By Jonathan Brown
KILLOUGH have got their season off to a positive start, with two wins and a draw from their first three games to leave them sitting second behind Ballynagross in the Newcastle League Division 1 table.
Co-manager Stephen Holland is happy with his team’s start, especially with several players missing due to Bright’s Junior Championship campaign, which ended at the hands of St Paul’s last Saturday.
Although Holland admits he was disappointed to drop points after being 2-0 up in a recent game against title rivals Ballynagross.
“We’re delighted with the start, Ballynagross did put it up to us, we were 2-0 up and we should have seen it out.
“But we’re happy enough, especially with players missing due to Gaelic commitments.”
Killough strengthened over the summer, bringing in Seany Duggan from Downpatrick and with goalkeeper Shay Blaney also coming in.
Some big players also left the club, with star striker Declan Looney returning to Drumaness Mills, Jack McGlaughlin going to Celtic Bhoys and club stalwart Conor Doyle retiring.
The club also had to make a decision last year as to whether they would continue in the Newcastle League this season.
Ultimately, the villagers decided to stay, but Holland didn’t rule out a move to the Amateur League in the near future.
“We had a discussion to see if we were going to stay in the Newcastle League or go to the Amateur League like Downpatrick and Strangford.
“It’s a good league and Killough have been in it for years, loyalty is a big thing,” Holland said.
“The majority wanted to stay, but going forward as a club, it’s something we might look at next year.
“It’s a hard call for the whole village and the football club, but I definitely wouldn’t rule it out,” he added.
The Newcastle League has restructured for its 70th season, with a new two-division format and a prize fund worth over £10,000 on offer over the next three years.
