Predictions below
1. Down
2. Westmeath
3. Clare
4. Fermanagh
5. Sligo
6. Wexford
7. Limerick
8. Laois
1. Westmeath
2. Down
3. Fermanagh
4. Sligo
5. Clare
6. Wexford
7. Limerick
8. Laois
1. Westmeath
2. Clare
3. Down
4. Fermanagh
5. Sligo
6. Laois
7. Wexford
8. Limerick
Opening round fixtures
Saturday January 24th
Down v Clare, Páirc Esler, 6pm
Laois v Limerick, O'Moore Park, 6pm
Sunday January 25th
Fermanagh v Wexford, Brewster Park, 1pm
Westmeath v Sligo, Cusack Park, 2pm
Odds to be promoted
Down 1/10
Westmeath 8/5
Clare 3/1
Limerick 3/1
Sligo 7/2
Fermanagh 4/1
Laois 7/1
Wexford 10/1
To be relegated
Wexford 3/10
Laois 6/4
Fermanagh 17/10
Sligo 15/8
Limerick 4/1
Clare 5/1
Westmeath 5/1
Down 23/1
Hard to see past Westmeath,Down bouncing straight back to Division 2. For Westmeath it will be interesting to see how Mark McHugh does in his first role as manager after previous roles with a number of teams as a coach.
Can Sligo under new homegrown management make impact their Connacht U20 winners of 2022,2023 should be at age to make impact now.
1. Down
2. Fermanagh
3. Clare
4. Sligo
5. Laois
6. Wexford
7. Limerick
8. Westmeath
Quote from: Fogarty on January 15, 2026, 07:47:00 AM1. Down
2. Fermanagh
3. Clare
4. Sligo
5. Laois
6. Wexford
7. Limerick
8. Westmeath
Westmeath 2nd favourites for promotion.
Quote from: Rossfan on January 15, 2026, 11:08:37 AMQuote from: Fogarty on January 15, 2026, 07:47:00 AM1. Down
2. Fermanagh
3. Clare
4. Sligo
5. Laois
6. Wexford
7. Limerick
8. Westmeath
Westmeath 2nd favourites for promotion.
Football is played on the field, not in the bookies.
Quote from: Rossfan on January 15, 2026, 11:08:37 AMQuote from: Fogarty on January 15, 2026, 07:47:00 AM1. Down
2. Fermanagh
3. Clare
4. Sligo
5. Laois
6. Wexford
7. Limerick
8. Westmeath
Westmeath 2nd favourites for promotion.
Fogarty has a well established dislike for Westmeath...
Down should top the division and then I can imagine a tight race between Clare, Sligo, Limerick and Westmeath for second spot. Whoever hits the ground running early might nab it.
Wexford and Fermanagh for the drop for me
Quote from: Fogarty on January 15, 2026, 11:20:02 AMQuote from: Rossfan on January 15, 2026, 11:08:37 AMQuote from: Fogarty on January 15, 2026, 07:47:00 AM1. Down
2. Fermanagh
3. Clare
4. Sligo
5. Laois
6. Wexford
7. Limerick
8. Westmeath
Westmeath 2nd favourites for promotion.
Football is played on the field, not in the bookies.
Not too late to change your mind now after they beat Div 2 Kildare tonight especially the impressive the manner of it.
Look very fit and conditioned under McHugh and have a set of scoring fowards as good as any in Division 3.
1.Westmeath
2.Down
3.Sligo
4.Fermanagh
5.Limerick
6.Clare
7.Laois
8.Wexford
Tough opener for us away from home v Westmeath. Will be very interesting to see how we perform against a good Westmeath team. Win against Roscommon was a good morale booster. Great to see Eamon and Dessie as co managers and I wish them all the best for the coming year.
This weekends predictions;
Down v Clare - Down by 5
Laois v Limerick - Limerick by 2
Fermanagh v Wexford - Fermanagh by 2
Westmeath v Sligo - Westmeath by 2
Down v Clare - Down by 4
Laois v Limerick - Laois by 3
Fermanagh v Wexford - Fermanagh by 4
Westmeath v Sligo - Westmeath by 5
Down v Clare - Down by 3
Laois v Limerick - Laois by 2
Fermanagh v Wexford - Fermanagh by 5
Westmeath v Sligo Westmeath by 5
Down v Clare - Down by 12
Laois v Limerick - Laois by 4
Fermanagh v Wexford - Fermanagh by 2
Westmeath v Sligo - Sligo by 2
Down v Clare - Down by 6
Laois v Limerick - Laois by 3
Fermanagh v Wexford - Draw
Westmeath v Sligo - Westmeath by 4
[font="Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", "Nimbus Sans L", Arial, "Liberation Sans", sans-serif]Down v Clare - Down by 4[/font]
[font="Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", "Nimbus Sans L", Arial, "Liberation Sans", sans-serif]Laois v Limerick - Laois by 2[/font]
[font="Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", "Nimbus Sans L", Arial, "Liberation Sans", sans-serif]Fermanagh v Wexford - Fermanagh by 1[/font]
[font="Segoe UI", "Helvetica Neue", "Nimbus Sans L", Arial, "Liberation Sans", sans-serif]Westmeath v Sligo - Westmeath by 3[/font]
Down 0-10 Clare 2-9 at half time.
Result Down : 2-19 Clare 2-14
Gutted for Sligo. Lead by a point in the last minute of additional time, turnover point for Westmeath, kick out, point for Westmeath and game over.
Lots of positives to take from this game, we controlled most of the game just some bad wides and turnovers but overall I think the management will be proud of the effort and disappointed with the result. Fair play to Pat Spillane who kicked 2 massive 2 pointers when he came on.
That was poor today .
Wexford well worth the win .
We defended well but just far to must recycling when in possession.
Our performance was summed up when we got a 2 point free , 3 men went to take the free and then a man just on the pitch ended up hitting it, he slipped when kicking and it went short.
Massive game next week against Sligo.
A must win for both teams
Down winner in the 4th minute of added time ( no hooter in Division 3 matches yet)
Limerick 1-14 Down 0-18
Wexford flying it.
Seem to be building a nice team there this last couple of years on the quiet.
Quote from: SouthOfThe Bann on January 31, 2026, 08:05:11 PMWexford flying it.
Seem to be building a nice team there this last couple of years on the quiet.
And Laois? Just 0-9 scored in Div 3 game under offensive heavy rules. Maybe Bogman or Jcpen might explain that lack of scoring?
Quote from: Captain Obvious on January 31, 2026, 08:26:07 PMQuote from: SouthOfThe Bann on January 31, 2026, 08:05:11 PMWexford flying it.
Seem to be building a nice team there this last couple of years on the quiet.
And Laois? Just 0-9 scored in Div 3 game under offensive heavy rules. Maybe Bogman or Jcpen might explain that lack of scoring?
If the goalie Killian Roche is not scoring they are in trouble.
Fine win for Sligo
Fermanagh were completely on top for the first 25 minutes but were so wasteful.
Several butchered opportunities and then Sligo got 10 minutes at the end of the half , Murphy scored 1-2 and they went in ahead.
Again in the second half , we came back to within two points , and then Sligo just pulled away.
Have to say , their was no sign of an attacking game plan or any sort of defensive shape. I thought Bonner was a good appointment and Fermanagh had done well. But, from the evidence so far , there is a lot of work to be done.
We have to move the ball quick. Too many sideways hand passes. We have a decent full forward line but we just won't kick the ball into them.
We now have a relegation game against Clare in two weeks in Brewster .
Loser of that game will be relegated.
Officially the least commented upon league division on here.
I read the Down men are enjoying some sun on their bones at the moment in Portugal. Hopefully they will be able to put it up to Westmeath on Saturday in a match that will start to shape the top of the tree.
Down made hard work of getting past Clare and Limerick. They will need to seriously improve to get past Westmeath.
Any commentary from local stations around this. Westmeath local radio that us. As Down local radio do sfa.
Quote from: snoopdog on February 14, 2026, 09:00:00 AMAny commentary from local stations around this. Westmeath local radio that us. As Down local radio do sfa.
Funny that each county or 2 neighbouring counties have their own station and cover their on inter-county games.
Eg Radio Kerry, LMFM (Louth/Meath), Shannonside (Cavan/Monaghan/Leitrim), Highland Radio (Donegal) and KCLR (Kilkenny/Carlow) etc. but is there any in the 6 counties?
Shannonside is Ros,Longford and Laythrum.
Northern Sound is Cavan and Monaghan.
They link up for some programmes.
Results
Down 2-15 Westmeath 1-15
Laois 0-18 Sligo 1-8
Is ocean fm Donegal too?
Think it might cover north Sligo north leitrim and north fermanagh too.
Down were 12 points uo and crusing . Then they emptied the bench and nearly lost it.
Westmeath were suprisingly poor until Down collapsed. Westmeath in the end shouldve got something.
Quote from: SouthOfThe Bann on February 14, 2026, 08:16:45 PMIs ocean fm Donegal too?
Think it might cover north Sligo north leitrim and north fermanagh too.
Might be Sligo based but covers that general area and bordering counties.
No radio like that in north.
The only thing is when it comes to GAA matches, they are brutally biased. It's so bad it's funny.
Quote from: marty34 on February 14, 2026, 10:42:41 PMQuote from: SouthOfThe Bann on February 14, 2026, 08:16:45 PMIs ocean fm Donegal too?
Think it might cover north Sligo north leitrim and north fermanagh too.
Might be Sligo based but covers that general area and bordering counties.
No radio like that in north.
The only thing is when it comes to GAA matches, they are brutally biased. It's so bad it's funny.
Sorry your right it covers whole of Sligo and south Donegal.
There is a lot of media in Donegal though.
They have 2 GAA podcasts at least one with Highland one with Ocean FM... And several newspapers.
Was at an aul game yesterday and spent most of half time and a decent chunk of the second half inadvertently listening to a current inter-county manager and a former inter-county manager discuss today's opponents in great detail.
Would have thought the research would have been done much earlier.
Wry disappointing performance for us yesterday. 3 down with over 20 mins left and a big breeze advantage and we fell asleep. All credit to Laois for the win but I would think there will be some very disappointed players and managers after that performance.
Can't see us staying up now after that .
Westmeath and Down both away and unless we pick up 2 points in one of those 2 games we will be relegated .
We had loads of ball today but just didn't score enough
Maybe created one goal chance and Clare created two and took them .
We just don't kick the ball into our full forwards line.
Loads of hand passing into one corner, then work it back out and go into the other corner and hopefully we get a cut somewhere.
Even when we force a turnover we just don't kick it in.
Safety first
Game has moved on and we have to change.
(https://i.ibb.co/9kSMC6CH/HBxe-Pb-EWo-AAyzoj.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Ndb4H5H2)
Down were totally dominant in Wexford. Only for the 2 point frees for wexford in the 1st half Down wouldve lead by more. Still conceding far too much though.
Win next sat night and back up to div 2.
Odhran Murdock makes it look so easy.
That was absolutely brutal.
7 points up at half time after Westmeath gifted us two goals and we end up getting beaten by 12.
I think we scored maybe 2 or 3 points second half.
It was just awful stuff and we have Down away next.
That will be a cricket score .
The wheels are well and truely off the Bonner wagon.
Quote from: snoopdog on February 22, 2026, 06:57:57 PMDown were totally dominant in Wexford. Only for the 2 point frees for wexford in the 1st half Down wouldve lead by more. Still conceding far too much though.
Win next sat night and back up to div 2.
Odhran Murdock makes it look so easy.
Daniel Guinness particularly in the first half was excellent, he has a great knack of inviting the contact from the defender, sidestepping him and breaking through the tackle. He had 3 or 4 points in the first half, into a very strong breeze.
Doherty has returned to form as well, Murdock controlled the game he is a outstanding talent. Good to see Liam Kerr get 10 minutes as well.
Quote from: ardtole on February 22, 2026, 08:17:58 PMQuote from: snoopdog on February 22, 2026, 06:57:57 PMDown were totally dominant in Wexford. Only for the 2 point frees for wexford in the 1st half Down wouldve lead by more. Still conceding far too much though.
Win next sat night and back up to div 2.
Odhran Murdock makes it look so easy.
Daniel Guinness particularly in the first half was excellent, he has a great knack of inviting the contact from the defender, sidestepping him and breaking through the tackle. He had 3 or 4 points in the first half, into a very strong breeze.
Doherty has returned to form as well, Murdock controlled the game he is a outstanding talent. Good to see Liam Kerr get 10 minutes as well.
Murdock and Guinness are exceptional, could play for anyone in the country
Results
Laois 3-16 Westmeath 1-13
Down 1-18 Fermanagh 1-15
Limerick 1-12 Clare 1-21
Good to get the win and promoted but Down should have won more convincingly. Murdock outstanding but went out of it towards the end. If we could find him a similar partner in midfield this team would definitely progress to another level. Is ross carr still part of panel?
Relegation .
It's been an absolute disaster.
Bit of a better performance but , in all reality , the game was over at half time
When the management was appointed I actually thought it was a good appointment.
But they look completely out of their depth.
We are at a low ebb.
Fermanagh twitter updates very entertaining this evening (maybe they always are?)
Better viewing than the Dublin v Armagh game
Westmeath will need to improve for league final against Down.
Quote from: moonster on March 15, 2026, 01:10:43 PMWestmeath will need to improve for league final against Down.
Down have lost 13 of the last 14 finals theyve been in.
Quote from: snoopdog on March 15, 2026, 07:16:20 PMQuote from: moonster on March 15, 2026, 01:10:43 PMWestmeath will need to improve for league final against Down.
Down have lost 13 of the last 14 finals theyve been in.
That said, on their upward curve if they are all available for the final you'd have to think they'd be more than fit to win it this year.
Quote from: moonster on March 15, 2026, 01:10:43 PMWestmeath will need to improve for league final against Down.
They have the small matter of going to Wexford and getting a result first, before they can think of any potential final.
That one is 50/50 in my view given some of the Jekyll and Hyde performances from Westmeath this year.
Quote from: FermGael on February 28, 2026, 09:34:43 PMRelegation .
It's been an absolute disaster.
Bit of a better performance but , in all reality , the game was over at half time
When the management was appointed I actually thought it was a good appointment.
But they look completely out of their depth.
We are at a low ebb.
I think you are right. Despite the win the last day I see Limerick beating them tomorrow which will relegate Fermanagh and Sligo as I don't see Sligo beating Clare. Relegation to Div.4 is a disaster for both counties.
You have a very young coaching team there and with Paul Brennan suspended you have very little on the sideline. Totally out of their depth.
Room for one more :D
What a heart stopper in Sligo. Clare hit the crossbar 3 times in the last few minutes and 14 man Sligo snatched it at the death thanks to Jack Lavin. Looked ominous for Sligo with Darragh Cummins sent off and it looked like it would be a replay of the Laois and Wexford games where we had wind advantage in second half but could do nothing. We survived well done to Sligo management on making good timely substitutions. Congrats to Wexford on a last kick goal winner. Hard luck to Limerick. Great games all around
Tough way to lose for Westmeath. Wexford with the goal before the hooter.
https://x.com/i/status/2035795823192158334
Great scenes down in Wexford. Nice to see counties like Cork Meath and Wexford on the up in the football.
Quote from: SouthOfThe Bann on March 22, 2026, 08:20:19 PMhttps://x.com/i/status/2035795823192158334
Great scenes down in Wexford. Nice to see counties like Cork Meath and Wexford on the up in the football.
Mad ending, back to back promotions for Wexford?
Quote from: Captain Obvious on March 22, 2026, 09:23:41 PMQuote from: SouthOfThe Bann on March 22, 2026, 08:20:19 PMhttps://x.com/i/status/2035795823192158334
Great scenes down in Wexford. Nice to see counties like Cork Meath and Wexford on the up in the football.
Mad ending, back to back promotions for Wexford?
Back to Back is right.
12 wins in 15.
Only lost to Down and Limerick x 2 in that run.
Absolutely incredible scenes in Wexford Park, with Wexford scoring a goal with the last kick of the game to seal promotion. Haven't heard a roar like it in years. My gawd
Quote from: SouthOfThe Bann on March 22, 2026, 08:20:19 PMhttps://x.com/i/status/2035795823192158334
Great scenes down in Wexford. Nice to see counties like Cork Meath and Wexford on the up in the football.
An unreal finish. Westmeath absolutely shit the bed though. They could have run down the clock.
Quote from: Shamrock Shore on March 22, 2026, 03:23:55 PMRoom for one more :D
The midlands Classico back on next year 😂
Hello again Laoislad.
Longford v Laois is always a feast of football. May be bad football, but a feast of it, nonetheless.
We also will have a crack at Westmeath. Thought we were looking at Cavan as wel but they managed to stay in Div 2.
I thought it would take us longer to get out of the basement. Imagine losing to London AND Leitrim and getting promoted. God was on our side.
Real Leinster feel to Division 3 next year
Offaly, Westmeath, Longford, Kildare, Laois, Carlow. And then Clare,Sligo
Kildare were such a disappointment in Division 2. Went back down with a whimper. Plenty of midland derby games to enjoy next year. It is pretty much a Leinster B Championship. Offaly had a lot of injuries but friends of mine from over the border all in agreement that a managerial shake up needed for next year. All of the optimism of a few years ago has evaporated. Tailteann Cup hard to predict this year as Down should win the Division 3 league final and step up to All-Ireland. I think Laois might have the best manager in the competition and I fancy them to be firmly in the mix come latter stages of the competition. Wexford had a fine league campaign and will hope to carry that form into the summer. Westmeath blew hot and cold in the league. When on form are probably the strongest side in the competition. However, will have to improve consistency or could find themselves caught out in a knock out game once more this year.
Half-time Down 0-13 Wexford 0-10
Decent game. Down look like they'll have too much as it goes on but Wexford might still make something of it.
Some poor passing by the Down lads
Down lucky there
Never seen the ball bounce as strangely as that on a great surface
Wexford no 12 should have seen red there.
What a miss
Good game for the neutral.
0-17 each like the Division 4 final extra time required to find a winner
Do Down realise they need to win this to get into the All Ireland series?
A double on both finals to be draws would've been nice odds.
Wexford have this now, Down look out on their feet and only scored 4 points in second half.
Hard fought game. Wexford wasted a good few chances but Down should have landed that last score. Down only scoring 4 in the second half is poor from where they were. Hard to know who has the momentum now.
Glad Down didn't win after that puke winding down the clock stuff
Down lucky to get a draw - Wexford better team for most of second half. Early in the game I thought Down looked good but for most of second half they looked very average.
Wexford may have lost their chance - they looked to be tiring in last 5 or 6 minutes.
BTW anyone else having trouble with TG4 sound?
Wexford should have scored more when in control first so much of the 2nd half.
Whoever gets a score in extra time might do enough to win
Ref seems to have lost his whistle....
Quote from: SouthOfThe Bann on March 28, 2026, 09:17:58 PMDo Down realise they need to win this to get into the All Ireland series?
To improve their chances only they could win and still not make it. Wexford could still put them out by making it to a Leinster final
Quote from: David McKeown on March 28, 2026, 09:37:35 PMQuote from: SouthOfThe Bann on March 28, 2026, 09:17:58 PMDo Down realise they need to win this to get into the All Ireland series?
To improve their chances only they could win and still not make it. Wexford could still put them out by making it to a Leinster final
I know that... but if they lose they have no chance.
Would take a serious bolter in one of the Provincials to knock the division 3 champions back into the tailteann.
Quote from: SouthOfThe Bann on March 28, 2026, 09:39:39 PMQuote from: David McKeown on March 28, 2026, 09:37:35 PMQuote from: SouthOfThe Bann on March 28, 2026, 09:17:58 PMDo Down realise they need to win this to get into the All Ireland series?
To improve their chances only they could win and still not make it. Wexford could still put them out by making it to a Leinster final
I know that... but if they lose they have no chance.
Would take a serious bolter in one of the Provincials to knock the division 3 champions back into the tailteann.
Yeah the seeding of Munster really helps the Division 3 winners
Of course Down could make the Ulster final to do the opposite
Half-time in extra time Down 0-20 Wexford 0-17.
Plenty of goalmouth action anyway.
Wexford giving it everything but lack a bit of slickness and composure in attack.
Quote from: Tatler Jack on March 28, 2026, 09:52:43 PMWexford giving it everything but lack a bit of slickness and composure in attack.
Down will win it by virtue of being that bit more economical in attack. Wexford a bit naive and inexperienced. Great game.
Result Down 0-21 Wexford 0-18
Hard fought win by Down. Wexford gave it everything but just lacked a wee bit of quality.
After 57 minutes Wexford 0-17
Down 0-14. Just one point for Wexford in the remaining 33 minutes of action you won't win many finals doing that.
You could say that a bounce of the ball literally won it for Down
That was an absolute freak moment.
We should won that game well but lacked composure. Couldn't buy a free from referee in last 10 minutes and in ET.
Down barely celebrated winning tonight. A county with notions. Tailteann Cup is their level.
On a final note ridicilous game on so late with ET. Facing into hour trip back to Wexford.
Wexford blew it in the second half of normal time. Down there for the taking. Ryan Mc Avoy made a huge difference late in the second half and dragged Down back into it.
Liam Kerr also made a big difference and some of his direct runs gave the Wexford defence something else to worry about apart from Odhran.
Down will not be happy with that performance, but they have a lot of room for improvement.
Quote from: AustinPowers on March 28, 2026, 10:05:49 PMYou could say that a bounce of the ball literally won it for Down
That was an absolute freak moment.
If you look at it again I think he was in two minds whether to toe tap or to bounce and he lost control
Quote from: SouthOfThe Bann on March 28, 2026, 09:17:58 PMDo Down realise they need to win this to get into the All Ireland series?
Planning a big ambush in Ulster maybe!
Quote from: grounded on March 28, 2026, 10:09:36 PMQuote from: AustinPowers on March 28, 2026, 10:05:49 PMYou could say that a bounce of the ball literally won it for Down
That was an absolute freak moment.
If you look at it again I think he was in two minds whether to toe tap or to bounce and he lost control
Maybe , but a ball should never bounce like that.
Maybe Uri Gellar was above the stadium in a helicopter (one for the oldies there)
Quote from: moonster on March 28, 2026, 10:06:03 PMWe should won that game well but lacked composure. Couldn't buy a free from referee in last 10 minutes and in ET.
Down arrogance, barely celebrated winning tonight. A county with notions. Tailteann Cup is their level.
On a final note ridicilous game on so late with ET. Facing into hour trip back to Wexford.
That's a bit harsh, Down players seemed overjoyed at the end and well they should as Wexford threw it away in 2nd half.
I would hope every county should have ' 'notions' of improving themselves and competing at a higher level.
Wexford are a decent outfit and 2 promotions in consecutive years is super going. Division 2 will be a tough league next year and hopefully both Wexford Down fair better than Offaly and Kildare.
Anyway safe journey home and good luck in the championship
Quote from: grounded on March 28, 2026, 10:09:36 PMQuote from: AustinPowers on March 28, 2026, 10:05:49 PMYou could say that a bounce of the ball literally won it for Down
That was an absolute freak moment.
If you look at it again I think he was in two minds whether to toe tap or to bounce and he lost control
As he manoeuvres the ball in his hand to bring the ball underhand for a bounce, he loses full control. The ball travels further forward than intended so when he then makes contact with the ball overhand, he isn't wrapping his whole hand like normal to bounce in tandem with his movement. He's now only making contact with the back portion of the ball and thus pushing it forward away from himself. Small margins (and over analysis maybe!)
Strange game indeed. By the 62nd minute Down had scored only one point in the second half. Yet from that point on Wexford went 20 minutes without scoring. Perhaps there is a future for defences in the new game.
The Down issue was pretty basic: they couldn't get possession. At one point the possession stat was posted and Down had only 30% - which surprised me that it was so high.
I'd like to give Down a consideration as a contender in Ulster(which they must win) except this possession problem is a serious flaw. They were winning at home to Meath in the league last year then went about 10 minutes with no possession and lost the game. Then there was the Fermanagh Quarter Final which had the same thing, though Down were good enough to come back late and save themselves.
You'd think an obvious weakness, like this could be addressed and fixed. Easier said than done, I guess.
Therefore it's hard to have hopes for an Ulster title when, no matter how well Down play, they'll likely sink themselves at some point simply because they can't get the ball. The Armaghs and Donegals will really punish such a lapse.
Fair enough assessment on the lack possession which needs to improve to have any chance of progression.
On a positive..
Down were second best in the second half to Wexford and staring at a bad defeat which would have been devastating for this group but Down done very well to gain control of that game in the Last 10 mins and in extra time. They dug in and grind out the result. They do have a bit of character this group....which they will need in Ulster championship and div 2 next year.
Wexford are a good team and going in right direction...
There was a lot of pressure on that Down team last night. They were expected to win Div 3. The penalty miss and Murdocks shot on goal just before jad either of.those gone in they may have won comfortably. Downs wide tally gave Wexford a bit of confidence in a game where there was no pressure at all for them.
Doens goal at start of year was to win div 3 and play Sam Maguire football. Thats achieved. To say Doen were arrogant is way of the mark.
Had Down lost last night, playing tailteann cup wouldve been disasteeous for thrm. There is no appetite for it amoungst platers or the supporters. We arent midding ourselves we know Sam Maguure footballcwill be tough but thats where we want to be. Can only improve by playing the big boys.
Best of luck to Wexford for the summer and look forward to renewing aquaintance in Newry in Div 2 in 2027.
I was in a bar in a Gaa stronghold in Down on Saturday evening to watch this match. There was a good crowd in and a grand total of 2 people were watching the match on tv. I went into a different bar to watch the second half. This bar is owned by a GAA club and is always frequented by current and former players. There was a good crowd in this one too and I observed 4 people watching the match on tv and only sporadically. Last Thursday this same bar was packed with people in to watch the Ireland match.
This is how entertaining people find this shite that we call gaelic football.
Stronghold???
Yes stronghold
If you insist
Quote from: JPO on March 29, 2026, 08:41:38 PMI was in a bar in a Gaa stronghold in Down on Saturday evening to watch this match. There was a good crowd in and a grand total of 2 people were watching the match on tv. I went into a different bar to watch the second half. This bar is owned by a GAA club and is always frequented by current and former players. There was a good crowd in this one too and I observed 4 people watching the match on tv and only sporadically. Last Thursday this same bar was packed with people in to watch the Ireland match.
This is how entertaining people find this shite that we call gaelic football.
Down love a handpass. Laverty is use to the style with kilcoo but there should be more variey and get a few kickers in the team.
Would you agree that Croke Park is a Gaa stronghold when the fans are there? Just watching the Sunday game and they said the crowd were booing during the Down match so yes it was that bad
Hows about 14 kickers? Then they could call themselves footballers?
Quote from: Rossfan on March 29, 2026, 09:51:42 PMStronghold???
Was it Newry by any chance. ;D
Irish people are mostly bandwagon jumpers and not sports fans. Attendance throughout the league and early championship would tell yiu that.
I had premium tickets sat night wished i hadnt, most of those im premuum were there to drink. Place was a mess. Pints in the seating secrion. Thought that wasnt allowed in croke pk.
Down have a small secrion of loyal fans like most counties the rest are fairweather. Moan about the game but funnily never watch it. But get an ulster final or all ireland semi and they are there for the drink. Prob all big rugby fans also
Yes sat nights game was boring , ive been to all Downs games this year apart from the dead rubber and thats the worst they played.
Quote from: JPO on March 29, 2026, 10:45:24 PMWould you agree that Croke Park is a Gaa stronghold when the fans are there? Just watching the Sunday game and they said the crowd were booing during the Down match so yes it was that bad
Wexford fans were booing because Down wouldn't give them the ball. For better teams they call it game management. Worked the chance to win but wrong man and he missed.
Quote from: JPO on March 29, 2026, 08:41:38 PMI was in a bar in a Gaa stronghold in Down on Saturday evening to watch this match. There was a good crowd in and a grand total of 2 people were watching the match on tv. I went into a different bar to watch the second half. This bar is owned by a GAA club and is always frequented by current and former players. There was a good crowd in this one too and I observed 4 people watching the match on tv and only sporadically. Last Thursday this same bar was packed with people in to watch the Ireland match.
This is how entertaining people find this shite that we call gaelic football.
Yet, and as you know well, had you made this post a few days after any other ROI soccer match in recent memory, nobody at all was watching ROI.
Quote from: David Gedge on March 30, 2026, 09:50:44 AMQuote from: JPO on March 29, 2026, 10:45:24 PMWould you agree that Croke Park is a Gaa stronghold when the fans are there? Just watching the Sunday game and they said the crowd were booing during the Down match so yes it was that bad
Wexford fans were booing because Down wouldn't give them the ball. For better teams they call it game management. Worked the chance to win but wrong man and he missed.
Exactly, Conor O'Donnell's goal for Donegal was exactly the same scenario except that the right man was on the end of it - people feel they entitled to be on the edge of their seat for every match all of the time otherwise we should change the rules again.
The div 3 final had more riding on it than any other game all weekend (notwithstanding the fact that a shock provincial result could turn that on it's head), accordingly Down at least seemed as must concerned with losing as they were for going and winning the match.
Laverty mentioned after the match also how Down were mindful of Brooks' long ranging free taking ability and as such were very careful not to commit fouls in that area just outside the 2 point arc, unfortunately I think they overcompensated for it and had very little contact or even pressure on the man in those areas.
Down seem to be copping flack for striving for Sam Maguire football, supposedly we have notions, surely all counties want to improve and compete at the highest level possible, are we any further along the line? I'm not sure, but we have given ourselves the best opportunity to play SM football this year and we are back in Div 2 for 2027 - fck the begrudgers.
Quote from: lfdown2 on March 30, 2026, 10:35:02 AMQuote from: David Gedge on March 30, 2026, 09:50:44 AMQuote from: JPO on March 29, 2026, 10:45:24 PMWould you agree that Croke Park is a Gaa stronghold when the fans are there? Just watching the Sunday game and they said the crowd were booing during the Down match so yes it was that bad
Wexford fans were booing because Down wouldn't give them the ball. For better teams they call it game management. Worked the chance to win but wrong man and he missed.
Exactly, Conor O'Donnell's goal for Donegal was exactly the same scenario except that the right man was on the end of it - people feel they entitled to be on the edge of their seat for every match all of the time otherwise we should change the rules again.
The div 3 final had more riding on it than any other game all weekend (notwithstanding the fact that a shock provincial result could turn that on it's head), accordingly Down at least seemed as must concerned with losing as they were for going and winning the match.
Laverty mentioned after the match also how Down were mindful of Brooks' long ranging free taking ability and as such were very careful not to commit fouls in that area just outside the 2 point arc, unfortunately I think they overcompensated for it and had very little contact or even pressure on the man in those areas.
Down seem to be copping flack for striving for Sam Maguire football, supposedly we have notions, surely all counties want to improve and compete at the highest level possible, are we any further along the line? I'm not sure, but we have given ourselves the best opportunity to play SM football this year and we are back in Div 2 for 2027 - fck the begrudgers.
A hero reply from a hero member!
Quote from: lfdown2 on March 30, 2026, 10:35:02 AMQuote from: David Gedge on March 30, 2026, 09:50:44 AMQuote from: JPO on March 29, 2026, 10:45:24 PMWould you agree that Croke Park is a Gaa stronghold when the fans are there? Just watching the Sunday game and they said the crowd were booing during the Down match so yes it was that bad
Wexford fans were booing because Down wouldn't give them the ball. For better teams they call it game management. Worked the chance to win but wrong man and he missed.
Exactly, Conor O'Donnell's goal for Donegal was exactly the same scenario except that the right man was on the end of it - people feel they entitled to be on the edge of their seat for every match all of the time otherwise we should change the rules again.
The div 3 final had more riding on it than any other game all weekend (notwithstanding the fact that a shock provincial result could turn that on it's head), accordingly Down at least seemed as must concerned with losing as they were for going and winning the match.
Laverty mentioned after the match also how Down were mindful of Brooks' long ranging free taking ability and as such were very careful not to commit fouls in that area just outside the 2 point arc, unfortunately I think they overcompensated for it and had very little contact or even pressure on the man in those areas.
Down seem to be copping flack for striving for Sam Maguire football, supposedly we have notions, surely all counties want to improve and compete at the highest level possible, are we any further along the line? I'm not sure, but we have given ourselves the best opportunity to play SM football this year and we are back in Div 2 for 2027 - fck the begrudgers.
After 4 years of Laverty Down are back in Div.2, this is after he promised Div.1 football inside 3 years. In that 4 years he has not beaten anyone of note and certainly hasnt taken a scalp. Against Wexford I thought they struggled and looked like a team who have stalled? The flip side of all of that is they are like a team that are always on the verge of delivering something. There are those who will say Down are about to do something and could make a break through. It really could be either, very hard to know.
Quote from: ck on March 30, 2026, 11:09:44 AMQuote from: lfdown2 on March 30, 2026, 10:35:02 AMQuote from: David Gedge on March 30, 2026, 09:50:44 AMQuote from: JPO on March 29, 2026, 10:45:24 PMWould you agree that Croke Park is a Gaa stronghold when the fans are there? Just watching the Sunday game and they said the crowd were booing during the Down match so yes it was that bad
Wexford fans were booing because Down wouldn't give them the ball. For better teams they call it game management. Worked the chance to win but wrong man and he missed.
Exactly, Conor O'Donnell's goal for Donegal was exactly the same scenario except that the right man was on the end of it - people feel they entitled to be on the edge of their seat for every match all of the time otherwise we should change the rules again.
The div 3 final had more riding on it than any other game all weekend (notwithstanding the fact that a shock provincial result could turn that on it's head), accordingly Down at least seemed as must concerned with losing as they were for going and winning the match.
Laverty mentioned after the match also how Down were mindful of Brooks' long ranging free taking ability and as such were very careful not to commit fouls in that area just outside the 2 point arc, unfortunately I think they overcompensated for it and had very little contact or even pressure on the man in those areas.
Down seem to be copping flack for striving for Sam Maguire football, supposedly we have notions, surely all counties want to improve and compete at the highest level possible, are we any further along the line? I'm not sure, but we have given ourselves the best opportunity to play SM football this year and we are back in Div 2 for 2027 - fck the begrudgers.
After 4 years of Laverty Down are back in Div.2, this is after he promised Div.1 football inside 3 years. In that 4 years he has not beaten anyone of note and certainly hasnt taken a scalp. Against Wexford I thought they struggled and looked like a team who have stalled? The flip side of all of that is they are like a team that are always on the verge of delivering something. There are those who will say Down are about to do something and could make a break through. It really could be either, very hard to know.
When dod he promise Div 1 football in that time frame? Who would you have instead? Down dont have the footballers. Lav ia getting the max out of this group.
Your like the clowns in Armagh who were calling for McGeeneys head the winter b4 he delivered an all ireland.
Id say you were at all the league games this year. ?
On the others complaining about style of football. I see you waited umtil rte provided their analysis first. Winning is the end goal not entertaining armchair supporters.
Surely Laverty is doing as well as he can with the talent available.
Quote from: Rossfan on March 30, 2026, 02:20:37 PMSurely Laverty is doing as well as he can with the talent available.
Of course he has.
Topped the Division 3 table and won the final in Croke Park.
Last year relegated on 6 points the one point head to head loss v Louth proved costly.
In the championship were competitive against Donegal in Ulster, reached the last 12 of the championship and competitive against Galway.
99% of people that follow Down football kmow that Laverty is doimg a good job with what he has. For years Down have had massive turnover of players and now they have a settled squad with some new additions each year. We know we are a but off the top teams but thats a lot better than where we were.
The FRC brought in the new rules as attendances were dropping all over the country. Teams like Down don't have the players capable of playing Gaelic football so the management devise tactics to help them win matches..tactics that make the game almost unwatchable. Watching players kicking 2 pointers with not a defender near them is becoming boring now. The novelty will wear off and attendances will begin to drop again.