Rory Beggan was the hero in dramatic fashion for Scotstown on Sunday, as they pulled off a shock win to dump Kilcoo out of the Ulster club championship.
The Monaghan and Down champions went head-to-head in the Ulster quarter-final at Pairc Esler in Newry on Sunday afternoon, with Kilcoo favourites having been All-Ireland club champions just two years ago.
As the second-half progressed, it seemed as if the County Down club would progress to the last four, as they took the lead with a goal shortly after half-time and held their lead for much of the second period.
Indeed, as the clock ticked past four minutes of additional time, Kilcoo were still one point up and on the verge of a semi-final spot - until Beggan and fellow Monaghan intercounty star Kieran Hughes stepped up with two moments of magic to send Scotstown through instead.
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Ulster Club SFC: Rory Beggan nails free to send Scotstown through at Kilcoo's expense
Scotstown came into Sunday's quarter-final up against it, with Kilcoo strongly favoured in the pre-match odds, but they managed to stay the course and were right with the Down champions deep into injury time.
A clutch point from Kieran Hughes would level the game at 1-7 to 0-10 before the most dramatic of conclusions.
Having drawn his side level, Hughes would then win a free for Scotstown, and Monaghan keeper Rory Beggan stepped up to slot it over with the last kick of the game, sending the Monaghan champions through to the Ulster semi-finals.
"IT'S MAGICAL" 🪄
Nerves of steel from Rory Beggan to win it for Scotstown with the last kick of the game and knock Kilcoo out of the Ulster Club SFC ❌😮#BBCGAA pic.twitter.com/TcJQrEjwZX— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) November 12, 2023
Beggan was Scotstown's top scorer on the day, scoring 0-3, and it was the last of those points which was the most crucial.
A club as big as Kilcoo being eliminated this early in the championship was a massive shock, and Beggan's decisive free deep into injury time was a magical moment for Scotstown fans.
Fan footage from the Pairc Esler stands shows the brilliance of Beggan's perfectly judged free under immense pressure, and the celebrations which followed.
A beaut of an angle for the Beggan match winner!
📷Shea McKenna pic.twitter.com/bBtnNTHnpq— Ah Ref! (@RefComeOn) November 12, 2023
Scotstown can now dream of taking the Ulster championship for the first time in 34 years.
They will face Tyrone champions Trillick in the semi-final on November 26th, with the winner playing either Glen or Naomh Conaill in the Ulster final next month.
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