Down Club Hurling & Football

[Ed Hardy]

Maybe I don't have the right info, but a player coming to the twilight, played for his native county mainly as a sub - And we think he's going to be our full back? He didn't stand out in the semi final against a pacy CNB attack. We've struggled for a FB for a good few years now, maybe since Dan?

Tap and Go is only going to be effective if the play continues to move forward. My guess is the foul will slow it down and the tap and go will end up going to where the free would have anyway. If the 3 players in attack was in force, it might be worth the change.

He had McKernan, Hampsey and McNamee ahead of him in tyrone, no shame in being behind those 3. (3 all stars winners)  Odhran Murdock didnt stand out in the semi against Kilcoo, still the best MF in county! I said 'might' allow McEvoy to move forward, given experience Id say he's definitely worth a look there. Long term Finn Murdock could be the answer.

[ardtole]

I felt McGreary joining the panel was a bit underwhelming to be honest, no harm in having a look at him but I don't think he is any better than what we already have.

[Gaelforce123]

What is it about tap and go that would suit McEvoy? How is he going to lie down on the ground and look at the ref shaking his head every time he's touched and tap and go at the same time? Does this at both club and county level, good player but some real childish antics that top players do not do.
Ed as much as I like the lad Finn Murdock as a footballer is not the answer at full back, at least I hope not as he is turned far too easy and he doesn't have the demanding presence or pace. I cant comment on McGeary havent seen him but another experienced player into the fold why not if he trains well he'll play if he doesnt he wont. An out and out FB we do struggle and have for years, however we also dont have any defender to the calibre of Ohagan since his prime and certainly have no forwards anywhere near the quality of any of the 2010 crew so question I pose is why are we not developing this quality anymore? Ryan Johnson being the notable exception in my view and thats just in the last couple of years

[Splash]

Good luck to Bredagh and Ballela tomorrow as they start their Ulster campaigns against Donegal opponents.

Both teams should be happy enough with the draw, and should feel they can be competitive, but there are no easy games at this point.

Burt are traditionally a strong team and Bredagh can't afford to play the way they did against the Ards teams.

Don't know much about Buncrana, but if Ballela pull off another performance like they did against Castlewellan, they'll be a match for anybody. Ballela lads wearing the Down colours for a change will be a nice touch for the club.

Best of luck to both clubs- be great to see Down hurling clubs making an impact on the national stage.

[Johnnysboys]

Some result for the club today. Ulster final here we come. All the work being put in at underage is finally paying dividends.

[Blue By Nature]

I hope the Bryansford u14 LGFA management and club committee are proud of themselves after what they done in the semi final of the division E Championship. Hope they throw the book at them and get a long suspensions. I'm sure some the parents were not happy being told they got kicked out of the final.

[thewobbler]

I hope the Bryansford u14 LGFA management and club committee are proud of themselves after what they done in the semi final of the division E Championship. Hope they throw the book at them and get a long suspensions. I'm sure some the parents were not happy being told they got kicked out of the final.

I'm all for new people coming on here for a rant. That's how most of the regulars started out.

But it's so much better when they take time to explain what they're ranting about.

[Blue By Nature]

I hope the Bryansford u14 LGFA management and club committee are proud of themselves after what they done in the semi final of the division E Championship. Hope they throw the book at them and get a long suspensions. I'm sure some the parents were not happy being told they got kicked out of the final.

I'm all for new people coming on here for a rant. That's how most of the regulars started out.

But it's so much better when they take time to explain what they're ranting about.

Playing their A team players on their younger B team to try and win a championship. Trying to hide it with false names on the team sheets. Hope this explains it Wobbler. Love your posts by the way   

[johnnycool]

I hear the diggers are on their way to Ballykinlar as we speak.

All systems go.

[snoopdog]

I hear the diggers are on their way to Ballykinlar as we speak.

All systems go.

Is it true they got 15m euro form some peace fund ??

[lfdown2]

STATEMENT from Down GAA - Ballykinlar Project
€15.4m PEACEPLUS Investment Awarded for Iconic Project at Ballykinlar - Centre for Participation, Wellbeing and Shared Learning Hub
Down Gaelic Athletic Association (Down GAA) are delighted with today's announcement of €15,383,951.00 funding from the PEACEPLUS Programme for the development of the Ballykinlar Centre of Participation, Wellbeing and Shared Learning Hub.
The project will be developed by Down GAA as lead partner, with the support of our main project delivery partners Co-operation Ireland and County Down Rural Community Network (CDRCN).
This project supported by the PEACEPLUS Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and represents a funding partnership between the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive.
The provision of funding through the PEACEPLUS Re-imaging Communities Programme will bring an historic project to reality. The proposed 30-acre development will include:
• 4 full size GAA grass pitches (3 of which are floodlit)
• A covered spectator seating area
• Indoor Multi Use Games Area (MUGA)
• Walking Trail
• Gym/Fitness Suite
• Heritage Museum/Interpretive Centre
• Administrative Block and Community facilities
The project has evolved from an historic agreement between Down GAA and the Ministry of Defence, which has led to a lease for Down GAA to develop part of the Ballykinlar estate.
This iconic project will mark significant change in the local landscape and provide an inclusive shared space for local sporting, community, heritage, peacebuilding and capacity building activities and programmes. Drawing on the knowledge, skills and experience of our main partner organisations, the project will also help to address a deficit in social and community infrastructure, contributing to rural regeneration, improved health and wellbeing and helping to build a more cohesive society.
In welcoming confirmation of the successful bid for PEACEPLUS funding, Down GAA Chairperson John Devaney said;
"The confirmation of funding from the PEACEPLUS Programme is a significant step in our plans to develop what will be an iconic project at Ballykinlar. The success of our application is down to the hard work and support of a number of people within our team and our project partners Cooperation Ireland and the County Down Rural Community Network. We are excited at the prospect that our plan will finally come to fruition.
"This is an iconic project that has the potential to be transformational for those involved and those who will benefit. We are grateful for the support of officials within the Ministry of Defence, the Ballykinlar GAA club, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, and our public representatives. The progress so far and the success of our funding application can be attributed to the outstanding work of the Project Advisory Board chaired by Feargal McCormack, the team of County Officers, Steven Trainor (Grants Officer) and Ciaran Rafferty (Legal Advisor), and to the ongoing support, advice and encouragement from Ulster and Central GAA and the wider family of Gaelic sports.
"Ballykinlar and its history provides a fascinating backdrop. This is a place where parts of our local and national history intertwine, and we have an opportunity to reflect past, present and future in what we build and develop. Working alongside our project partners, we will provide a facility that will cater for community, sporting and cultural needs."
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: "There was a huge response to this funding call which really demonstrated the public's appetite and need for shared spaces within our communities. We have seen from previous PEACE programmes how shared civic spaces can act as beacons of hope within a community, real catalysts for change and enhanced socio-economic environments.
"I am delighted that through PEACEPLUS we will be delivering transformed and repurposed facilities for people right across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
"These new facilities will provide places where people can come together, collaborate and engage with one another in a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment. They are crucial for peacebuilding and reconciliation.
"Their impact transcends the bricks and mortar required for their construction, penetrating much further into the local community through the changes in both attitudes and behaviours, resulting in a reduction in segregation and contributing to sustained peace and prosperity."

[johnnycool]

I know its not the greatest location in the world but surely to god even you South Down gurns can get behind this project and €15M should be more that enough for 4 full size pitches and an indoor dome type pitch as well as all the other bells and whistles.

Well done all involved.

[supersub]

Excellent news, much need and long time coming.

[BigGreenField]

I know its not the greatest location in the world but surely to god even you South Down gurns can get behind this project and €15M should be more that enough for 4 full size pitches and an indoor dome type pitch as well as all the other bells and whistles.

Well done all involved.

Will the location not be underwater in the not to distant future?

[terrifictommy]

It's great news and fair play to everyone who helped get it to this stage. I'm sure it's been a long road and started a long time ago. Maybe not the best ideal position but surely the positives are to be taken.