Ninth final the sweetest yet for Derry great McEleney

McEleney's Slaughtneil made it nine Ulster club titles in a row - and their captain insists it was the most satisfying yet

When Chrissy McKaigue was asked to step up and take Slaughtneil's first penalty in the drama that was Sunday's Ulster club final, he laughed. The Slaughtneil defender is renowned as one of the county's finest footballers, but he is not renowned as a penalty taker.

Yet, with Slaughtneil having lost their previous two Ulster finals to Kilcoo, McKaigue knew that this one could not be allowed to slip too.

He converted and when Cormac O'Neill saved Conor Laverty's effort, the Slaughtneil bench erupted. McKaigue's penalty meant Slaughtneil had won their ninth Ulster title in a row, equalling the record set by Crossmaglen Rangers between 1996 and 2004.

It was a record-equalling win, but it was a record-breaking win for McEleney, who lifted the Anglo Celt Cup as captain for the first time.

"To win it as captain is something special," said McEleney. "It's probably the sweetest of the lot given that we lost two Ulster finals to Kilcoo in the last three years. The hunger and the desire was huge coming into the game."

Slaughtneil had to come from behind to beat Kilcoo, with McKaigue's penalty and points from Shane McGuigan and Conor McKaigue turning a one-point deficit into a four-point lead.

Kilcoo fought back and a goal from Laverty brought them level, but Slaughtneil always had a response and a late point from McGuigan put them two ahead again.

O'Neill's save from Laverty's penalty then proved crucial and Slaughtneil were able to hold on for a famous win.

"We've worked so hard for this," said McEleney. "We've put in a huge effort and we've been rewarded with another Ulster title. We're just delighted."

Slaughtneil will now face reigning All-Ireland champions Kilmacud Crokes in the All-Ireland semi-final on February 12th.

It will be a tough test, but McEleney is confident that Slaughtneil can cause an upset.

"We've nothing to fear," said McEleney. "We're going to go out and give it our best shot. We're Slaughtneil and we're not afraid of anyone."

McEleney's journey to the top

McEleney is one of the most decorated players in Gaelic football. He has won nine Ulster titles, six Derry championships and two All-Ireland titles with Slaughtneil.

He has also won an All-Ireland title with Derry in 2018 and has been named All-Star three times.

McEleney's journey to the top has been far from easy. He grew up in a small village in Derry and had to overcome many obstacles to reach the top of his sport.

He was often doubted because of his size, but he always proved his critics wrong.

McEleney is now one of the most respected players in the game and is a role model for young players.

McEleney's legacy

McEleney is still only 29 years old, but he has already achieved a lot in his career.

He is one of the most successful players in the history of Gaelic football and his legacy is secure.

He is a role model for young players and his story is one of inspiration.

McEleney is a true GAA legend and his name will be remembered for many years to come.