Lacey Commends Kilcoo’s Character After Securing Ulster Semi-Final Berth

Kilcoo manager Karl Lacey, an All-Ireland SFC title winner with Donegal in 2012, commended his team’s spirit following their 0-15 to 1-10 victory over Crosserlough in the Ulster Club SFC quarter-final held at Pairc Esler. The reigning 2022 All-Ireland champions, Kilcoo, faced a strong challenge from the underdog Crosserlough side from Cavan but ultimately secured their progression to the semi-finals. “Crosserlough are good team with good footballers – we knew we were up against it,” said Lacey.”We were just glad to get in at half-time a point up and regroup. Crosserlough came out again and left everything behind, fair play to them.”I’m just delighted we showed the character that was required to get the job done, to get over the line and get ourselves in the next round.” Lacey also expressed satisfaction with the contribution of second-half substitute Conor Laverty, who, as the Down manager, scored a crucial point that assisted Kilcoo in securing their win. “If there’s anyone in Kilcoo who didn’t want to lose tonight it was Conor Laverty.”Conor’s been brilliant and he’s been training really well. He put his hand up and deserves the game-time that he got. He has that experience and he’s a leader.” Lacey, who secured an All-Ireland title with Donegal in 2012, had previously played alongside prominent forward Michael Murphy. Murphy has since ended his inter-county retirement to rejoin Donegal, a development that Lacey, his former team-mate, views with pleasure. “It’s been well documented in the last couple of days how much this means for the county.”Michael would have considered everything before making his decision – as a Donegal supporter it’s great to see Michael Murphy play again.”