Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
O’hare is star man for Burren
BURREN prevented Kilcoo from landing a record seventh straight Down SFC title as Donal O’hare hit 2-5 in the 2-12 to 2-9 final triumph at Pairc Esler.
Kilcoo looked set for victory as goals from Ceilum Doherty and
Jerome Johnston saw them lead 2-3 to 0-5.
Burren levelled by halftime before O’hare’s penalty put them ahead.
After Kilcoo levelled, O’hare netted his second goal to put Burren three up.
O’hare produced a superb finish for his 51st-minute goal after being set up by Shay Mcardle.
The Down forward coolly slotted his 35th-minute penalty after Eamonn
Toner had been fouled.
With time almost up, Kilcoo were reduced to 14 players following the red carding of Ryan Johnston.
O’hare and goalkeeper Cathal Murdock both hit four first-half points as Burren went in on terms at the break.
Burren led 0-3 to 0-2 when Miceal Rooney set up Doherty for Kilcoo’s opening goal on 13 minutes.
Skipper Cathal Foy and Murdock replied with scores to cut Kilcoo’s lead to the minimum but Malachy Morgan then set up Johnston for another goal for the holders.
Burren looked in trouble as Martin Devlin quickly added another Kilcoo free but Murdock’s fourth score of the half was followed by three straight O’hare efforts as Paddy O’rourke’s side levelled by half-time.
O’hare’s penalty put Burren two ahead shortly after the restart and while Kilcoo levelled within six minutes, the Down forward’s second goal on 51 minutes was a killer blow.
Burren’s triumph saw them lifting the Frank O’hare Cup for the 14th time which leaves them two behind Kilcoo’s record haul.