Messages

So whats the chances this weekend? Anyone giving us a punchers chance?

I see the game isn't being televised? On BBc or Rte?
Has this every happened for a Ulster semi final before, why would all games including prelim be on and not the Semi final?

Is it expected to be 1 sided and not worth the viewing?

I just had a  quick look at the leinster sfc draw and Westmeath and Kildare are on the same side of the draw and probably between them for a leinster final spot. Presuming Dublin win again, one of these teams would be a second seed in the All Ireland series.

I think Louth are that side of the draw too. Down would want them to progress to the final along with Dublin so that winning the league final would mean playing in Sam. Although it will be difficult and likely lose to a lot of the good teams, this young Down side would gain more playing against the best teams.

Good win at the weekend. Down quietly going about their business and look to be improving all around. O Hare another solid performance, defense on shipped 7 scores, won midfield battle, forwards slightly wasteful but creating chances. Only worry is opposition is poor and Down will run into tougher tests soon enough. Wonder will the resolve be there to match the better quality teams. Time will tell 

Real solid performance Saturday evening. Controlled and exciting moving forward. Defence organized themselves after a poor first 5 minutes. Be interesting to see what team is picked for Antrim. Thought everyone performed well and was a nice balance to the team. Great to see Mooney and Annett back, be some additions.

I think 'poor' is harsh. Down led from start to finish, 8 points up and a late rally when game was over made it look respectable. Poor conditions on a terrible pitch is a leveler, but Down always looked the better teams. And goal chances came from a couple of individual mistakes from Down players. O'Hare wasnt caught out on any wicklow so dont see the issue of pushing up at the moment. 

No fresh news on injuries. Assuming the team that started against Cavan will be close to our starting team. Although the subs all had a good impact when 6 points Down. Mason, Fancis, Mc Cartan, Docherty  be in with a shout to start?

Good win last night. Thought O'Hare was brilliant, Murdock is different class and young savage looked a threat all night. Defense looked a bit shaky last night, a clear focus on attack minded players but maybe a bit of balance is needed. Very harsh Down ended up missing out on a semi final due to the void donegal game 

SFC Semi-Final this weekend. Can anyone see any other result than the big 2 in the final?

Glenn unlikely to trouble a very strong Burren side this year. But if the can reproduce their form against mayobridge they could make a game of it for 30 mins or so.

Other semi final is more interesting, Clonduff have been quietly looking good although havent really been tested. Kilcoo on the other hand have had stronger opposition but haven't looked themselves. Ill go for Clonduff vs Burren final.

Great game last night. Glenn were the better team from start to end. Great flowing football and championship intensity. Thought the ref added to the game. Kilcoo Burren final looking on the cards this year again. Hopefully it isnt a cagey affair.

I think a bonus to this year's panel has been the versatility of players and the strength of the panel. Players all playing a part in the panel and boys sticking around all year even with minimal playing time. Mooney, Mc Parland, O Hagan, and Donnelly are good to have within the panel for experience. Some games will suit/need players of different sorts. If that panel could stay together and add a few of the 20 stars, we could challenge for something in the next couple of years.

A great win, and a brilliant performance to go along with it. A balanced team that works hard and a few players capable of moments of magic. Wide open spaces of Croke Park should suit this team. 2 matches away from silverware. Would be a good end to a bumpy season.

A win tomorrow, however that be, would show clear signs of progress. Alot of players got lost in the championship pace agaisnt armagh. First proper knockout game for the team and some players to redeem themsleves. Hope we can get over the line, if so a day out in croke park and a real chance to get into a final.

What is our thoughts on the weekend? Tough trip away to Tipp.

I wonder what sort of team will be put out by Laverty. Thought Brown, Carr and Fitzpatrick had a good game last weekend. Carr beaten for pace on the goal but lack of cover. Be intresting to see, I imagine Laverty is looking to find his strongest team for the latter stages. Anyone willing to take a guess at the team?

Symth

Laverty
Mc Evoy
Mc Ilroy

Rooney
Guniess
Annett

Murdock
Carr

Kerr
S. Johnstone
R. Johnstone

Brown
Havern
Gilmore

Dust has settled. Be a huge learning curve for the team. Some positives with Laverty and Mc Parland did great jobs on Turbit and O'Neil, Mc Evoy lost his battle with Murnin and forker caused problems as the free man, cant let someone with that ability kick balls into forwards unchallenged. Forwards looked nervous and shot choices were poor. The big day will be good experience for the team. Lets hope for a good run in the T cup, its exactly our level right now.

What game were you watching?? McParland was roasted by O'Neil.  Did you miss his goal!  O'Neil actually named on GAA team on the week.

Did you watch the game? O neill touched the ball 2 times in the first half, 2 handpasses. Second half he had 2 shots (1 short and wide) 1 kick pass and then the goal which was well taken when Down had pushed up. 0 kickouts and 3/4 long balls broke away from him. Doesnt matter in the long run because Down were well beat but he gets special treatment. 5 or 6 Armagh players better on the day than him.

What do we think of Downs group? Good chance to progress. I notice alot more comments this week after the loss than last week after the win. Would seem some people are happier to complain than give any sort of praise

Dust has settled. Be a huge learning curve for the team. Some positives with Laverty and Mc Parland did great jobs on Turbit and O'Neil, Mc Evoy lost his battle with Murnin and forker caused problems as the free man, cant let someone with that ability kick balls into forwards unchallenged. Forwards looked nervous and shot choices were poor. The big day will be good experience for the team. Lets hope for a good run in the T cup, its exactly our level right now.