Down Club Hurling & Football

[DownFanatic]

2007 Division 3 Preview

It may be four weeks too early but this is how I think Division 3 will pan out. I'm not too worried about doing the preview so early because in my opinion pre-season challenge game results usually do not accurately gauge League performances. Very rarely do teams have their full compliment available in February/March. Results in these games usually paint an unrealistic picture.
Having been involved with a team that has spent four out of the five previous seasons in Division 3 I hope to give an accurate prediction of what will occur this year. However, on the other hand I could be ridicously out of sync.


The Super Heavyweight – Drumgath
Last year Drumgath became the first team from Division 3 since Bosco in 1996 to lift the IFC. This was a remarkable achievement. To offset the pain of relegation and turn it in to an IFC triumph took a lot of courage and determination. This was Drumgath's first IFC silverware and despite their Ulster campaign falling flat it was a great achievement nonetheless.
2007 will be a totally different proposition on one front at least. They will enter the SFC for the first time in their history. The romantics would suggest a fairytale run but in reality Drumgath are going to make an early exit thus leaving Division 3 as their sole objective.
With Castlewellan man Harry Toner now at the helm for a second stint, people can expect Drumgath to be disciplined, extremely fit and hungry as hell. Toner knows the Drumgath setup inside out after bringing them to an IFC final and promotion in the not so distant past.

Key Men
Jackie Lynch has recently made it on to the County Senior panel and this can only serve to improve his game. He will be a big player at midfield this year. His brother and team captain Justin is a teak tough defender and his leadership qualities will be instrumental in guiding his team. Others to note are current county Senior goalkeeper Bernard Connell, defender Mark Connolly and the deadly forward quintet of Brannigan, Costello, McCabe, Downey and Hynds. With these hitmen on form Drumgath should breeze past any defence at this level.

Strengths and Weaknesses
Drumgath have got a good balance throughout their team. Their defence will give away little, their midfield will win a host of possession and their forwards are lethal. They know the tricky teams in the Division and how to counteract them by now. Arrogance may be their only downfall, however this is unlikely to be the case and Toner will have is men quietly confident from the off.

How will it end?
Drumgath will finish top of this Division with quite a bit to spare over their closest rivals. There might be two or three blips along the way but they will be rarely troubled. Division 2 in 2008 awaits.



The Heavyweights - Tullylish
Tullylish just aren't good enough for Division 2. That's a fact. That's why they always seem to flunk the promotion playoffs. They just arent of the standard required. However, year after year they always manage to finish top four in Division 3. That aim of promotion wasnt realised under previous manager Jim McAlinden but the new man at the helm knows a thing or two about it.
Kevin Blaney is the new chief in Laurencetown and after guiding St Pauls to promotion last year he will hope to do the same with his new found charges. Blaney is no stranger to climbing the football ladder. He was part of the Carryduff team of the early 90's that worked it's way up to Division 1. He will be hoping to use this experience to bring a team that is soaked in mediocrity to new found heights.

Key Men
If John McAreavey can overcome his long standing groin problems then Tullylish have won half the battle. McAreavey is a fantastic score getter and is an expert long range free taker. His playmaking abilities are also first class and if fit he can become a real star for Blaney's men this year.
The vastly experienced Ronan Barry will be at the heart of their defence as usual. Then there is a player who could take over his mantle in the years to come - Kevin McKiverghan. McKiverghan is pacey and although still only 18, he's hard as nails and should be used very effectively as a man marker this year.
Others who have stood out in previous years are the midfield duo of Peter Quinn and Davy Corbett. They will be backed up around the middle by Barry Priestly and Mickey Feeney. Up front the livewire Gary Chambers is sure to wreak havoc on many a defence while Chris McGovern will need to improve on last year if he is to be considered a potential targetman.

Strengths and Weaknesses
Tullylish are notoriously good starters. They usually rack up five to six wins on the trot at the season's beginning. This usually instils fear in other sides. It also means that if a blip is had mid season then the Lish will always be able to storm back at the end. Another strength is their scoring ratios. They find goals easily to come by and regularly they go to town on the weaker teams when the feeling takes them.
On the negative side they started to show last year that they are beatable on their home turf. The mid table sides will go to Laurencetown with reduced apprehension this year. Their defence is not as formidable as it used to be and if McAreavey is not fully fit they will struggle badly against the stronger sides.

How will it end?
As I said previous if Tullylish get promoted they will go straight back down. It's as simple as that. There is no doubt they will finish top five in Division 3 this year but they are way of the standard of the likes of Drumgath. Tullylish will be in the reckoning at the season's end but promotion will ultimately elude them.


The Heavyweights - Dundrum
Dundrum's heyday in the late 80's early 90's saw them establish themselves as one of the leading teams in Division 2. The team of that era was based on a super fit, super aggressive product. There was a good mixture of wily old heads and sprightly young things in that team. One of the architects of that success was Eddie Campbell. Campbell is a no nonsense fitness trainer who has been drafted in this year to aid the physical side of things. Thrown into the package is the Manager/Coach duo of John McShane and John Morgan. McShane was in charge for the 2005 JFC triumph while Morgan trained that team aswell as the Down All Ireland winning MFC team of the same year. Added to the mix is veteran Martin Coughlan. He will act as a selector/player and incidentally he is the only remaining person from that successful side of the golden era.

Key Men
Just like diabetics need their insulin, Dundrum need Kieran Walsh and Paul McComiskey. Both are vital cogs in the machinery of the Dundrum system. Walsh has been Senior team captain the past five years and he has led by example throughout. His presence at midfield and his general inspiration on the field of play are crucial.
Despite still being only 18 Paul McComiskey has achieved a lot. A Sigerson Cup, an All Ireland MFC, a Down JFC and a Colleges All Star to name a few. To put it bluntly he is worth on average six points a game from play. This doesnt even include his assist total which would really run to the same number. His contribution is immense and eventhough he can't play week in week out due to county commitments, when he returns to club action his presence brings a buzz to team morale.
Apart from the star duo Dundrum will be looking to Philip Shields, John Hurley and former county Minor Marc Cunningham to really up their game in defence to create a strong base. In the forward department current county Minor Declan Kavanagh will be looking to impress with the veteran Martin Coughlan, Cormac Venney and young Paul Rooney also hoping to be amongst the biggest contributors.

Strengths and Weaknesses
Dundrum are always slow out of the traps. This usually has disastrous consequences come the seasons end. It means that usually the Duns have little to play for and mid table mediocrity prevails. They really do need to start well if they want be with the big boys come September. Another area that Dundrum need to address is their defence. Although they concede few goals they are too easily penetrated at times and look edgy when faced with prospect of a direct running team.
On the plus side Paul McComiskey and Declan Kavanagh are shaping up to be two class acts and with the experience of Martin Coughlan and Kieran Walsh in tight match situations Dundrum might just be able to squeeze those close matches which in previous years they have failed to do.
Again detractors have pointed to the youthful nature of the composition of the squad. However, a closer analysis states otherwise. Full back Martin Melville may only be 20 but this is his fifth year playing Seniors. Again just look at 22 year old Cormac Venney. He is now beginning his eighth campaign in a Dundrum shirt.

How will it end?
In all truthfullness Glenn and Saul are a lot weaker than Darragh Cross and Banbridge. This will give Dundrum the confidence that the places needed to improve on from last year's finish can be attained. If the good start is there and the young guns can start to show a lot more responsibility then the playoffs can be reached. There is no reason why a team of experienced teenagers cant guide a team to the top end of the table.



The Heavyweights - Ardglass
Ardglass hold a dismal record over the past three years. They have made the playoffs three times in a row but have failed to secure one promotion. Unlike Tullylish who have a similar promotion history, Ardglass may have enough of what it takes to stay in Division 2 if they ever reached it. However, there is one issue which is holding them back. It not only permeates through their Senior ranks but it is becoming increasingly evident through their Juvenile setup. It is ill-discipline and it is destroying any promotion aspirations that Paul O'Shea's side may garner.
The ill-discipline may come from the Soccer scene that is prevalent in the village but it is becoming increasingly evident that it is holding back Ardglass. In previous years the men from the fishing village have been on the cusp of many a glory only for it to be snatched away from them by a punch or a foul tirade directed at a referee.
If by a miracle Ardglass could hold their temper and channel it in to more productive pastures then surely they would evolve in to a credible force that could easily cut it in Division 2.

Key Men
Chris 'Rat' Deegans is the link man. Everything goes through him. Mick Magee is his protege in a way and if he declines a move to the RGU then Ardglass are in business. Stephen Deegans and James Telford rule the roost in defence while Liam Mullan and Neil Teggart have a knack of racking up big scores in the attack.

Strengths and Weaknesses
Any team that travels to Ardtole will always be a bit apprehensive. Ardglass are a tough team. They are a side laced with hard men. When used properly this can be a major plus. However, when hardness transforms into dirtiness then Ardglass are going to have a problem. The Ardtole factor will always be there but cant always be relied on.
Ardglass probably suffer their biggest negative when they start arguing amongst themselves on the pitch. This disturbs team unity and gives cohesion a kick in the bollocks. It is easily remedied and if it is erased Paul O'Shea can look forward with confidence.

How will it end?
Just like a GCSE Mathematics trend graph, Ardglass will see an upturn in success when their red card total starts to decline. It is a simple as that. The players are there and the talent in reserve is there. They just need a stricter line in discipline and then the jigsaw will start to come together. This has basically been the same set of players for the past four years and it is about time they delivered a promotion. One they are more than capable of getting.


The Heavyweights - Bredagh
Over the past few years Bredagh have transformed themselves into a vibrant force. Their biggest breakthrough came last year when they collected the JFC. Aligned to this was their first promotion in seven years as they returned to Division 3 as champions of Division 4. The club itself is progressing magnificently. It is currently the biggest in Down and caters for a massive playing base.
Yet it is their Senior football team that is their shop window. Despite courting controversy last year with the 'signings' of Jody Gormley and Enda Gormley, Bredagh conspired to produce a memorable year and for the first time in quite a while let their football do the talking. They will enter Division 3 undaunted and with a big squad of players they can be very confident of a good year.
At the helm this year is Paddy Heaney. A man who knows the side well. It will be interesting to see whether he will be barking instructions from the sideline or the pitch.

Key Men
Last year Derry man Enda Gormley was the toast of the Ravenhill Road. His scoring exploits propelled Bredagh to new levels. Although the full backs of Division 3 may give him a greater test it is likely that he will be able to replicate his form. Others in the forward unit that will be expected to shine will be Henry Deazley, Conor Owens and Raymond Gormley. One player that Bredagh could really do with is Johnny Cleary. The Irish League soccer player is the type of classy forward that would revel in Division 3.
Further back it will be Paul Bradley, Mark Diamond and Rory McCaughey who will be expected to shore up the defence. All three are very capable players as is team captain Ollie McWilliams who is usually placed at corner back. With Jody Gormley not expected to play this year and Paddy Heaney being manager it remains to be seen who will take up the midfield berths.

Strengths and Weaknesses
Bredagh are on a roll and they will bring their new found confidence to the table when the League starts. They are an exuberant experienced side who will relish the challenge. They have a good defence and with Cleary on board the attack looks threatening. Cherryvale is also another one of their strong points. It is a hard place to win in and the South Down teams wont fancy the long jaunt there.
Bredagh arent the youngest of teams about and there seems to be a distinct lack of quality 18/19 year olds coming through. And in quality I mean real county standard players. A question hangs over the staying power of some of the older players in what will be a much longer and more gruelling season than Division 4 last year.

How will it end?
With a lot of hard work and a little bit of luck, Bredagh can reach the playoffs. They have momentum and being the underdogs they can definitely surprise the bigger teams. There are no expectations being placed on them and this can only work to their advantage. Division 2 may be a utopian pipe dream this year but stranger things have happened.

The Middleweights - Saul
For the past three years Saul have been plying their trade in Division 2. To stay there for so long with what they had to work with was a remarkable feat. Their achievement gave hope to the smaller clubs and Saul can be very proud of what they done. However, their relegation last year proved to be third time unlucky despite them surviving the drop for the previous two years.
Clubman Joe Ritchie is in charge now and he will more than likely deliver a very organised team. He has inherited a very similar team to the one that achieved promotion four years ago. Whether he can get them functioning again as credible promotion chasers remains to be seen. Nonetheless Saul will probably provide another rollercoaster season.

Key Men
Having lost Peter McKenna to the RGU, Saul have lost a potential star. McKenna may have only played intermittently over the past couple of seasons and may have a maverick style attitude but if persevered with he really could have made an impact. However, Saul have to move on and they will look to Michael Vint and Philip Traynor to lead the attack. They will build their midfield around Davy McKinley while in defence Callum Laverty is an excellent player in the making. Their standout contributor is Adam King. Usually positioned at full back King is an inspirational leader and there wont be too many full forwards looking forward to the prospect of being marked by him.

Strengths and Weaknesses
Coming down from Division 2 to 3 is not an easy prospect. In recent years only Darragh Cross have managed to master it. Saul are going to struggle to return to the second tier with the squad at their disposal. They lack a playmaker. JP Burke is not the player he once was and Conor O'Neill is not yet ready or able enough to make the step up. Scoring is also a major doubt. Traynor is very injury prone and Vint cant be expected to carry the torch on his own. Also, Lee Magee needs to be playing on a more regular basis as he can contribute a lot when on form.
On the plus side Saul can take a bit of confidence in the fact that they did grab themselves some excellent scalps in Division 2 including sides like Atticall and the RGU. It will take performances of this standard week in week out to help the team progress. Saul can be capable of a high standard but they will need to find a few rough diamonds in the process.

How will it end?
Saul may need this year to adjust in Division 3 and then make a real go of it in 2008. The majority of teams will hold no fear for Saul and they will be the team that other clubs in the pack will really raise their game for. If Saul do somehow make the playoffs then their experience may carry them through. Honestly though a year in transition will help them a lot more than going straight back up at the first ask.

[DownFanatic]

The Middleweights - Glenn
Glenn are probably the most unpredictable team in Down at the moment. In the past four years they have sampled football in Divisions 4, 3 and 2. They were embarrassingly out of their depth in Division 2 last year. Their defence was very porous while their attack just couldnt get to grips with the higher level of play. Incidentally the last time Glenn fell in to Division 3 they got relegated down to Division 4 but then unbelievably gained two successive promotions to end up in Division 2 again. They really dont do things by the book.

Key Men
Seamus McGuinness is Glenn's heart and soul. He is a true warrior for them and his attitude seems to rub off on his fellow players. He led them to their JFC triumph a few years back and he can still be relied on today. He will have current County Senior and 1999 All Ireland MFC winner Colm Murtagh as backup in a defence that was woefully exposed last year. Others that will need to improve their game in defence are Ollie Conlon and Stephen Clarke. Mark Lennon and John Mackin are likely to be the midfield pairing while up front the Bagnall brothers will provide the flair while Damien O'Hare should prove to be their top scorer.

Strengths and Weaknesses
Glenn are easy pickings on their travels. They really don't play well away from home. They also hardly ever have the same team out two weeks in a row. Their home form is good when they are on a run and injury free as they were back in 2005.
On the plus side they have scoring forwards who have proved their worth at this level. Yet it is their defence that takes a lot of convincing and young goalkeeper Michael Doran will be a busy man this year. Also a lot depends on the positioning of Colm Murtagh. Utilised last year n midfield he needs to be played further back to stem the flow of goals that Glenn seem to concede only too often.

How will it end?
Glenn are going to be too strong for the bottom pack but not strong enough for the top pack. Like Saul they are going to need time to re-group and get their bandwagon up and running again. They may threaten the playoffs on occasion but they don't have the class or the x-factor to return to Division 2.


The Middleweights - Teconnaught
Last year's JFC Final defeat to Bredagh zapped the soul out of the Teconnaught setup. This year they will face another tough season in Division 3 aligned with the fact that they aren't in the JFC anymore. They will have to pick themselves up again and with a young team they could take a few by surprise this year. They started well last year before crumbling when the pressure was on. A more consistent approach is needed if they are to move up the pecking order.

Key Men
The veteran Sammy Madine has a few years left in him yet and he will have the task of re-focusing his charges. One player who if re-focused, could bring a lot to the cause is Niall Mulholland. Back in the fold after an aborted transfer to Loughinisland, Mulholland could be the link man that Teconnaught so need. David McGreevy will likely be used in the half back line again and he is a player who could cut it at a much higher level. Eoin Flanagan and Damien Mulholland are likely to be the grinders this year again but the likes of Conor Brennan and Dominic Mulholland really need to improve if the forwards are going to impress.

Strengths and Weaknesses
Teconnaught have a great team spirit and the grit and heart that comes with this always shines through in a Teconnaught team. They also have a big panel and there is a host of young and willing players ready to step in when required.
Teconnaught's downfall is that they are very basic when they come to the technical side of the game. They can be predictable and sometimes lack that spark that could bring them on to greater things.

How will it end?
Teconnaught will never give you an easy game. They can be a hard nut to crack but in the end the nut usually cracks. A high mid table finish would be a good achievement for them but there is always something there lurking in the background that they can achieve a lot more.



The Middleweights - Bosco
Where do you start with the Bosco? A club that produced an all conquering Down MFC winning team of 2002 and yet they face 2007 with a struggle in the 3rd tier and a journey into the JFC. Looking at the situation there are only five or six of that Minor team still playing. The rest were probably caught by the town team bug. Unfortunately there aren't many older players there to guide the young impressionables. 2007 should prove interesting fare for the Newry men.

Key Men
Mark Rooney should be the man to lead Bosco in to the future He was part of the Minor team of 2002 and has represented the county at various stages aswell as picking up a Sigerson medal with Queens a few weeks ago. The 2002 contemporaries that still remain include the classy Francie Downey and the workhorse that is Rory Mulvaney. This is a very young Bosco team and the likes of Colleges All Star Ciaran Murtagh and former Down Minor Ryan Lynch will surely contribute immensely to the cause. Up front the Larkin brothers are badly missed and much will depend upon Neil Tumelty and Kyle Brennan delivering the goods. 2006 Player of the Year Collie Keenan may be an interesting option in midfield.

Strengths and Weaknesses
Bosco know deep down that there is talent within their club. It's just going to be hard to get it back up and running again. If players return to the fold and integrate accordingly then there is a definite JFC in this team. The League can wait. A JFC win would really boost the club and would set the marker for years to come. That is Bosco's strength. The knowledge that the players are there.
On the minus side if the Bosco are forced to field last year's selection then lower mid table looks likely as a finishing position. They don't have a big panel and this has to change.

How will it end?
A possible JFC could be lifted in October with Division 3 status maintained. Bosco need time and they are going to have to build from the ground up.

The Lightweights - Bright
A new pitch, a new dawn? Maybe not. In truth Bright done well to stay up last year. However, that elusive JFC wasnt to be and this I suspect is what they will be striving for again this year. The Championship has always meant more to Bright than the League and it will probably be the same this year.
Kyran Smyth is still in charge and he seems to have his pack very fit. However, Bright's most lethal of weapons is gone. Their old pitch in Killough was probably the smallest in Ireland. Many a good team has floundered on it's rocks. Bright knew how to play it and knew how to make good teams look inadequate on it. It is no more and their new expansive pitch in Ballynoe may take a while to get adjusted to.

Key Men
Mark Stitt is back in the fold after a year's sabbatical. Him and Donal McCartan form a strong midfield with the two Stranney brothers completing the unit around the middle. Apart from these four Bright's remaining player's are something of a hybrid. Their soccer skills usually come in to play more on the Gaelic field than their actual footballing skills. This provides for a messy style of play that is more accustomed to Division 4. Despite this the likes of Matthew Sharvin and Freddie O'Connor have shown promise.

Strengths and Weaknesses
As mentioned above Bright's main strength was their old pitch. It's gone now. It's loss is akin of that of the B Specials to the Protestant community in South Armagh. Bright will find it hard to adjust and the absence of their saving grace may see them struggle for the first time at home in many years.
On the plus side the majority of Bright players have a burning desire to pick up a JFC. Some of them are in the Autumn of their careers and their determination could rub off on the others and carry through to the League programme.

How will it end?
Looks likely to be a battle against relegation but Bright have fighting qualities like they showed last year and they should just have enough in the tank to avoid the drop. They should also be Bosco's main challengers for the JFC.

The Lightweights - St Pauls
2007 marks St Pauls first ever foray in to Division 3. The North Down club have made a big improvement over the past 2/3 years and their efforts have been rewarded as Kevin Blaney brought them promotion in his first year in charge. This year Saval man Gerry Quinn is in charge and people can expect a well drilled and motivated bunch of players.
St Pauls don't have the personnel or the footballing class to be regarded as a serious threat in the promotion stakes and it is more than likely that they will find themselves near the bottom of the table. However, MacNamee Park is literally a fortress and St Pauls can expect a victory or four there when East Down derbies take place.

Key Men
Brian McIllroy is a very committed clubman and is a wiry competitor at midfield. Even when the chips are down McIllroy keeps on plugging away. His leadership will be vital in the year ahead. Along with him Anto Davey is the mainstay of the defence while Eunan Donnelly and Conor McIllroy will be looked upon to create and convert the scoring chances.

Strengths and Weaknesses
St Pauls are entering the unknown and like Bredagh there is no pressure on them to do well. This lack of pressure should let St Pauls play an open game and with many derbies on the horizon they can easily pick up victories at their MacNamee Park ground.
On the other side of the coin it just seems that St Pauls have not nearly enough talent in their ranks to survive. They have a strongish spine but they will be cruelly exposed on the flanks. They have never been big hitters, even in Division 4, and this will only serve to inflict more pressure on what is expected to be an already overworked defence.

How will it end?
St Pauls have a slim chance of staying up. Their survival depends on their ability to beat the teams closest to them home and away. This they are capable of but the bigger teams are going to have a field day against them and in reality Drumgath's final points tally will probably decide their fate. Ie - 30% rule.

The Lightweights - Mitchels
Long gone are the days when Mitchels could have been considered a strong Division 3 side. Transfers and retirements have ravaged them over the years and this year they could pay the ultimate price - relegation. Their Senior team seems stagnant with little impetus to push forward. Their star performer is a bit like an absentee landlord - never there when you need him. Like Bosco, Mitchels need an injection of something to get them back on track. What that is I dont know.

Key Men
Stephen Kearney is a sublime talent who has pulled on the Down jersey at various levels in the past. Unfortunately though Mitchels rarely sample his delights too often and this affects them big style. The mantle is usually left to Killian and Ciaran McLogan at the back to keep things together. Young Barry McAteer is also a promising player and may be used at midfield with Shane Cooney this year. Up front Mitchels have nothing to offer without Kearney. But again if someone is prepared to step out of the dark and take the playmakers role then Mitchels may have a chance.

Strengths and Weaknesses
Mitchels have one trick up their sleeve this year. That is the element of surprise. Mitchels have been touted as relegation candidates but they could turn things around quite easily if they get Kearney back in and grab a few wins at the start of the year.
Simply, where do you begin with weaknesse.?

How will it end?
A berth in Division 4 in 2008 is most likely

[Mourne Rover]

Congratulations to DownFanatic on the most comprehensive survey of division three which is probably capable of being produced. It is well worth reading, and Drumgath are worthy favourites for the title, but a couple of the Bredagh references are well off-beam. Why should there be anything controversial about Enda Gormley and Jody Gormley playing for Bredagh ? They both live within walking distance of the team's pitch and they both gave more than 15 seasons at senior level to home clubs which are more than 40 miles away. If they have a year or two left, why should they not play for the club on their doorstep ? Johnny Cleary is capable of playing  Gaelic football at a higher level than Bredagh, but most people expect to see him involved in Irish League soccer rather than Down division three in 2007. It will be a big surprise if Drumgath don't go up as champions, but there are other division three clubs with potential county players,

[DownFanatic]

Mourne Rover, These kinda previews are what happens when you cannot access your overdraft anymore and your next installment of your student loan does not arrive til the end of April. Otherwise it was a productive St PatricksDay. By the way, I agree with you about the two Gormley's and Bredagh. I only put that in because other people view it as controverisal.

[Dubh driocht]

Downfanatic
You should get money for this- excellent work.Also agree with your assessments- will be a competetive division which must be good for Down football - will keep the Division 1 and 2 teams on their games as it will not be easy to return if you slide down.

[Square Ball]

DownFanatic

excellant review of Div 3, cant wait until it all kicks off.

[behind the wire]

good man down fanatic, glad to see someone taking a bit of interest in the lower leagues. don't know what about dundrum as heaveyweights though!!!! and another thing, ardglass isnt full of hard men, they try to intimidate but they arent very good at it. pure dirt thats all.l

[No1]

  I hope the new job isn't going to prevent a Div 2 preview? 

  Our boys require a wee bit of extra motivation at the minute and you writing us off would be just perfect.

  Besides, who gives a shite about the lower divisions? 

[5 Sams]

Message from Seán Óg to all the clubs in Down.


Monday the 2nd of April will see the draws for the 2007 Down Championships take place in the Canal Court Hotel Newry at 6.30 pm for 7.00 pm.

The draws will be covered live on 5FM Radio and to this end we are inviting from each Club, Chairman/Secretary, Senior Team Manager and a Senior Team PLAYER/CAPTAIN.

A finger buffet will also be served and there will be a large attendance from our sponsors in all competitions.

This is a really good opportunity to promote our Championships for the year ahead and I would ask Clubs to please give it your full support.

[greygoose]

What is the radio frequency for 5FM radio ??

[Lecale2]

  I hope the new job isn't going to prevent a Div 2 preview? 

  Our boys require a wee bit of extra motivation at the minute and you writing us off would be just perfect.

  Besides, who gives a shite about the lower divisions? 

You were nearly there yourselves No1, only for a couple of good displays in the play offs! I it take someone will be in the Canal Court taking notes and posting on here?

[Lecale2]

Down U 21 football

1. M McAlister
2. L Howard
3. G McArdle
4. J McCarthy
5. S Parr
6. E McConville
7. K McKernan
8. J Colgan
9. J Ireland
10. B McArdle
11. J Boyle
12. E McGovern
13. C Brannigan
14. S Sands
15. P McComiskey

[stpauls]

Lecale, trying to fish myself the player/captain invite to that so if i am there, will certainly take a list of the draws and post them on here as soon as i get back in front of the pc!!

[Lecale2]

Good man St Paul's

Down v Waterford: Graham Clarke; L Clarke, S Murray, F Conway; M Ennis, P Hughes, Gabriel Clarke; A Dynes, B McGourty; K Courtney, G Johnston, D Flynn; P Coulter, E Trainor, E Clarke.

One change from last week with Aaron Dynes in at mid field. Let's hope for another snow strorm.

[Lecale2]

He retired last year for a while then came back for the later stages of the league. I'm not sure what he's at this season.