The Magpies have lifted the Frank O’Hare Cup 12 times in the last 13 seasons and won the Down Division One title this season at a canter
The annual race to beat Kilcoo, otherwise known as the Down Senior Football Championship, gets under way this week with games from Thursday through to next Monday night.
The Mapgies, who were edged out by Errigal Ciaran in last season’s Ulster Club SFC final, are, as always, the team to beat.
Their Championship record in recent times is nothing short of remarkable. They’ve annexed 12 of the last 13 titles with Burren breaking their run in 2019.
Kilcoo have a new management team in place after the departure of Karl Lacey with former Meath coaches Martin Corey of Monaghan and Tyrone’s Joe McMahon taking over with the duo gaining silverware at the first attempt as the Magpies won the Division One title after winning 13 games on the spin.
St Mary’s will be a formidable threat to their crown and added Colin Holmes to their management team this season.
Carryduff and Clonduff are always dangerous on any given day and the double-elimation system in Down, which will also come in force in the All-Ireland SFC season, means a team can lose once in the opening two rounds, but it is knockout from round three.
The holders are out last and will face Bryansford at Liatroim on Monday night while the action begins on Thursday night with the meeting of Glenn and Ballyholland at Mayobridge. The second round draws will take place after Monday night’s game.
Down SFC round one fixtures
Thursday, August 21
Glenn vs Ballyholland (Burren, 7.15pm)
Friday, August 22
Loughinisland vs Downpatrick (Teconnaught, 7.15pm)
Castlewellan vs Burren (Mayobridge, 7.15pm)
Saturday, August 23
Saul vs Carryduff (Downpatrick, 3pm)
Clonduff vs Liatroim (Castlewellan, 5.30pm)
Sunday, August 24
Mayobridge vs Drumgath (Clonduff, 3.30pm)
Warrrenpoint vs Bredagh (Kilcoo, 6pm)
Monday, August 25
Kilcoo v Bryansford (Liatroim, 7.30pm)
Down SFC betting: Kilcoo 4/7, Burren 5/2, Carryduff 15/2, Clonduff 12/1, Mayobridge 20/1, Glenn 22/1, Warrenpoint 25/1, Loughinisland 25/1, Ballyholland 25/1, Downpatrick 25/1, Bryansford 50/1, Castlewellan 50/1, Bredagh 66/1, Drumgath 90/1, Saul 100/1,
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