Messages

Business end of the season.

Predictions for the weekend.

Drumgath vs Darragh cross- comfortable win for Drumgath, playing well at the top of division 3
Rostrevor vs Banbridge- Rostrevor may thread carefully as Banbridge have a couple of players to cause trouble, but if match ups are right it should be a couple point win

Glenn vs Kilcoo- Glenn pose a different question to Kilcoo- the unknown, do they have enough to trouble Kilcoo, many have tried and failed. Kilcoo comfortable win
Carryduff vs Burren- The prize for runner up 2024. Both teams have numerous county men, should be a great battle. I think Carryduff scrape through this one. 1 point win

Thoughts?

3 out of 4 semi finalist already known, a huge upset if Kilcoo don't join.

Carryduff went about their business with minimal fuss, can this be the year they challenge Kilcoo. Burren looked to be home and dry at half time but second half would be worrying for them. Glenn with a comfortable win again, seen most of the game and have to say they have enough there to challenge most Division 1 teams, as proven. Will be a big ask for whoever they have in the next round saying that.

Who would make the best final this year?

Kilcoo vs Burren
Carryduff Vs Kilcoo

something else?

1/4 Finals time. Does anyone see any upsets happening? I think Burren, Kilcoo and Carryduff progress and the last game between Glenn vs Bryansford could go either way. Maybe Bryansford shade it with division 2 experience this year?

Semi Finals next weekend? or is there a break?

Turned into a real good game yesterday, plenty of mistakes and missed chances but intensity of championship makes up for it all. Glenn missing 3 key players with a fine second half display. Clonduff will find that one hard to deal with over the dark months. Glenn play an exciting brand of football which is a bit different to the norm, great to see.

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.