Gaelic Games

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Kilcoo manager Karl Lacey praised his team's attitude after defeating Crosserlough 0-15 to 1-10 in the Ulster Club SFC quarter-final at Pairc Esler.

The 2022 All-Ireland champions were pushed all the way by the Cavan underdogs but edged through at the end to seal a spot in the last four.

"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 was also happy with the impact by second-half substitute Conor Laverty with the Down manager scoring a point to help see Kilcoo over the line.

"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 was an All-Ireland title winner with Donegal in 2012 and played alongside star forward Michael Murphy.

Murphy has come out of inter-county retirement to return to Donegal and Lacey is happy to see his former team-mate back.

"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."

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Donegal All-Ireland winner Rory Kavanagh has been named the new Glen boss.

He replaces Malachy O'Rourke who took over as Tyrone manager in September.

O'Rourke led the club to three county titles, two Ulster Club triumphs and an All-Ireland success last January after being appointed in late 2020.

Kavanagh lifted the Sam Maguire in 2012 and also won three Ulster titles with his county in his playing days.

He took over as manager of his former club St Eunan's in November 2020, leading them to their first Donegal SFC title in seven years in his first season as manager.

Kavanagh left the club at the end of the 2023 championship.

Glen were stunned 1-12 to 2-8 by Newbridge in the Derry Senior Football final last month.

The shock defeat brought to an end their three-year stranglehold on the competition as well as their bid to retain their Derry, Ulster and All-Ireland titles.

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Sunday's Ulster Club Football quarter-final between Erne Gaels and Scotstown has been postponed following the death of former Gaels player Mark Lyons, brother of the Fermanagh club's captain Ryan Lyons.

The match will now take place at Brewster Park on Saturday, 16 November at 17:00 GMT.

In a statement on Wednesday evening, Erne Gaels said: "It's with great sadness that we learnt of the unexpected passing of one of our past players Mark Lyons.

"A bittersweet few days for our club with Mark's younger brother Ryan lifting the New York Cup last Saturday evening for us now to be heartbroken for the Lyons family on the passing of Mark."

There are three other Ulster Club quarter-finals taking place this weekend, with Kilcoo v Crosserlough on Saturday before Cargin v Errigal Ciaran and Newbridge v Clann Eireann on Sunday.

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Dublin great James McCarthy has announced his inter-county retirement after a decorated 14-year career.

McCarthy is one of three players - with team-mates Stephen Cluxton and Michael Fitzsimons - to have won nine All-Ireland titles.

The Ballymun Kickhams club-man, 34, captained the Dubs to their most Sam Maguire triumph in 2023 and also won five All-Stars and 14 Leinster titles during his decorated career.

"This decision hasn't been an easy one to make but I feel it's the right time," said McCarthy, who helped Dublin win their first All-Ireland title in 16 years in his first season in 2011.

"I have been very fortunate to be involved in a golden period for Dublin GAA and I have played with the most incredible group of players.

"It really has been some of the best days of my life and I have memories to last a lifetime."

He added: "The loyalty and friendship we have built is something I will always be thankful for.

"To the Dublin fans, thank you for the support of the team throughout the years. Walking around Croke Park and passing Hill 16 is a memory that I will never forget.

"To my parents John and Marian, my family, close friends and my wife Clodagh, thank you for supporting me throughout my football career. Your unwavering belief in me has helped more than you will ever know.