Kielty: The omens are good for Down
August 27, 2010Kielty was sub-goalkeeper on the Down minor team that won the All-Ireland in 1987 when the Mournemen defeated Kildare and Cork in the semi-final and final respectively.
"We played Kildare in the semi-final and Cork in the final so I'm taking that as a good omen for us," he said ahead of Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final against the Lilywhites.
"I stood on the sidelines that day and we won and I was standing in Croker when we won in 1991 and 1994 so I will be happy to watch from the stands again this Sunday."
The former Dundrum GAC player, who will be making his way to Croke Park for the first time since he attended the 2003 Special Olympics opening ceremony, has the height of praise for his former team-mate and current Down boss James McCartan.
"James is an exceptional footballer. I remember playing alongside him and Kieran McGeeney for Queen's, both very focused and determined players and the fact that they are rivals this time certainly makes Sunday's game even more interesting.
"It's bizarre, we were in the abyss of Gaelic football for a long time and now we are close to reaching the All-Ireland final, but sure that's the beauty of Down football."
He added: "It was the same for us in 1991 and 1994 and we still managed to take the Sam back to the Mourne so I have every faith we can do it again this time." Tweet
