3 days ago
Kilcoo star opens up on how illness battle has given him fresh drive to taste success
He may have won All-Ireland, Ulster and Down silverware with his club, but even though he has rendered 13 years' service to the Kilcoo cause, Devlin is particularly keen to see his side extend their stay in the honours list.
A viral infection restricted his involvement with Kilcoo earlier in 2025 and hospitalised him for a spell, which is one of the reasons why he is so eager to don the jersey again.
Indeed, his appetite has been further whetted as Kilcoo brace to meet Bryansford in their Championship opener at Liatroim Fontenoys on August 25.
Kilcoo are now under the management of Monaghan man Martin Corey and Tyrone All-Ireland winner Joe McMahon, with the experienced Paddy Crozier having a key role to play as well.
For now, though, nothing is being taken for granted as Kilcoo set out to try and recapture the glory days they have experienced in recent years.
'There is no doubt that the club has tasted success, but we cannot sit back and bask in that,' points out Devlin.
'We are very keen to make further progress, and with a good management team in charge of operations, we feel that we can possibly make headway again.
'Obviously, other clubs will be keen to get their hands on the Down title, but we have to live with that.'
The fact that Kilcoo have won six Down titles in a row has heaped a little more pressure on the side, but with some new faces having come in, hopes are high that the team might be able to extend their lucrative sequence.
The fact that the team won Ulster titles in 2019 and 2021 and lifted the All-Ireland title under Mickey Moran in 2022 has further cemented Kilcoo's reputation as one of the most consistent teams in the country.
But Devlin fired out a warning shot as his team prepare to step up their Championship preparations.
'The fact of the matter is that there are several teams in the mix who could potentially win the Down title this year, and you can be sure that we will not be resting on our laurels,' says Devlin.
'I certainly missed being involved in the action when I was out ill in the earlier part of the year and, to be honest, I am keen to make up for lost time. Obviously, competition for places in the team is particularly keen.'
The Kilcoo side still carries considerable experience, with five members of the famed Branagan clan – Darryl, Niall, Aidan, Aaron and Eugene – joined by Johnston duo Ryan and Jerome along with Ryan McAvoy, Dylan Ward and Anthony Morgan among others.
'We will be ready for the Championship, and I just hope that we can extend our winning ways,' smiles Devlin.
