Lacey hails Kilcoo character after reaching Ulster semis

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."