Errigal Ciaran triumph in Ulster Club final over Karl Lacey's Kilcoo
Wing-back Peter Óg McCartan’s last-minute point secures a 0-11 to 1-7 victory over Kilcoo in a dramatic showdown
A stunning late winner from wing-back Peter Óg McCartan before 6,119 spectators landed Errigal Ciaran the Ulster Club championship over Karl Lacey's Kilcoo on a 0-11 to 1-7 scoreline.
McCartan, who scored twice from long range, delivered the decisive point in the dying moments, capping a tireless display. Despite Kilcoo holding Darragh and Ruairi Canavan to just one point from play, Errigal’s collective effort proved crucial.
Errigal struck early through Joe Oguz’s fifth-minute goal, created by Darragh Canavan’s brilliance. Kilcoo responded steadily, led by their half-back line, with Daryl Branagan and Miceal Rooney among their scorers. They led 0-6 to 1-3 at the break, surviving a disallowed goal by Errigal’s Tiernan Colhoun.
The match pivoted in the 44th minute when Kilcoo’s Daryl Branagan was shown a red card for a high tackle. Errigal capitalised immediately, with Peter Harte levelling the scores. Despite Kilcoo briefly regaining the lead through Paul Devlin and Anthony Morgan, McCartan’s equaliser and decisive late score sealed the win.
Kilcoo’s defensive efforts, particularly from Niall Branagan, frustrated the Canavan brothers, but Errigal’s persistence, exemplified by McCartan and Ben McDonnell’s crucial turnovers, carried them over the line.
This victory marks Errigal’s resurgence and Tyrone’s rare success in Ulster’s fiercely competitive club championship.