Messages

Reading some of the replies on the Antrim thread they seem to be none too confident about their own chances on Sunday. It should be interesting to see what the actual starting 15 is.

I read somewhere recently that there were more people playing soccer in Ireland than gaelic football. Whether that was registered players I'm not sure. Think it may have been in one of the Sunday papers. Don't know about soccer having more clubs but it could be a close enough call though.

UUJ
Eoin Mc Nicholl   Glenullin          Derry
Rory Murray          Desertmartin   Derry
James Conlan          Carrickmacross   Monaghan
Finnian Moriarty   Wolfe Tones   Armagh
Philip Mooney          Swatragh          Derry
Paul Doherty          Rasharkin          Antrim
Darren Hughes          Scotstown   Monaghan
Peter Donnelly          Coalisland          Tyrone
Jonathan Bradley   Glen                 Derry
Paddy Cunningham   Lamh Dhearg   Antrim
Mark Lynch          Banagher          Derry
Raymond Mulgrew   Cookstown   Tyrone
Paul Forker          Maghery          Armagh
Michael Herron          Lamh Dhearg   Antrim
Ciaran Conlon          Silverbridge   Armagh
Michael Mc Alister   Clan na Bana   Down
James Colgan          An Riocht          Down
John Boyle          Warrenpoint   Down
Brendan Boggs          Owen Roes   Tyrone
Damian McCaul          Donaghmore   Tyrone
Eamon McConville   Rostrevor          Down
Shea McAleer          Harps          Monaghan
Kevin Dyas          Dromintee    Armagh
Bernard O' Brien   Latton          Monaghan
Packie Downey          Drumgath          Down
Colm Cavanagh          Moy                 Tyrone
Declan Lavery          Magheralin   Down
Collie Farrell          Annaclone   Down
Ronan Mc Rory          Errigal Ciaran   Tyrone
Shane O Hagan          Clonduff          Down

Seniors put Down the Allstar challenge


The Down senior team proved too strong for the Powerade Down Allstars in a special charity football game in St Patrick's Park, Newcastle yesterday, securing a 2-8 to 0-4 win.

Played in atrocious conditions with a swirling gale force breeze blowing down the pitch, the players who took part must be complimented on providing an entertaining game with some excellent passages of good football in the conditions.

The Down side played the better football and it was evident that Ross Carr has done a lot to whip them into shape since being appointed along with DJ Kane.

Stephen Toner, Joe Doran, Darren Cunningham and Jackie Lynch were strong in the Down defence with county hurler Gareth 'Magic' Johnson making an impressive senior football debut at midfield.

In attack, Kevin Gracey, Brendan Loughran and Connor Gribben were most impressive.

For the Allstars, Daniel McCartan, Alan Molloy and James McGovern worked hard in defence. Martin McClean was the better of the midfielders, while, in attack, Ronan Sexton and John Fegan were best.

Down attacked from the start with Brendan Loughran lobbing over two points. The Allstars fought back with a Ronan Sexton point and the sides were level at 0-3 each midway through the half after Stephen Kearney and John Quinn exchanged points and John Fegan punched over when a goal looked certain.

Two goals for Down by Kevin Gracey and Conor Gribben left Down ahead by 2-4 to 0-3 at half time. Within a minute of the restart, Brendan Loughran increased the winners' lead with a point and, with both sides making numerous changes and the conditions

worsening, scores were scarce.

Ronan Sexton and Adrian Carville exchanged points, as did John Fegan and Daniel Hughes, while Allstars 'keeper Sean James Brannigan brought off two great saves from Daniel Hughes and Kevin Gracey late in the game.

John Fegan then saw a great effort for the Allstars come back off the crossbar and cleared to safety.

"Good to hear of the imminent publication of the weekly mag 'Gaelic Life'. Looking forward to seeing who the columnists are and hopefully they don't die a death like the Game."


They've a website up and running - www.gaeliclife.com

So what does Bell have to offer this time around?

I'm wasn't the biggest fan of Quinn - think he tied his Paddy O'Rourke colours to the mast a bit too tight - but in fairness he did the job for the love of it. Don't know if Bell will be any better though. He doesn't exactly inspire.

I wonder how many of the County executive voted for Bell?

Couldn't believe it myself - would he be the first such 'high profile' referee to receive a ban for abuse or otherwise?

Late 80's - was just breaking onto the county team - played in a few friendlies and was fairing ok - car hit us head on the way to a match, wrecked my knee - bye, bye county and club career