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boys id be a bit of an optimist at the best of times but frig me after watchin that yesterday im just at a loss.
We were B-rutal, end of story.

[The Down team to face high-flying Westmeath in Sunday's NFL Division 1B clash at Mullingar shows two changes from that which drew with Kildare a fortnight ago.Both changes are in defence and see Martin Cole and Darren Cunningham replace Dan McCartan and Adrian Scullion. Benny Coulter continues at midfield with Dan Gordan positioned on the edge of the square.Down (SF v Westmeath): B Connell; M Cole, D Cunningham, K McGuigan; R Murtagh, D Rooney, J Clarke; B Coulter, P Turley; J McGovern, A Carr, P Murphy, R Sexton, D Gordan, D Hughes.]

according to Hogan stand website (although how much of this ye could believe im not sure)

The Down team to face high-flying Westmeath in Sunday's NFL Division 1B clash at Mullingar shows two changes from that which drew with Kildare a fortnight ago.

Both changes are in defence and see Martin Cole and Darren Cunningham replace Dan McCartan and Adrian Scullion. Benny Coulter continues at midfield with Dan Gordan positioned on the edge of the square.

Down (SF v Westmeath): B Connell; M Cole, D Cunningham, K McGuigan; R Murtagh, D Rooney, J Clarke; B Coulter, P Turley; J McGovern, A Carr, P Murphy, R Sexton, D Gordan, D Hughes.

re-read my posts earlier, didnt mean to come across aggressively DR&B.

there has been many a player that has been doin the business for his club in/out every season and on great form and has never been asked or approached for the county. I just dont think that Ross/DJ will turn on their decision, just my opinion. The way i see it is that its a massive decision to drop him  and one that could ultimately come back to bite them in the arse but no one team or management should revolve around any one player no matter who they are and sometimes the strangest decisions turn out to be the better ones or most beneficial to the team. And before ye get on my back about Grant i personally think he would be an asset to the squad but hey i aint the manager.

Also I dunno where you got the idea that Grant & Cole were the best defenders we had last year. IMO Scullion is as a reliable defender as we have had this last 12 months. Cole maybe had a good enough season but cant agree with Grant havin a decent season last year.

Shields has walked and id not be a bit surprised if Matthews has followed, who is the kingdom lad that has left, couldnt really be anyone other than Brendan Mc Veigh but sure thats old news. Id near bet my house that Brendan Grant will not be asked back onto the panel unless there is drastic change of heart. Im sure there wioll be a few more casualties not before long  -  Brendan Loughran was due to start on sunday in place of Danny Hughes but injured his ankle badly in training last week and looks to be out now for a few months.

if thats true then its his 2nd cruciate tear inside 24 months i think.
can sympathise with him

Its all gossip and hearsay!!!!!

seems to be that Ross has kept a panel of about 40 odd which in itself is just baffling.
more and more names keep emergin of who has made it, it seems that more have made it than not. Im pretty sure that Sweeneys have made it, and the others i mentioned. It looks like he goin to completely re-build a new team or panel starting from scratch - personally i think that no-one should be untouchable as regards the chop, no matter who they are. I do find it hard to disagree that Grant isnt one of the best defenders about. Either way its a bold move (and i disagree with it) but i still support the managements decisions (if that isnt contradictory)and am looking forward to the start of the league with anticipation. Does anyone know that all the rested "regulars" were actually given rests or did they request them.

never a dull moment eh.

In - Kevin Mc Kiernan , Brian & Neill Sweeney , Colm Murtagh, John Boyle

Out - Paudie Matthews , Brendan Grant, Conor Gribben , Mc Ardle (Castlewellan)

have to agree there, 5times yer at that computer too long, get away from the desk and get some air..
Peter travers still the number 1 club goalie in county, followed by B Mc Veigh imo. There are one or two class goalies in the county all under the age of 25 but they either havent the physique or temperment yet for senior intercounty

brendan mcveigh long gone, forget about him, it would take major work to get him back on panel. There are few other goalkeeping options available, connell seems to be the one that Ross etc are thinkin of.

Agree about Jackie Lynch - some serious PR craziness about big jackie last season being the best thing since sliced bread, the whole thing just snowballed out of control.Quite overrated imho.

noticed that myself. Hate to be cynical but he has to be seen to somewhat condemn what happened anyways.

see ive a feeling he will line Lynch out at wing forward in number only, but he will really be playing as midfielder with Gordon and Benny across the middle, thus allowing Coulter free rein to go forward and drift, maybe in turn bringin one of the corner forward out and having a two man full forward line. Just my opinion though.

a great watch last night, the hairs were standing on the back of me neck in some parts. What we wouldnt give for a mickey linden in the team today.

the man had it all, there isnt a Gael throughout Ireland that wouldnt be proud of such a man that plays our national games - made me feel proud to be a Down Gael.

note how many times he took on defenders on the outside, skinned them with them hangin out of him then cutting inside and slotting over with the left peg.

1) Mickey Mc Veigh
2) Martin Cole
3) Adrian Scuillion
4) Darren Cunningham
5) John Clarke
6) Brendan Grant
7) Kevin Mc Guigan
Dan Gordon
9) Benny Coulter
10) Ronan Sexton
11) Mickey Walsh
12) Jackie Lynch
13) Danny Hughes
14) Eoin Mc Cartan
15) James Mc Govern

heres a challenge for all - try naming the actual panel and starting 15 against Louth -