Messages

Again Down GAA Social media shocking to say the least! No Recognition to are players involved last night!

If the difference between someone's happiness and plight, is that our county board publishes a congratulations message every time someone from Down wins something in any sphere of Gaelic Games, then I really do despair for the future of the human race.

We do not need this validation of our efforts. We really do not.

Bit of a ridiculous comment with the usual hyperbole of course. If you can't see the value of a simple social media acknowledgement to the great sporting achievement of some players from our county then why are you even participating in online discussion boards?

Is it any surprise our U20 team is struggling? It has been years since our schools have been successful. This has a clear bearing on county football. We require a robust secondary education coaching review. The county and the schools should be working hand in hand.

That comment would make a lot more sense if the Under 20's hadn't recently won two Ulster titles.

Mc rory is donminated these days by Tyrone and Derry teams. St colmans, Abbey, St Louis and red high downpatrick well of the pace.

Red High very rarely compete in McRory even when they have had teams with several county minors.
They seem to value competing in a B competition more than testing themselves in an A competition.

It would seem that the B competition has been an adequate test for the Red High given their record in the competition. They usually have a selection of good players from a variety of clubs but have never looked like dominating that level of competition.

Might change a little with upcoming changes to the school, though I suppose it depends on how the sporting department is reorganised and what the competitive priority is for the younger age groups coming up through the school.

I've heard that the LGFA sent out a fixture plan without consultation with other codes which has sparked criticism. Is it just me, or does the LGFA enjoy arguments and making strange decisions?

Did the county board consult with the LGFA prior to announcing the dates for the ACFL/ACHL and championships this year?

Open communications should always be practiced.

But let's be realistic here. One association owns about 95% of Gaelic Games fields in Down. The other owns 0%.

There is a remarkably different onus on the group with 0% to consult with others before publishing any fixtures.

To think otherwise is wanton and unhelpful mucksavagery.

Quite the hyperbole there. Hopefully the LGFA in future remember to get the go ahead from the county board before organising their own games, can't be allowed to potentially impact the attendances and gate receipts of the vastly more important men's games.

The bit about LGFA not owning any facilities to host their games, it just seems to fly over your head.

The bit about clubs working together internally to develop plans on use of their facilities seems to fly over your head. Perhaps your club is divided in this regard.

No it's not divided at all.

The thing is.

When a child grows into an an adult, and wishes to continue living under their parents' roof, then it's in everyone's interests to communicate properly about needs and give each other enough room to be happy.

But if the child isn't interested in that conversation, and instead thinks its acceptable to invite  a pile of friends around to takeover the shared spaces on a regular basis, which impacts on their parent's normal habits, then things aren't going to work out. They just aren't.

And if a parent was to ask them to be more reasonable, that does not make the parent in the wrong. It's their house. They paid for it, pay for the bills, and it was built to meet their needs.

LGFA are the child in this parable, in case you're unsure.

A fantastic parable there, a very eloquent way to display your disdain for the women's game. It's brilliant to suggest that none of the women currently of the LGFA have ever contributed to their clubs before. Spectacular effort, very well done.

I've heard that the LGFA sent out a fixture plan without consultation with other codes which has sparked criticism. Is it just me, or does the LGFA enjoy arguments and making strange decisions?

Did the county board consult with the LGFA prior to announcing the dates for the ACFL/ACHL and championships this year?

Open communications should always be practiced.

But let's be realistic here. One association owns about 95% of Gaelic Games fields in Down. The other owns 0%.

There is a remarkably different onus on the group with 0% to consult with others before publishing any fixtures.

To think otherwise is wanton and unhelpful mucksavagery.

Quite the hyperbole there. Hopefully the LGFA in future remember to get the go ahead from the county board before organising their own games, can't be allowed to potentially impact the attendances and gate receipts of the vastly more important men's games.

The bit about LGFA not owning any facilities to host their games, it just seems to fly over your head.

The bit about clubs working together internally to develop plans on use of their facilities seems to fly over your head. Perhaps your club is divided in this regard.

I've heard that the LGFA sent out a fixture plan without consultation with other codes which has sparked criticism. Is it just me, or does the LGFA enjoy arguments and making strange decisions?

Did the county board consult with the LGFA prior to announcing the dates for the ACFL/ACHL and championships this year?

Open communications should always be practiced.

But let's be realistic here. One association owns about 95% of Gaelic Games fields in Down. The other owns 0%.

There is a remarkably different onus on the group with 0% to consult with others before publishing any fixtures.

To think otherwise is wanton and unhelpful mucksavagery.

Quite the hyperbole there. Hopefully the LGFA in future remember to get the go ahead from the county board before organising their own games, can't be allowed to potentially impact the attendances and gate receipts of the vastly more important men's games.

I've heard that the LGFA sent out a fixture plan without consultation with other codes which has sparked criticism. Is it just me, or does the LGFA enjoy arguments and making strange decisions?

Did the county board consult with the LGFA prior to announcing the dates for the ACFL/ACHL and championships this year?

[Derry]

Rd 3 17/18 February

Derry v Monaghan
Dublin v Roscommon
Kerry v Mayo - DRAW
Tyrone

Donegal
Cork v Cavan
Meath v Louth
Kildare v Armagh

Antrim v Down
Limerick v Sligo
Offaly v Clare
Wicklow v Westmeath

Waterford v Longford
Laois v Carlow
London v Tipperary
Leitrim v Wexford

[Mayo]

Rd 2 fixtures:

Mayo v Dublin - Draw
Monaghan v Kerry
Roscommon v Galway
Derry v Tyrone

Armagh v Meath - Draw
Fermanagh v Kildare
Louth v Cork
Cavan v Donegal

Down v Limerick
Antrim v Offaly
Sligo v Wicklow
Westmeath v Clare

Carlow v Waterford
Wexford v Laois
Leitrim v London
Longford v Tipperary

[Kerry]

Rd 1 27/28 January


Kerry v Derry
Dublin v Monaghan
Galway v Mayo
Tyrone v Roscommon

Meath v Fermanagh
Kildare v Cavan
Armagh v Louth
Donegal v Cork

Limerick v Antrim
Clare v Sligo
Offaly v Westmeath
Wicklow v Down

Laois v Longford
Tipperary v Carlow
London v Wexford - Draw
Waterford v Leitrim

I would predict

1. Antrim
2. Down
3. Westmeath
4. Sligo
5. Clare
6. Offaly
7. Wicklow
8. Limerick

Antrim looked to be heading in the right direction last year, and if they can build a little more on some very good performances I can see them winning the type of games that they narrowly lost last year. Similar thoughts regarding Down, a few late errors cost them wins last year and I'd hope they can make that extra step this year. Westmeath obviously the danger to both of these teams, and with them having the home game against Down, it could be decisive at the end of the league.

Clarke confirmed to stay with Glenn (to clear up any question marks above).

Mitchells and Ballykinlar both definitely not fielding this season then? 

If Darragh Cross do go down to Div 4, the leagues are looking decided already.

Imagine Darragh Cross should win Div 4 no bother.
Imagine Glenn should win Div 3 no bother.
Imagine Bryansford (if they get their house in order) should win Div 2.

Division 2 could be competitive with RGU and Longstone under new management too.

Agree on Glenn looking likely for Div 3, and if Darragh Cross do go to div 4 they could dish out some big defeats to the majority of teams.

Any substance to the rumours Darragh Cross have been relegated to ACFL Div 4 while Drumaness will remain in ACFL Div 3?

What is the reason for that?

It is alleged Darragh played an unregistered player throughout the 2023 league campaign. If points gained while the unregistered player was playing are removed it may see them finish below Drumaness in the league and therefore relegated. The big question will be, are they also relegated to the Junior Championship with their wins in the Intermediate now being scratched also?? 

They would likely walk division 4 and the JFC, reducing the opportunities for the other clubs to gain promotion or win the JFC. It wouldn't do anyone any good. Was it a deliberate breach of the rules or a technicality that saw the player playing without being registered?

Any substance to the rumours Darragh Cross have been relegated to ACFL Div 4 while Drumaness will remain in ACFL Div 3?

What is the reason for that?

Sad news this morning with the breaking news of the death of Sean McCashin, the Down Ulster Council delegate and referee.
Thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.
He's been a member of our club the last few years.

RIP Sean.

RIP Sean. That was a man truly dedicated to Down GAA.