Nothing succeeds like success and nowhere is this more apparent than within the portals of the Kilcoo club nestling in the foothills of the Mourne Mountains.
Some 11 Down titles in the last 12 years bear testimony to an era of triumph that is not to be discovered in too many counties.
But while success has bred optimism, passion and commitment within Kilcoo, it most certainly has not sparked even a hint of complacency.
Yet although the team’s extended custody of the most prized piece of silverware in Down sport may be the envy of their opponents, reality also plays a big part in the players’ approach to major games.
And that’s why an insight into Sunday’s County Championship Final against great rivals Burren is offered that might just persuade Kilcoo’s followers and indeed all those with the welfare of the club at heart to take stock of just where we are.
Paul Devlin is one of several players who have helped to keep the Kilcoo flag flying for more than a decade and while his pride in the club has continued to soar, he makes no bones about the fact that reality has now intervened.
“When you look at it there are several lads in the team who have been delivering the goods for a number of years now and they are not going to be able to do this forever,” smiles Devlin.
“Certainly they take great pride in donning the county jersey and helping to keep us among the honours. We hope the old hands can do the trick again.”
Paul Devlin and Kilcoo are chasing another Down SFC title
The five Branagan brothers, Miceal Rooney, Ryan Johnston, Ceilum Doherty and Devlin himself, have been fixtures in the side for more years than they might care to remember yet they are still fired up for this showdown with their great rivals.
“Look, we know that this Burren side is spliced with Down players — and don’t forget they won the Tailteann Cup just a matter of weeks ago — and we know they will come at us with all guns blazing,” insists Devlin.
“In Stephen O’Hare and Eoin McCartan they have a very strong management partnership and when you think of players like Odhran Murdock, Danny Magill and Pat Havern along with the other Down players they have and then when you take into account Armagh All-Ireland-winning defender Paddy Burns, you see the real depth of talent that the team boasts.”
Former Donegal star Karl Lacey has made a big impact since taking over the reins at Kilcoo and is conscious that his side face into a particularly difficult task given the hunger that infiltrates the Burren side right now.
“Obviously it is not going to be easy but I believe the experience and spirit that Kilcoo can bring to the table will stand them in good stead,” insists Lacey.
“Both teams will be keen to hit the ground running and gain an early foothold. They are obviously familiar with each other having met so often and there may be little between the sides.”
Meanwhile, new Monaghan manager Gabriel Bannigan will have an opportunity to assess a large slice of the talent which he has at his disposal when the Semi-Finals of the County Championship are staged on Sunday.
Clontibret and Ballybay will go head-to-head at Clones (2.00pm) and this will be followed by the meeting of Scotstown and Inniskeen (3.45pm).
Clontibret can look to Killian Lavelle, Michael Paul Dowd and Colm Greenan to fire them up while veteran war-horse Paul Finlay is still doing the business for Ballybay and will pose a big threat to the Clontibret defence.
Inniskeen are under the guidance of Armagh 2002 All-Ireland winner John McEntee and he will have his side fired up for battle.
Scotstown, though, carry plenty of experience and will prove formidable opponents.
In the Donegal Football Final on Sunday, Kieran Tobin hopes to lead St Eunan’s to glory for a second time when they meet Dungloe in Ballybofey (4.00pm) having taken delivery of the trophy three years ago.