Messages

Im looking forward to seeing Liam Kerr under the new rules, he has the potential to make a similar impact as Murdock last year. Different types of players but both can have a huge impact on games.

Barry O'Hagan I heard is back as well, if he is fully fit, himself and Havern had a very good understanding from the get go, seemed to compliment each other. After his injury woes, maybe coming off the bench with his 2 point threat is more realistic, he would have been a great option v Galway last year.

Im looking forward to Saturday evening too, it will be interesting to see the starting 15, I don't think Laverty will have the luxury of experimenting in the league this year. Promotion is vital.

I agree snoopdog, im looking forward to going to Newry next Saturday evening. It doesn't mean im not sympathetic to the Gazan people, but Down pulling out of the National League competition made no sense to me at all and would have set us back years for the reasons you mentioned.

The Mayo supporters used to give McDonald dogs abuse when he was playing, and once he retired he was elevated into superstar status.

Navan is definitely unavailable.

Any word where Loughrea v Slughtneil will be?

Kingspan Breffni in Cavan probably the most Central?

Terrible venue for a club game, same as thurles absolutely no atmosphere

Iniskeen then?

Probaly put it in newbridge or somewhere

If memory serves Cushendall played St Thomas' in Parnell Park so I'd say you're looking at there

Cushendall played Sarsfields in Navan in 2016, but it's closed for renovation work at present.

I could see the argument for Easkey and Toreen to play at the higher provincial level if they win their shc next year.

The runner up in the Derry shc compete in the Ulster IHC (i think), it's not perfect but in counties and provinces with a small  number of hurling clubs, it's not easy to find a solution.

Connacht Intermediate final result

Tooreen (Mayo) 3-21 Meelick Eyrecourt (Galway) 2-12

Tooreen have now won 6 of the last 8 Connacht titles

Connacht Junior final result

Easkey (Sligo) 2-17 Ballinasloe (Galway)2-15

Four in a row Connacht titles for Easkey.

Do they need to win an All Ireland to go up a grade? I think if you win a provincial title in Ulster, if you win your county title during the next 3 years you play at the higher provincial grade.

Where's all the fballs coming out off?

It's a regular kilcoo tactic when they  are playing into the wind or need to slow things down.

It's difficult to adopt a one size fits all approach, counties like Fermamagh and Monaghan have smaller number of clubs. Emyvale in particular look very strong for junior level this year.

Down have top 16 teams at senior, next 16 at intermediate and bottom 10 in Junior. It works well within the county but probably to our detriment at provincial level in the intermediate and junior grades.

I think Odhran Murdock would be a big addition to any Irish team.

Is Rory Brennan and the 2 Donnellys definitely out of the EC v Trillick semi final? I see them at 15/8 on paddy power, it seemed very high for what have been tight encounters over the years.

Kilcoo make it 14 finals in a row. Impressive stuff for a brilliant team but there mustn't be much else in Down

rode their luck tonight. Why did that idiot take the ball off O'Hagan who had just nailed 2 2 pointers in a row?

Carryduff will fancy their chances though the experience of winning finals will be huge. Won't deny that I'd love to see Carryduff win as the likes of Kilcoo are the type of team could challenge our 13 in a row run

Are Carryduff a Belfast club?

Has a Belfast Club ever won it?

I would say no and no. Carryduff is significantly separate to not be classed as a Belfast club and no Belfast club has won the senior championship. They have a right chance to give it a proper go. A lot of blow ins a generation about this team but they have built a solid base. Finn Mo and Forker are a strong management team too

Didn't Blaney play for them back in the day?

Greg Blaney and at least 1 brother, John Kelly, Neil Collins, John McCartan all involved in the 90s, and I'm pretty sure I'm leaving someone out.

I didn't see the Kilcoo v Clonduff game last night but I read that Barry O'Hagan came on and scored a couple of 2 pointers in a short period of time.

I know he's had serious injury issues but would there be a case for bringing him back to the county set up even as an impact sub role.

A fully fit Barry O'Hagan and  fully fit Liam Kerr would be huge additions to our forward line.

Will he take martin with him. Shocking judgement from the Taoiseach.

It would make sense to play the jfc final in Downpatrick.