Down Club Hurling & Football

[Gabriel]

Much better performance than I expected today, especially since we were more or less already relegated. Granted, Kildare had nothing to play for, and in my view look a pretty poor side, but it was still a much more emphatic victory than anyone would have expected. Not sure where we stand for the championship, but there were enough encouraging performances to suggest that the future isn't as bad as relegation might suggest.

  Kevin McKernan was far and away the best player on the pitch today, oozed class from beginning to end. As Mourne Rover said, I've never seen anything like that 45 he took in the second half, but it was one blip in an otherwise excellent performance. Barring the odd wayward ball, he is also a superb kick-passer and was at the heart of everything good about Down's performance. Mark Poland was a close second for man of the match, a typically hardworking display punctuated by flashes of brilliance. Kickouts are still a concern - in the first 15 minutes or so, McVeigh picked out the likes of Coulter and Quinn on the wings, but eventually resorted to the same old tactic of hoofing it down the middle. Wouldn't be too hard on Devlin, thought he had a good enough game and confidence will surely grow from experience.

  Thought the other standout performances came from Benny McArdle and Ryan Mallon in the second half, whose calmness on the ball is a huge asset. Hard to know what to think about Eoin McCartan, the records will show two goals scored, but they were tap-ins and I thought he looked uncomfortable on the ball in general. Peter Turley might also take some stick for a couple of bad passes but he works hard and offers a good, strong presence. Declan Rooney is always solid as well, should be a starter come the championship. Don't know what to make of our championship hopes, even with the likes of Gordon, Garvey and Rogers to come back, but at least we're not staring into an abyss for the future anyway.

[whitegoodman]

Would usually agree with most of your ratings MR but would have to comment on a few.  Thought Dan McCartan struggled on johnny Doyle before being moved off him.  Also thought Poland had a poor game by his high standards, overplaying the ball a lot, over carrying and being knocked off the ball.  I also  think Quinn has had a disappointing league campaign and will struggle to make the starting 15 come championship.

There are however a number of positive to take out of yesterday and the league in general.

The two point lads continue to shine, Rooney and mcardle returning and impressing after injury, Carr at CHB, mckernans performances at midfield, Donal ohares scoring although he was poor yesterday.

However worrying is the continued absence of Garvey, Gordon, Rodgers and Hughes. Even if fit it will be difficult for them to come in and perform at championship pace having not played a competitive game for down in 10 months.  In saying hat this is eat I'd go for at min against Derry

Mcveigh
Boyle
Gordon
Mcardle
Mallon
Carr
Garvey
Rooney
Mckernan
Hughes
Poland
Mcardle
Laverty
Coulter
Ohare

That would be assuming Garvey, Hughes and Gordon will be ft and Ambrose won't.

IMO king and quinns performances throughout then lea ge haven't been good enoug.h to warrant a place. Mcardle showed a lot more pace and dynamism when he came on and that is what is needed and expected in half forward one.

I do expect king and dan McCartan to be at least two changes from that line up.

[NP 76]

I would of liked to have saw a bit more of Anton  Mc Ardle before throwing him into the championship granted did well yesterday but totally different scenario in June he would be a good option at wing half forward great engine and big strong fella but King did every bit as well as Anton yesterday.  I still think we need king in the middle as none of the others have his strength you need someone doing the hitting. Dan may of struggled on Doyle but when he was shifted to Johnson the latter was taken off so he obviously did ok.  At this stage with no games under their belts finding it more unlikely that Danny Gordon or Ambrose will feature against Derry but you never know.

[Pangurban]

Reviewing our league campaign and evaluating possible options for the championship, has led me to conclude that Benny should not feature in the first fifteen. He would be much better employed as an impact sub. as he has about 30 good minutes of football in him but lacks stamina for the full 70. We have an improving settled defence and MF, so should we be fortunate enough to have big Dan back he would be best employed at FF. While we hope for good news re. Ambrose and Danny their fitness must be in doubt for the Derry game and it would be silly to risk them

[Mourne Rover]

Our defence is definitely improving, but the displays against Kerry, Dublin and particularly Cork would strongly suggest that a fit Gordon will still be our championship full back. McCartan was among our best players in this year's league and we struggled in the games when he was injured. Anton McArdle is an interesting option, but he may not have had enough game time to start in Derry. If we are looking for a new wing half forward who can win possession, cover back in defence and push forward effectively, Mallon looks the perfect candidate. Poland's style of play means he is always in danger of overcarrying, but Kildare could not cope with his surges at all on Sunday and the first goal showed how crucial he remains to us.

[downjim]

Couldmayobridge minors not field against warrenpoint last week

[DaisyCutter]

Not sure downjim, but I understand that the yellas couldn't field a team for their Premier Reserve game on Sunday past I hear, which is probably due to the fact their 10k fun run was on.

[T O Hare]

We had five minors who were not allowed to play due to playing for st marks in the all-ireland final. Warrenpoint could not change the future therefore they got the points. Our minors beat shamrocks earlier this evening!

[PAULD123]

How many Warrenpoint minor players were playing for St Marks? It's a pity the fixture couldn't have been changed, much better to play than to win by default.

[BRIDGE LAD]

How many Warrenpoint minor players were playing for St Marks? It's a pity the fixture couldn't have been changed, much better to play than to win by default.

Warrenpoint had no players on the team, apparently the Point manager said "It doesnt affect us"! Pretty poor gamesmanship if you ask me, i think even downjim would agree, Burren our closest rivals would have changed the game!
But theyll have no luck for it.

[downjim]

Depriving lads of football is wrong. Thats the new CPN for you

[PAULD123]

Depriving lads of football is wrong. Thats the new CPN for you

It wouldn't be like you to look before you leap DownJim now would it? I would prefer that the match was re-arranged but I don't know if that was even possible. Remember we only have one pitch unlike Burren & the bridge. Tell you what, go and find out if there was a slot available and then come back and criticise if that is the case. Until then your criticise betray nothing more that the well know fact that you have a burning desire to criticise, anything, doesn't matter what it is you just love a good sarcy moan. Doesn't even matter to you if you are factually correct.

The new CPN is a club which is putting the GAA at the forefront of our community, that is trying at a grass-roots level to build a participative club for the benefit of the community and aiming to establish involvement for all in the area, even if that just means keeping up with the club news or wearing club colours. The club has an enthusiastic leadership and are trying (and so far succeeding) to turn things around.

[passedit]

Why was anyone even seeking a postponement of a minor game because of an U16 game? Are there not enough minors in Mayobridge? Perhaps they should play in the third division it's 13 a side there. League games are for playing, if Mayobridge could field a team they should have played. CPN well within their rights to refuse the postponement.

[DownFanatic]

Down Recorder Down ACFL Preview

Down ACFL Division 1 Preview

The top tier of Down club football gets underway on Friday night with a full set of fixtures in the new look sixteen team league. This division is made up of the ten teams from the old division one plus the top six teams from the old division two. The bottom two teams in 2013 will be relegated to division two while the team that finishes third from bottom will play the third placed team in division two in a promotion/relegation playoff. All teams in division one will play in the SFC.


Front Runners

2012 county SFC winners Kilcoo will be favourites to retain their championship crown and annex the league title. They are blessed with talent and strength in depth. County star Conor Laverty along with promising U-21 talents Darragh O'Hanlon, Jerome Johnston and Ryan Johnston are set to lead the line with the experience of Gary McEvoy, Aidan Brannigan and Sean O'Hanlon proving invaluable.

Burren will be snapping at the Magpie's heels as they look to get back on top of the pile. Paddy Carr has taken up the managerial reigns and he has a host of talent at his disposal. Kevin McKernan, Donal O'Hare, Declan Rooney, Dan McCartan and Eoin McCartan are all part of the Down senior squad and they will form the backbone of what looks to be a very strong spine. Throw in young U-21 talents such as Piaras Murdock, Gerard McGovern and Shay McArdle and Burren look a fearsome proposition.


Chasing Pack

Bryansford will have been buoyed by their recent Ulster U-21 win and they will need the likes of David McKibbin, Danny Savage and Ruairi Wells to solidify themselves as an integral part of their senior side for the year ahead. Pete McGrath can also call upon county midfielder Kalum King and with Conor Maginn set to return home in June they are well equipped to challenge.

Mayobridge have appointed former player's Michael Walsh and Eoghan Woods to their management team this year along with Colin Laverty. Some believe that the Bridge's glory days are behind them but any team with Conor Garvey, Benny Coulter and Keith Quinn in their ranks can still harbour realistic ambitions. Added to this is the scoring power of Cathal Magee and Ryan Brady and the playmaking talents of Ronan Sexton and Kevin O'Rourke and the Bridge can be hopeful of being amongst the top contenders.

The highly rated Gerard Colgan has retained his command over Rostrevor and their lot should improve this season under his guidance. After winning division two last year they will be on somewhat of a high. Jarlath Farrell and Aidan Cousins are sound defenders while much will be expected of Shaun Parr and Conor Magee around the middle. Aidan Mackin, Brian Cole and Damien Magee along with the Fegan brothers will be tasked with getting scores on the board.

Longstone are brimming with talent in the form of county men Ambrose Rogers, Mark Poland and Ryan Kelly. If the rest of the squad can gel a bit more then they can beat anyone on their day. Michael Hughes, Conor Doran and Michael Ireland are improving as footballers and with the experience of Barry Kelly, Eamon Quinn and John Magee to call upon they can mount a challenge if they can keep everyone on board.


Middle of the Road

Clonduff's aspirations will have been dealt a blow with the news that Arthur McConville and Darren O'Hagan are heading Stateside for the summer. Nevertheless Aidan Carr will be on hand to lead an emerging team that will be looking to the likes of Jason Brown and Conor Og O'Hagan to push their cause. The experience of Paul McConville and John McPolin in defence and John Fegan in the attack will be crucial to their aspirations.

Saval are under the stewardship of Darren Quinn for the year ahead. He has at his disposal a dynamic team who play a positive brand of football. He will be hoping that Danny Hughes returns to fitness to spearhead their campaign. Declan McCarthy and Darren Cunningham will be at the centre of their rearguard while Ronan Digney is an important player at midfield. County U-21 Niall Madine will be looked upon to get scores along with Keelin Rice, Stephen Kearney and Ruairi Digney.

Ballyholland clubman Shane Mulholland is still in charge of the Harps and with Stephen Poacher in as trainer the Newry side should be in good shape. Former county players Ronan Murtagh and Paul Murphy are still class acts and along with Robbie White, Patrick Quinn, Tony Havern and Kieran Murphy they should have enough guile to cement themselves in the division.

Castlewellan have appointed Burren legend John 'Shorty' Treanor to their hot seat. He has inherited a relatively young side. Former county man Kevin Duffin is the linchpin of the defence while Aidan Burns is one of the classiest forwards in the league. Throw in up and coming players like county U-21 keeper Michael Cunningham, Rory Burns and David Gilmore to complement Luke Toner, Liam McKibben and Cahal Crilly and the 'Town' can be very hopeful for the future.

Warrenpoint are a club very much on the up after their IFC win last year. They are back at the top table and have all the necessary ingredients to stay up. County players Ryan Boyle and Ryan Mallon have been revelations in the past twelve months and with Ciaran McCartan, Ross McGarry, Ryan McAleenan and Johnny Murchan in pivotal positions they can be positive about their division one tenure.


Battling the Drop

Loughinisland are a team in transition at the moment. RGU native Kyran Smyth is now at the helm and he will have the opportunity to blood a lot of young players. Dan Gordon is crucial to the Island's cause as is the leadership of Conor O'Toole. With Jamie and Ben O'Reilly onboard the East Down side certainly has potential. Add to this the steel of John McCarthy at midfield and the craft of Ryan Stranney along with the up and coming Jonathan Flynn and they should be able to mount a stern survival crusade.

Liatroim have been decimated by emigration in the past few years and this was reflected by the fact that they lost their top tier status in 2011. They are a committed bunch of players who have a knack of grinding out results. Gerard McAnulty and Liam Doyle are on the county team at present while Miceal McCartan along with the O'Higgins', Donagh and Stephen, will be looking to ensure their club's top flight survival.

Like Liatroim, An Riocht have had well publicised problems with player's emigrating. They have battled on though and in John Clarke they still have one of the best club players about. County net minder Brendan McVeigh is a vocal presence while the emergence of talented teenagers Ronan McAlinden and Declan Doyle should boost their cause.

Annaclone have been a yo-yo team for a number of years now and they may struggle again in the highest echelon. John Morgan, Down's All Ireland winning minor trainer of 2005, is in the hot seat now but he faces a difficult first season in charge. Despite this, county full back Brendan McArdle is a rock solid presence and along with Gary McArdle, Kevin Anderson, Niall Higgins, Conor McConville and the evergreen Gary Quinn they may well be a difficult proposition to beat at home.

Downpatrick's glory days of the early 90's are now well and truly behind them and the county town team have stuttered in the past in division one. They have heaps of potential but translating this into a consistent winning formula has proved difficult. The Turley brothers are now seasoned county players and they are the two main men for the RGU. The free scoring Conor McGrady is currently making waves for the Down minors and his eye for a score will be vital. Declan Turley, Sean Bell, Gerard Collins and the Telford's, Andrew and Peter, are vital cogs in Paul Lambe's quest for survival.

[DownFanatic]

Down Recorder Down ACFL Preview

Down ACFL Division 2 Preview

The second tier of Down club football gets underway on Friday night with a full set of fixtures in the new look sixteen team league. This division is made up of the bottom four teams from the old division two plus the top ten teams from the old division three and the two promoted teams from the old division four. The bottom two teams in 2013 will be relegated to division three while the team that finishes third from bottom will play the third placed team in division three in a promotion/relegation playoff. The top two teams will be promoted to division one while the third placed team will play the team from third bottom in division one in a promotion/relegation playoff. All teams in division two will play in the IFC.


Front Runners

Clann na Banna have been plying their trade in the old division two for quite some time now. They possess the most experienced team in the league and with former county man Damien Rafferty in as team trainer they look to have all the assets at their disposal for a promotion push. Michael McAllister is a quality goalkeeper and a compact defence will be marshalled by Mickey Fairburn and JP Gartland. Conor Leneghan, Liam Devlin and Rory Hill are all tricky forwards and with Cottage Park being somewhat of a fortress, the West Down men could be on their way back up.

Glasdrumman won last year's division three quite convincingly. They have in their ranks the talented Connaire Harrison who has been highly impressive to date for the county senior side. Tom Potter will also be delighted with the news that Cormac Murphy is back in the fold. Sean McDowell and Raymond Magorrian are classy exponents in the forward line and with young talent in Ryan Doran, Cathal Rodgers and Shane Harrison, the Quarter Road men will still be motoring well at the business end of the season.

Saul finished runners up to Glasdrumman last year and they should be a force to be reckoned with in the months ahead. Veteran manager PJ Magee will have them firing on all cylinders. They are now reaping the rewards of one of the finest youth systems in the county which has produced new emerging talents such as Rory Mullan and the Arnold twins, Deaglán and Cathal. Throw in the experience of Adam King, Nathan Keenan, JP Burke, Michael Vint, Philip Traynor and Davy McKinley and they could be set for an historic venture into division one.


Chasing Pack

Mickey Linden is now in his second year with Shamrocks and he will be looking for the Newry side to make a real push for division one. The Shams have plenty of resources but suffer from 'town team' syndrome especially on their travels. In Jack Haughey they have a young attacker of great promise. His brother Mark is also a key component and along with the Gough's, Conal and Conor, Kevin McGuigan, John McAteer and Mark Digney they should make a real push for the top.

Mark Harte has followed in his father Mickey's footsteps and entered the world of management with Tullylish. He has taken on a team which is regarded as one of the most consistent at intermediate level in Down. Their promotion hopes could be dictated by the presence of John McAreavey. If he is able to play a full season then the Lish should motor on nicely. Defenders Joe McDermott and Niall Donnelly have been underage stars for the county in the past while on his day Gareth Johnston is one of the best midfielders in Down. Davy Corbett, Peter Quinn and Shannon Drainey are all top notch forward players.

Bosco made it all the way to last year's IFC final and they also made a good showing in the league. They will have kicked on from last year and they should be regarded as dark horses in the promotion scene this season. Ethan Toner is their star defender and along with Gavin Moan they will orchestrate a tight marking offering. Chris Duggan is a power house at midfield while the free taking excellence of Neil Tumilty and the scoring ability of Paul McKeown should see the Newry men make a big drive for the summit.

Carryduff are another of the yo-yo teams who have been hopping between division two and three for the past number of years. When they click they are very good team but they aren't always convincing on their travels. Loughinisland's Brendan Mason has taken over as manager and he will be looking to lead the Duff into division one. The presence of current Down minor's Donal McKeever and Sean McGonigle is a necessity to their progression. They will compliment a fast moving and energetic outfit which has top performers in Declan Doherty, Conor McCullough, Conal Early and the O'Neill's, Chris, Barry and Ryan.


Middle of the Road

Drumgath are a solid unit who have been revitalised under the management of former team captain Justin Lynch. He will oversee a team who could prove very difficult to beat, especially at their tight Barnmeen ground. Packie Downey still remains a thorn in the side of opposition defences while Jackie Lynch is rarely beaten in the air around the middle. Mark Connolly is a reliable free taker and strong defender and with current Down U-21 Colm Maginn in their ranks they are well primed for a productive season.

Glenn are a team that are on the verge of moving swiftly up the league ladder. They have in their arsenal a number of hugely talented minor and u-21 players. Niall McParland is one of the best players in the league and along with the Bagnall's, Liam and Matty, Denis Murtagh, Shay Millar and Ruairi McGuigan they should have enough in the tank to safely consolidate their status.

Kilclief had a disastrous season last year in division two after a historic 2011 which saw them lift the IFC. They are an ageing team now but they still possess enough know how to keep themselves afloat in this league. Liam Woods, Donnan Ritchie and Ryan Kerr are no nonsense defenders while Fintan Conway is a good ball winner at midfield. Ciaran Sloan and Ricky Kerr are forwards of the highest quality and will provide most of the opposition defences with plenty of headaches.

Johnny McComiskey is back at Ballymartin for a second stint but the team he now finds himself in charge of are a very different proposition to the one he last inherited. Emigration has deprived them of a number of their players including 2005 All Ireland minor winner Peter Fitzpatrick. Former county senior Darren O'Hanlon will lead a team that includes talent in the form of Cenk Akdeniz, James Doran, Cathal McDowell, John Fitzpatrick and the O'Hares, Ciaran and Ryan.


Battling the Drop

Darragh Cross were one of the top teams at intermediate level in the latter part of the last decade and the majority of that squad is still in place. Despite a few retirements and the absence of the Mageean's, Eoin and Padraig, the St Mochai's outfit still possess plenty of class. Marcus Miskelly is their main man up front and current Down U-21 Michael Monan along with Paddy Branney are definite scoring threats. Hugh Murray and Tom McMahon at midfield ooze experience and expertise and their contribution will be vital in keeping Darragh above water.

Dundrum had a very successful 2012 winning the JFC and division four. However, in the interim they have lost the services of talisman Paul McComiskey and a few other players to emigration. McComiskey is a cut above at this level and his scoring prowess will be sorely missed by new manager Paddy Hardy. Nevertheless the Duns still have some quality players in the form of defenders Conal McKee and John Hurley, midfielder Aaron Doyle and forwards Cormac Venney and Brendan Cunningham. Aidan Fegan and David McComiskey are two young minor prospects who will be gunning hard to keep their club in the division.

Atticall have fallen a long way since their tenure in division one not so long ago. They have had to rebuild and the process has been arduous. They face a tough assignment in maintaining their status quo but they will have been heartened by the news that midfielder Louis Sloan is fit for action. Martin Trainor and Ronan Sloan will be the linchpins of the defence while the Morgan's, Chris and Johnny, will relied upon for getting the scores. Young Ryan O'Hare is also a dangerous prospect along with Kevin Quinn.

Burren club man Sean Ward is now in his second season taking St Johns. The Drumnaquoile club have managed to keep themselves at intermediate level for the past three years and they will be hoping to sustain their standing. Conor McCombe, Darren Savage and Conor Morgan are very able defenders. The McKay brothers, Chris and Danny, are important figures around the middle while veteran Damien Murray and young Martin Keenan are consistent score getters in the attack.

Bredagh have been plying their trade in the junior ranks for the past few years. In that time they have regrouped and infused their squad with a number of young talented underage players. Kevin Doran and Paddy Willis are the pick of their defensive unit while Henry Deazley and Matthew Hollywood are two very good midfielders. Cormac and Donal Hughes are physically strong forwards with former Teconnaught man Niall Mulholland the perfect playmaker. Their star turn is county defender Owen Costello.