Down Club Hurling & Football

[johnnycool]

Any white smoke from Kilcoo?

Bit too damp for burning whins this weather.

You could always throw some Petrol on them 

Petrol doesn't burn for long enough on the whins.

A tyre in the middle of them and some red diesel is your only man for the whins.

[Sandstorm]

No white smoke from tyres.

[Truth hurts]

I would like to see a new Down website this year. It looks a bit dated but still provides a good service. A very small gripe I might add.

[Truth hurts]

What's your thoughts on reserve teams entering division 4, the weak get weaker and the strong get stronger. It will be great more morale in  Ardlass, Glassdrumman St Michael's etc when Burren or Kilcoo seconds beat them by a cricket score.

The clubs in Down need to be stronger than this and we can't let the big clubs continually walk over us.

[terrifictommy]

Surely that's not the fault of these so called bigger teams who have developed better players or their underage systems flourished during a certain timespan. Maybe I've read your comment wrong.

[johnnycool]

What's your thoughts on reserve teams entering division 4, the weak get weaker and the strong get stronger. It will be great more morale in  Ardlass, Glassdrumman St Michael's etc when Burren or Kilcoo seconds beat them by a cricket score.

The clubs in Down need to be stronger than this and we can't let the big clubs continually walk over us.

Surely they'll find their level and if these reserve teams are that good they'll rise into Div3 etc etc when they won't be winning by cricket scores.

This isn't a new thing in Down BTW.

[DownFanatic]

During the early part of the 80's, reserve teams were involved in the Down ACFL structure when there were five divisions. Similarly, reserve teams were permitted entry into the JFC in the early 90's.

If CCC put in proper rules and criteria within by-law in relation to eligibility criteria for these reserve teams then would we not be seeing teams lining out more akin to a thirds' team?

Surely, the clubs that enter reserve teams into Div 4/Div5 will need to name a Top 13/23 that initially excludes players unable to play reserve football. Similarly, you would imagine that 'team hopping' wouldn't be allowed as in if a player outside of the say the Top 23 plays a senior game then that automatically rules them out of playing for the reserve team and vice versa.

Down CCC will surely need to seriously consider the player eligibility factor if integrating reserve teams into the ACFL is to be done right and have purpose. There is talk too that these reserve sides wouldn't be allowed to enter the JFC. Why would this be? Surely they deserve the opportunity of promotion and silverware like anyone else.

[johnnycool]

During the early part of the 80's, reserve teams were involved in the Down ACFL structure when there were five divisions. Similarly, reserve teams were permitted entry into the JFC in the early 90's.

If CCC put in proper rules and criteria within by-law in relation to eligibility criteria for these reserve teams then would we not be seeing teams lining out more akin to a thirds' team?

Surely, the clubs that enter reserve teams into Div 4/Div5 will need to name a Top 13/23 that initially excludes players unable to play reserve football. Similarly, you would imagine that 'team hopping' wouldn't be allowed as in if a player outside of the say the Top 23 plays a senior game then that automatically rules them out of playing for the reserve team and vice versa.

Down CCC will surely need to seriously consider the player eligibility factor if integrating reserve teams into the ACFL is to be done right and have purpose. There is talk too that these reserve sides wouldn't be allowed to enter the JFC. Why would this be? Surely they deserve the opportunity of promotion and silverware like anyone else.

In fairness this isn't a Down CB stipulation, that's a Croke Park stipulation and once again is currently in place for the hurling also.
None of the senior teams in Down hurling who have reserve teams in the leagues can enter the intermediate or junior championships but enter into the separate Betsy Gray Cups and shields. There'd need to be different competitions to facilitate these reserve teams in championship football

[DownFanatic]

During the early part of the 80's, reserve teams were involved in the Down ACFL structure when there were five divisions. Similarly, reserve teams were permitted entry into the JFC in the early 90's.

If CCC put in proper rules and criteria within by-law in relation to eligibility criteria for these reserve teams then would we not be seeing teams lining out more akin to a thirds' team?

Surely, the clubs that enter reserve teams into Div 4/Div5 will need to name a Top 13/23 that initially excludes players unable to play reserve football. Similarly, you would imagine that 'team hopping' wouldn't be allowed as in if a player outside of the say the Top 23 plays a senior game then that automatically rules them out of playing for the reserve team and vice versa.

Down CCC will surely need to seriously consider the player eligibility factor if integrating reserve teams into the ACFL is to be done right and have purpose. There is talk too that these reserve sides wouldn't be allowed to enter the JFC. Why would this be? Surely they deserve the opportunity of promotion and silverware like anyone else.

In fairness this isn't a Down CB stipulation, that's a Croke Park stipulation and once again is currently in place for the hurling also.
None of the senior teams in Down hurling who have reserve teams in the leagues can enter the intermediate or junior championships but enter into the separate Betsy Gray Cups and shields. There'd need to be different competitions to facilitate these reserve teams in championship football

Not in all cases. Portlaoise reserves won this year's Laois JFC. They defeated Barrowhouse in the final. Barrowhouse went on to represent Laois in the Leinster JFC.

[dingle82]

Works well for the hurling in Down, although sometimes the likes of Port's 2nds can give out some trimming to the weaker junior hurling clubs...

[SHEEDY]

Down v Derry in Newry on Sunday at 1.30pm in McKenna cup semi final

[ardtole]

Sundays semi final v Derry should give us a better idea of how far we have improved under Laverty.

With the league starting in 2 weeks, we might get an idea of Lavertys 1st 15, and I don't think we will see as many substitutions as the 2 previous games.

[Truth hurts]

Surely that's not the fault of these so called bigger teams who have developed better players or their underage systems flourished during a certain timespan. Maybe I've read your comment wrong.

Its not the fault of smaller clubs who have no population either. Glasdrumman and Carryduff is no comparison in population. Leave premier reserve teams to play in their own leagues and championships. The smaller clubs in division 4 do not need to be beaten by a seconds team. It wont be good for them. Protect the clubs at all costs.

[Truth hurts]

Sundays semi final v Derry should give us a better idea of how far we have improved under Laverty.

With the league starting in 2 weeks, we might get an idea of Lavertys 1st 15, and I don't think we will see as many substitutions as the 2 previous games.

The county board should give every P7 a free ticket to get as many people in Esler on Sunday. I am looking forward to this one.

[outinfront]

There would be 3rds teams well able to play in D4 never mind Premier Reserve teams.  Why has this topic even been brought up again?  Is it happening/proposed or is this just discussion?