Kilcoo's two point defeat of defeat of Crosserlough wasn't without controversy with James Smith mistakenly sent off in the closing stages
Kilcoo won the game by 1-10 to 0-15 but the Cavan champs felt hard-done-by to lose their talisman late on.
It's been pointed out that referee Barry Cassidy sent Smith off in injury-time on the grounds of two yellow cards even though he hadn't been shown a yellow card beforehand.
Crosserlough had four Smiths on the field at that stage perhaps leading to some confusion at the end of what was a chaotic game.
Crosserlough felt the wrath of referee Barry Cassidy on a number of occasions throughout the contest, receiving three black cards with Oran Rehill, Kieran Smith and Dara McVeety all spending time in the sin-bin.
9 November 2024; Crosserlough players and staff after their defeat in the AIB Ulster GAA Senior Club Football Championship quarter-final match between Kilcoo and Crosserlough at Páirc Esler in Newry, Down. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
The Cavan men got off to a brilliant start with James Smith punching home a goal in the early stages but the two-time Ulster champs fought back to lead by one point, 0-8 to 1-4 at half-time.
Paul Devlin couldn't miss for the Magpies, scoring 0-7, including three from play and one mark with Ryan Johnstone also impressing.
Crosserlough levelled the game up in the 52nd minute through an Oran Rehill mark only for Conor Laverty to show his enduring class, putting Kilcoo back in front with a brilliant score.
The 38-year-old Down manager made a big impact for his side, linking up well with his team-mates during his 20 minute cameo but Crosserlough came back, levelling the game up through Matthew Costello just before the clock hit 60.
Kilcoo hit the front once more through Devlin before Smith received his marching orders, with Devlin crowning Kilcoo's victory with another late score.
It sends Karl Lacey's side through to the semi-finals as they chase a third Ulster title in five years and while the poor record of Cavan clubs continues at Ulster level, Crosserlough will hold their heads high after a battling display.
