Kilcoo manager Corey knows success comes from hard work but so do Carryduff
Martin Corey took on the job of Kilcoo manager this year but the transition was smooth as it's been business as usual, with the Magpies romping through the league and set to defend their Down SFC crown this Sunday at 5.30pm when they take on Carryduff at Pairc Esler.
The former Monaghan star has a personal history with Kilcoo having played against them with his club Clontibret 11 years ago in the Ulster Championship.
And that experience is testament to the mentality in Kilcoo of complete loyalty to their football and being the very best they can be no matter who is on the field or at the helm.
“I think there were 10 players [in 2014] that are still playing now,” said Corey when he spoke to the media at the club last week. Those 10 include the Ryan and Jerome Johnston, Paul Devlin, Niall Kane, the Branagans and Conor Laverty.
“That probably says a lot about Kilcoo in a way, doesn't it? They go forever.”
Not only that, but the club brings new players through every year and that is what makes them so consistently successful as they chase their seventh county title in a row.
Before managing the Magpies, Corey was a fan.
“I wouldn't have missed too many Ulster Club games that Kilcoo played over the last 10 years. I know there was a lot of noise out there about Kilcoo this and Kilcoo that, but a lot of coaches would go watch them. They're such a good team.”
“When you look back when they were winning the All-Ireland and winning Ulster, even with the pace they had and the quality of players, they grinded out a lot of them too,” feels Corey.
And the Magpies also had to grind out a few games in this campaign, with Loughinisland giving them a scare and Clonduff a kick of the ball away from taking their place in the final.
“People don't understand there are good teams in Down and when Kilcoo developed as they have over the years, the other clubs are developing too.
“The one thing you always associate with who Kilcoo is the work ethic. We'd love to be winning by three or four points, but it's just not the case at the minute. But we're working hard and that's pleasing.”
Kilcoo had six players named as Down Club All-Stars last year: Niall Kane, Ryan McEvoy, Callum Rogers, Darryl Branagan, Shealan Johnston and Anthony Morgan, with McEvoy also awarded Senior Footballer of the Year, but Carryduff have star power of their own with James Guinness also awarded an All-Star and his brother and fellow County player Daniel has been playing a blinder for his club. Their other county man John McGeough is always a threat for goals and Eoin Donnelly has been immense in midfield.
“Finnian Moriarty has done a good job. They're in better shape than they were a couple of years ago. They're very physical. They’re an all-round the team now. But hopefully, we can get our preparations right and give a good account of ourselves.”