Kilcoo and Derrygonnelly set for head-to-head this weekend
Last updated 3rd Nov 2023
Kilcoo are preparing to face Derrygonnelly in this year's provincial championship.
The two will meet on Sunday in the preliminary round at Brewster Park.
The Down side have won 11 of the past 12 county crowns.
However Derrygonnelly also have an impressive track record, winning seven Fermanagh titles since 2015.
Kilcoo's Aaron Brannigan said: "Down is always hard to come out of. Every year someone is trying to pip you and it's something everyone is trying to do.
"After losing last year, you have to see the positives and what you can learn from it, but we know there's more in us.
"And we're putting that hard work in."
He says Derrygonnelly will be a dangerous prospect.
"They're a big strong team, there's no bad teams when you get beyond your county.
"We know the first time they put it up to us and this third time will be tough."
Derrygonnelly's Shane McGullion is also expecting a tough encounter.
He is looking forward to this part of the season.
"You are a lot more relaxed as you can play it as you see it - you can be more familiar with those in your own county."
"We got off to a good start in Fermanagh, and we worked hard there.
"We've had a few good weeks preparation - we know the task Kilcoo will present but we'll give it our best shot.
"In '19 we were disappointed we didn't get something, in '21 they beat us off the park, but hopefully we can give them a battle this time."