Glen Captain Conor Carville has claimed they have proved their doubters wrong as they defeated reigning All-Ireland champions Kilcoo 1-12 to 1-06 to win the Ulster Senior Football Championship.
The two sides reignited their rivalry after Kilcoo narrowly defeated the Derry champions in last year's final. However, Gen dug deep today at vital moments to claim victory and march on to the All-Ireland series.
In a game that had was doubtful this morning due to recent cold weather conditions, one of the starts of the day was captain, who was part of a solid backline that limited a talented Kilcoo forward line to 1-09.
In his victory speech after lifting the trophy, Carville praised Glen for how far they have come in recent years to overcome their doubters.
Connor Carville, captaen buacach an Ghleann, curaidh Uladh.
Connor Carville, Glen captain, "Kings of Ulster" for the first time in Glen history.@WattyGrahamsGAA @UlsterGAA @Doiregaa @officialgaa #GAA #TheToughest pic.twitter.com/bS9WGYilRD— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) December 11, 2022
"For years, people said Glen had no character. We are underachievers, we are mentally weak, and no leaders. Today, we are kings of Ulster.
I want to mention to special men who completely turned our club around, Malachy and Ryan. Words can't describe what you've done for our club and we are just so luck to have ye, we don't want to let ye go so cheers."
As It Happened
In a highly anticipated final, Glen came flying out of the blocks to race into a five point lead, with Danny Talon among the scorers from a free.
5 nóim@KilcooGAC 0-00@WattyGrahamsGAA 0-01
An chéad scór den chluiche faighte ag an nGlean!
Conor Glass wins the free from a quick counter attack and Danny Talon converts.#GAABEO #TheToughest@GAA_BEO | @officialgaa | @AIB_GAA
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/1gRxLdNySV— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) December 11, 2022
Kilcoo responded like rue champions do, and scored a brilliant goal from a passing move to get back into the game, with Aaron Branagan fisting it into the net.
Despite always being in touching distance of Glen, the Derry champions kept the scoreboard ticking with some great scores across the pitch.
Kilcco had a golden chance at the stroke of half-time when they were awarded a penalty when Jerome Johnson was brought down, but Paul Devlin dragged it just wide.
Leath ama@KilcooGAC 1-03@WattyGrahamsGAA 0-07
"Tá an galar ó Qatar tagtha go Cúige Uladh", cic saor imithe ar fóraoil!
Jerome Johnston wins a penalty for Kilcoo but Paul Devlin fails to convert! #GAABEO #TheToughest@GAA_BEO | @officialgaa | @AIB_GAA
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/HA7d9a5t4h— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) December 11, 2022
In a low scoring second half, Glen were clinical to extend their lead, while some heroic defending at the other end was key to their victory.
A late goal Alex Doherty sealed the win for the Derry champions, who no side will fancy facing in Croke Park.
An scór a chinntigh é don Ghleann - curaidh chraobh Uladh 🏆
Alex Doherty's injury time goal seals it for Glen - Ulster champions 🙌
Scór deiridh / Final score@WattyGrahamsGAA 1-12@KilcooGAC 1-06@UlsterGAA @Doiregaa @officialgaa#GAA #TheToughestpic.twitter.com/SMJ3csuwUW— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) December 11, 2022
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