Top scorer Niall Toner hammered the third Burren major to the net as they eased into the last four.

After three one-sided affairs, the fourth quarter-final pits Clonduff against Mayobridge at Pairc Esler on Monday night.