Clonduff end 26-year wait with Down SFC triumph

Burren's Steven Fagan and Senan Carr of Clonduff during the Down SFC final in Newry ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

Clonduff are Down senior football champions for the first time in 26 years after a 1-14 to 1-10 win over Burren at Páirc Esler.

The Yellas produced a composed performance to claim the Frank O’Hare Cup, with Charlie Carr’s early goal setting the tone for a memorable triumph.

Clonduff led 1-6 to 0-4 at half-time, with Down star Eamon Brown contributing a superb seven points, including three two-point frees. Stephen McConville and Carr also played key roles as Clonduff maintained their advantage.

Burren threatened a comeback when Niall Toner found the net in the second-half, but Clonduff responded with some crucial scores, including a fine effort from Senan Carr, to keep their opponents at arm’s length.

The victory secures a first SFC success for the Hilltown club since 2000, with an Ulster club SFC clash against the Tyrone champions up next for them on November 1st.