Down Club Hurling & Football

[T O Hare]

Lads the Mayobridge dinner dance tonight, predict our senior and minor players of the year and the winner recieved a signed photo of myself and a goodie bag

sure you'll prob not know til tomorrow who got what if last year is anything to go by

senior- gavin barry
minor-  shane mac

ya can keep your photo but i'll take the goodie bag

Last year was a lesson, No wine tonight!!!!!!!

[BRIDGE LAD]

Senior - Gavin Barry
Seconds - Ronan OHare
Thirds - Conor Gribben
Minor - Shane Mac

[Mid Down Gael]

Down team for sunday.

1 B McVeigh
2 C McGovern
3 P Murphy
4 L Howard
5 A Carr
6 K McKernan
7 C Garvey
8 J Lynch
9 S Kearney
10 B McArdle
11 C Maginn
12 J Fegan
13 J ORielly
14 D Hughes
15 B Coulter

[charlie stubbs]

Down team for sunday.

1 B McVeigh
2 C McGovern
3 P Murphy
4 L Howard
5 A Carr
6 K McKernan
7 C Garvey
8 J Lynch
9 S Kearney
10 B McArdle
11 C Maginn
12 J Fegan
13 J ORielly
14 D Hughes
15 B Coulter

seems to be a experimental team from carr. two forward thinking "defenders" and a debutant ( before anyone asks the " is that both made their name in the forward line) in the half back line. half forward line looks a bit light?  though i hear mcardle and maginn doing well for qub,be interesting to see if they can make the step up.  kearney in mf, hasnt really made an impact in the forward line be interesting to see how he fairs.  imagine alot of posters happy enough with murphy at fb.  be interesting see hughes at 14 know he is a frequent scorer for saval

[Mourne Rover]

There are a few surprises in the team, particularly the selection of four QUB players just three days before they face UUJ in the Sigerson. I suggested Murphy at full back last year, although I recall that Wobbler, who has watched him come through the ranks at club level and is in a position to judge, insisted that he was an out and out wing half. The fact that that we need an no 3 as badly as ever, and Murphy is a good enough athlete and footballer to give it a go for the start of the league. We should be capable of beating Tipperary, even if it does not work out for Murphy at the heart of our defence.

Howard is a fine corner back and McGovern will not let anyone down, although Rafferty and Sloan are presumably injured. While it looks like a decent half back line, Davey and Duffin may have paid the price for ordinary displays against Queen's.

Not many Down fans would have Lynch in before Ireland, but, on a heavy pitch in what could be a physical enough game early on, it could still be the right choice. Kearney is worth a look there in any case.

The half forward line will run all day, but there would be a concern about their ball-winning ability. While Fitzpatrick would have brought some additional strength, he will almost certainly come off the bench. O'Reilly has the talent, but is untested as this level, and it is difficult to see Hughes staying at full forward. Another run for Michael Magee would have made more sense.

The bottom line is that this is a match which has to be won decisively if we are serious about promotion. A re-run of Leitrim last year would be disastrous, but there really should be enough quality in our squad to see us through.

[NedFlanders]

Still dont see the reason why the donkey carr cant play john clarke?

[bridgegael]

Senior - Gavin Barry
Seconds - Ronan OHare
Thirds - Conor Gribben
Minor - Shane Mac

hardly inside info!

[Brick Tamlin]

if thats the starting team to face Tipp then thank christ i aint going. One word...B-RUTAL. is that really the strongest team we have to put out.

[BRIDGE LAD]

Senior - Gavin Barry
Seconds - Ronan OHare
Thirds - Conor Gribben
Minor - Shane Mac

hardly inside info!

What you mean Gael?  That was 100% guess, have watched all these teams all year, not hard really! These are the lads that have stood out for their respective teams, would you not agree?

[Open yer eyes Man]

Down team for sunday.

1 B McVeigh
2 C McGovern
3 P Murphy
4 L Howard
5 A Carr
6 K McKernan
7 C Garvey
8 J Lynch
9 S Kearney
10 B McArdle
11 C Maginn
12 J Fegan
13 J ORielly
14 D Hughes
15 B Coulter

Not totally convinced about this team.  We have to get a settled No.3 and No.6 . At the minute both could be decent options.  Mc kernan has to curb the urge to constantly bomb forward but he could do a job here. 

Surprised at Kearney.  Not sure if he has the work rate to play here and I would be surprised to see Mc Ardle play in the middle of the field with Kearney at wing forward.

O' Reilly can be dangerous and unlike the man at No.14 he actually is a team player.  Hughes will probably roam out the field but he must bring others into play and not just do things that suit him.

Interesting team but I suppose it is early days.  A win would be a great lift for a start.

[bridgegael]

if thats the starting team to face Tipp then thank christ i aint going. One word...B-RUTAL. is that really the strongest team we have to put out.

well thank christ you aint going is right!!  your "support" would hardly be welcome!!  i'll be going anyway to support Down no matter who is playing.

[Trevor Hill]

if thats the starting team to face Tipp then thank christ i aint going. One word...B-RUTAL. is that really the strongest team we have to put out.

I expect you`ll be on here tomorrow complaing about a lack of effort and commitment from the players as well. We really need "supporters" like you.

On a seperate note some people seem to have very short memories, according to www.downgaa.net

Two-time All-Ireland winning manager Pete McGrady takes the helm at the newly promoted Bryansford

I know the article was taken from the Down Democrat, but does no one read these things first?

[bridgegael]

Senior - Gavin Barry
Seconds - Ronan OHare
Thirds - Conor Gribben
Minor - Shane Mac

hardly inside info!

What you mean Gael?  That was 100% guess, have watched all these teams all year, not hard really! These are the lads that have stood out for their respective teams, would you not agree?

alright i'll give ya senior second and minor was not hard to pick, but wee tiny for thirds is questionable!  were you at many thirds games??  i would have thought george or rogie......only from what i saw anyway.  which was bout all but two games.

[Open yer eyes Man]

The men in charge in division 1
  Date : 30/01/2009 22:25 
Taken from the Down Democrat Website

http://www.downdemocrat.com/tabId/290/itemId/481/The-men-in-charge.aspx

Some new and more familiar faces have been installed as managers throughout the county. It may only be January but in Division One the manager merry-go-round is already in full swing.

KILCOO: 'If it ain't broke don't fix it' seems to be the mantra that the League Champions are adopting for the coming season. Jim McCorry guided Kilcoo to their first league title since 2004 and understandably he will remain in charge in 2009. The superb team ethic prevalent at the club was a major reason for last year's success. If that can be replicated Kilcoo may fancy their chances of retaining their league title.

MAYOBRIDGE: Paul Carroll managed Mayobridge for a spell in the 1990s and returns to the club in 2009 to take charge of the Sky Blues again.

The appointment was a surprise to many outside of the club but those in the know are confident that he can keep the good times rolling at Mayobridge. The Sky Blues are seeking their sixth successive county championship title. If they can secure that the onus will be on Carroll to put together an extended run in Ulster.

ROSTREVOR: The south Down side have named one of the most high profile names as their new manager. John Rafferty famously brought success to St. Galls of Antrim. The Armagh man will also be coaching his native Poyntzpass who play their football in Division Four of the Armagh league in conjunction with the Rostrevor job. His rigorous training and scientific approach have yielded impressive results. Whether he can bring success to St Bronagh's remains to be seen.

CASTLEWELLAN: Liam Hardy is the newly appointed Castlewellan manager. Barney Cunningham and 'Harpo' McKibben will assist the new man as selectors. Last year the Town made it to the play-offs in the league before being eliminated by Mayobridge.

They suffered a disappointing early exit in the Championship at the hands of rivals Bryansford. Hardy's hopes will include a better showing in the Championship as well as maintaining their good league form.

BURREN: Damian Barton retains control of the former All-Ireland winning club for the second successive season. Burren were the nearly men of 2008 reaching the Championship semi-final and finishing just outside the play-off places in the league. If Barton can improve on last year's performance expect Burren to challenge on both fronts.

CLONDUFF: Benny Corrigan was in charge at the Hilltown club last year. Never in danger of relegation but just ever so slightly off the pace at the upper end of the spectrum they were also eliminated by eventual winners Mayobridge in the Championship.

Clonduff will be seeking an improved performance in both league and championship in 2009.

LONGSTONE: Frank Dawson will be in charge at the 'Stone for his third season as manager. He will be assisted by Tony Burden and John Poland. He guided the Mourne men to the Championship final in 2007 and helped the club finish 8th in the league last season. After an arguably average season last year Dawson will be hoping to re-ignite the form that saw his side push Mayobridge to a replay in the Championship final in 2007.

LOUGHINISLAND: Gerard Colgan will stay on at Loughinisland after a successful first season. The former An Ríocht man steered the Blues to a Championship final and will be hoping for a similar run in 2009. On the touch-line with Colgan will be Paul Rice and Stephen Molloy. The trio will aim to sustain more of a challenge in the league with a view to making the play-offs.

SAVAL: Declan Morgan remains in charge at Nan Sands Declan and will be charged with the task of keeping Saval in the top tier of football once again. With the number of teams in Division One being reduced at the end of this season Morgan faces a battle to avoid relegation once again. If Saval can pull that feat off it will be viewed as a successful season.

LIATROIM: Having narrowly avoided relegation last year the Fontenoys' Rusty McCaulfield could reflect on a job well done. In that regard Leitrim will be hoping for the same again. Liam Doily is still nursing a long-term injury. The Fontenoys will be hoping to have their talisman back sooner rather than later. In the fight to stay in the top division they may well need him.

WARRENPOINT: The 'Point were promoted as Champions of Division Two under the stewardship of Emmett Thomas McGivern. ET brought what was a very young squad up to the top flight against the odds. Gerry Boil is the side's primary selector. The management will have their sights set on maintaining their Division One status.

BRYANSFORD: Two-time All-Ireland winning manager Pete McGrady takes the helm at the newly promoted club. Bryansford were dominant in Division Two last season before falling at the final hurdle in the Play-offs. The former Down tactician has a habit of bringing success wherever he goes. If he can continue that trend this season Bryansford will be more than happy.



Very poor journalism indeed.  A few points -

Rusty Mc Aulfield left Leitrim at the end of last year and this was widely known.
Its Liam Doyle and not Liam Doily, you would think they would be able to get the name right of a former DOWN Captain
Gerry Boil?  Don't think this is right.
Pete Mc Grady?  Everyone knows who he is and what he has done.  Maybe he is being confused with that other East Down great, Eddie Mc Grady!!!!!!!!!!

[bridgegael]

The men in charge in division 1
  Date : 30/01/2009 22:25 
Taken from the Down Democrat Website

http://www.downdemocrat.com/tabId/290/itemId/481/The-men-in-charge.aspx

Some new and more familiar faces have been installed as managers throughout the county. It may only be January but in Division One the manager merry-go-round is already in full swing.

KILCOO: 'If it ain't broke don't fix it' seems to be the mantra that the League Champions are adopting for the coming season. Jim McCorry guided Kilcoo to their first league title since 2004 and understandably he will remain in charge in 2009. The superb team ethic prevalent at the club was a major reason for last year's success. If that can be replicated Kilcoo may fancy their chances of retaining their league title.

MAYOBRIDGE: Paul Carroll managed Mayobridge for a spell in the 1990s and returns to the club in 2009 to take charge of the Sky Blues again.

The appointment was a surprise to many outside of the club but those in the know are confident that he can keep the good times rolling at Mayobridge. The Sky Blues are seeking their sixth successive county championship title. If they can secure that the onus will be on Carroll to put together an extended run in Ulster.

ROSTREVOR: The south Down side have named one of the most high profile names as their new manager. John Rafferty famously brought success to St. Galls of Antrim. The Armagh man will also be coaching his native Poyntzpass who play their football in Division Four of the Armagh league in conjunction with the Rostrevor job. His rigorous training and scientific approach have yielded impressive results. Whether he can bring success to St Bronagh's remains to be seen.

CASTLEWELLAN: Liam Hardy is the newly appointed Castlewellan manager. Barney Cunningham and 'Harpo' McKibben will assist the new man as selectors. Last year the Town made it to the play-offs in the league before being eliminated by Mayobridge.

They suffered a disappointing early exit in the Championship at the hands of rivals Bryansford. Hardy's hopes will include a better showing in the Championship as well as maintaining their good league form.

BURREN: Damian Barton retains control of the former All-Ireland winning club for the second successive season. Burren were the nearly men of 2008 reaching the Championship semi-final and finishing just outside the play-off places in the league. If Barton can improve on last year's performance expect Burren to challenge on both fronts.

CLONDUFF: Benny Corrigan was in charge at the Hilltown club last year. Never in danger of relegation but just ever so slightly off the pace at the upper end of the spectrum they were also eliminated by eventual winners Mayobridge in the Championship.

Clonduff will be seeking an improved performance in both league and championship in 2009.

LONGSTONE: Frank Dawson will be in charge at the 'Stone for his third season as manager. He will be assisted by Tony Burden and John Poland. He guided the Mourne men to the Championship final in 2007 and helped the club finish 8th in the league last season. After an arguably average season last year Dawson will be hoping to re-ignite the form that saw his side push Mayobridge to a replay in the Championship final in 2007.

LOUGHINISLAND: Gerard Colgan will stay on at Loughinisland after a successful first season. The former An Ríocht man steered the Blues to a Championship final and will be hoping for a similar run in 2009. On the touch-line with Colgan will be Paul Rice and Stephen Molloy. The trio will aim to sustain more of a challenge in the league with a view to making the play-offs.

SAVAL: Declan Morgan remains in charge at Nan Sands Declan and will be charged with the task of keeping Saval in the top tier of football once again. With the number of teams in Division One being reduced at the end of this season Morgan faces a battle to avoid relegation once again. If Saval can pull that feat off it will be viewed as a successful season.

LIATROIM: Having narrowly avoided relegation last year the Fontenoys' Rusty McCaulfield could reflect on a job well done. In that regard Leitrim will be hoping for the same again. Liam Doily is still nursing a long-term injury. The Fontenoys will be hoping to have their talisman back sooner rather than later. In the fight to stay in the top division they may well need him.

WARRENPOINT: The 'Point were promoted as Champions of Division Two under the stewardship of Emmett Thomas McGivern. ET brought what was a very young squad up to the top flight against the odds. Gerry Boil is the side's primary selector. The management will have their sights set on maintaining their Division One status.

BRYANSFORD: Two-time All-Ireland winning manager Pete McGrady takes the helm at the newly promoted club. Bryansford were dominant in Division Two last season before falling at the final hurdle in the Play-offs. The former Down tactician has a habit of bringing success wherever he goes. If he can continue that trend this season Bryansford will be more than happy.



Very poor journalism indeed.  A few points -

Rusty Mc Aulfield left Leitrim at the end of last year and this was widely known.
Its Liam Doyle and not Liam Doily, you would think they would be able to get the name right of a former DOWN Captain
Gerry Boil?  Don't think this is right.
Pete Mc Grady?  Everyone knows who he is and what he has done.  Maybe he is being confused with that other East Down great, Eddie Mc Grady!!!!!!!!!!

that really is poor journalism!!!  if ya get that name wrong in Down football,  well there is no hope for ya!!