Ulster chieftains


2019/2021: Mickey Moran (Kilcoo) MICKEY Moran practically had to be dragged up the steps of the Hogan Stand following Kilcoo’s All-Ireland success earlier in the year, but there’s no doubt the soft-spoken Derry man has played an incredible role in their success. Kilcoo had been knocking on the doors for years, but they finally got […]


Gilligan hails Moran’s influence


By Michael McMullan THE Kilcoo players gave outgoing manager Mickey Moran a guard of honour as he left Kilcoo for the last time after stepping down from the helm of the All-Ireland champions. Moran wasn’t in attendance to receive his Manager of the Year award at Friday night’s Gaelic All-Star awards night. Conleith Gilligan, who […]


Mickey Moran ends his tenure with Kilcoo


By Michael McMullan MICKEY Moran has stepped down as Kilcoo manager after leading the club to the All-Ireland Club title. Conleith Gilligan and Richard Thornton, who were part of Moran’s management team, have taken over as joint managers. Moran, who is shortlisted for Manager of the Year at Friday’s Gaelic Life All-Star awards, ends a […]


Barry Gillis – Answering the call


Barry Gillis’ position sense was evident in his early years when he played on the same team as future soccer star Aaron Hughes. Then, former Derry manager Mickey Moran spotted how Gillis could add to his defensive plans and made a phone call that would change his career. Michael McMullan writes… IT COULD’VE ended up […]


Performance levels most important thing for Kilcoo


By Michael McMullan BOOKIES’ odds don’t mean anything in Kilcoo. There is only one thing that matters – football. Tucked under the lip of Lough Island Reavy above, their facilities befit the tag of Ulster champions. “There is no messing about and no fools are suffered lightly,” said coach Richard Thornton of their sheer passion […]


Mickey Moran appointed as Kilcoo boss for 2019


Kilcoo have named former Slaughtneil boss, Mickey Moran as the new manager of their senior football team.  Moran steered a legendary Slaughtneil team into history claiming four Derry county titles and three Ulster club titles before falling short in two All Ireland Finals. The Maghera man has previously managed five county teams in the shape […]