1993

Beginning the 1993 season in Division 3 Kilcoo Seniors started on a winning note with good victories over Teconnaught and Dromara , followed by further wins over St John’s, Saul and Bredagh. Although they were defeated by Annaclone in May they then had excellent wins over St. Michaels, Saval and Ballyholland. In early July Kilcoo became the first holders of the Frank Downey Plaque, when they beat the hosts, Annaclone in the final at Gaelic Park on a score line of 4-9 to 1-8. They produced some fine football and some well taken scores.

Kieran O’Hare was picked to play in Down Minor panel where he played in a League match against Tyrone.

The Minors began their season in a disappointing fashion being defeated by Saul and Loughinisland. They took part in the Feis Minor Sevens against Bryansford, Drumaness and Loughinisland. The Seniors were now wearing new shirts, sponsored by Thierafurth Inn. The Seniors were riding high at the top of the Division 3 table and went on to beat Bredagh, Atticall, Annaclone and St Michaels. They finished their season with a big win over Ballyholland by 8-5 to 4-10 and were winners of the League and it was back to Division 2 in ‘94. However in the Intermediate Championship this team was narrowly beaten by Ballymartin.

In August the U-16s reached the semi final of the East Down Championship when they met with their neighbours Bryansford. As described in the local press this was an exciting, skilful and sporting game and the only real difference between two very accomplished teams was that Bryansford had more penetration in front of goals and Kilcoo did not make the best of their sporting chances. Throughout the field Kilcoo had fine players like Ciaran O’Hanlon, Emmett Devlin, Sean M. Devlin, Colm Devlin, Shane O’Hare and Paddy Murray. These lads matched Bryansford in every respect but one, they didn’t make the most of their chances and put scores on the board. In the first half Bryansford dominated and led by 2-4 to 0-5 at the break. In the second Bryansford steamed away into an eight point lead and it was only in the last ten minutes Kilcoo really came to life and began to play with confidence but it was too late and Bryansford booked their place in the final, with a score of 4-11 to 2-10. Kilcoo scorers were Anthony Devlin, Mark Morgan, Paddy Murray, Colm Devlin and Sean M. Devlin.

At underage level Kilcoo U-12 team won the East Down League, beating Carryduff in the semi final in Loughinisland and they went on to beat Liatroim in the final at Drumaness. The team mentors were Gerry Kane, Gerry Laverty and Paddy Morgan.

This team went on to compete in the Championship Final against Castlewellan at Loughinisland on Saturday 21 August where both teams displayed excellent basic skills and sportsmanship, so often lacking in adult games. In the first half it was all Kilcoo, but after the break it was Castlewellan’s turn in the driving seat and in an exciting finish the teams finished up level, with Kilcoo at 5-4 and Castlewellan 6-1. However, in the replay Castlewellan came out on top.