Down Club Hurling & Football

[Sheedy]

Down mixed some decent attacking play with some really poor defensive play. Offaly scoring 2-14 is a real concern and they should've had a couple more goals, when they ran at us they caused us problems. We're still lacking a top quality forward to kick points from play. A win is a win but Laverty will be far from happy.

[Splash]

Hurlers in action tomorrow in Ballycran against Kildare.

Down had an amazing second half performance in their last game against Kerry, and if they can consistently perform like that, you'd be hopeful about this year.

Nonetheless, Kildare seem to have been Down's bogey team for a while now, so I wouldn't be getting too complacent. Very strong looking Kildare team named, who will be stung after we relegated them to the Christy Ring Cup last year. They also beat Down in the Kehoe Cup a few weeks ago, and will be looking to get their first win of the league.

Down have enough in them to win this game, though. Let's hope everything clicks tomorrow and we continue the good form.

Think I'm right in saying that after Carlow beat Laois today, Down can go to second place in the league based off of points difference (think it's points difference as opposed to head to head) if the result is kind to us tomorrow? That would leave Down in a very good place going into the final two rounds.

But one step at a time. Let's not be getting too ahead of ourselves, and focus on the task at hand. Kildare are a tough test. But hopefully Down are well fit for them.

[snoopdog]

Down mixed some decent attacking play with some really poor defensive play. Offaly scoring 2-14 is a real concern and they should've had a couple more goals, when they ran at us they caused us problems. We're still lacking a top quality forward to kick points from play. A win is a win but Laverty will be far from happy.

Last night was concerning. Offaly are better than their league position suggests, Down won nothing in the middle in 2nd half. It all seemed to swing on a few substitutions in quick succession, when McEvoy and mooney came off. . Play like that and promotion mightnt happen again.

[Johnnysboys]

Last night was concerning absolutely. There was a 15 minute spell we cud not live with them. But they missed the vital scores and 3/4 goal chances which kept us looking comfortable. Ryan Johnston was excellent when introduced and hopefully can stay fit. Liam Kerr had a great game but yet again it was Pat Havern that was our best player. We literally could not do without him at present. Sligo next week should be accounted for easily and then 2 weeks to prepare for Westmeath which is the only real test we have in the league.

[Truth hurts]

Our defence is a major worry at the minute

[snoopdog]

Our defence is a major worry at the minute

Is it more the fact that when you play that fast breaking game if you get turned over you can be in real trouble as your short in numbers at the back and thr keeper is sprinting back to his goal. He will get chipped some day.

[Mourne Red]

Any update on the Darragh Cross situation? No fixtures released until it's sorted apparently..

Been told fixtures likely out this week - so must be sorted or they've an idea of what's happening

[johnnycool]

Hurlers in action tomorrow in Ballycran against Kildare.

Down had an amazing second half performance in their last game against Kerry, and if they can consistently perform like that, you'd be hopeful about this year.

Nonetheless, Kildare seem to have been Down's bogey team for a while now, so I wouldn't be getting too complacent. Very strong looking Kildare team named, who will be stung after we relegated them to the Christy Ring Cup last year. They also beat Down in the Kehoe Cup a few weeks ago, and will be looking to get their first win of the league.

Down have enough in them to win this game, though. Let's hope everything clicks tomorrow and we continue the good form.

Think I'm right in saying that after Carlow beat Laois today, Down can go to second place in the league based off of points difference (think it's points difference as opposed to head to head) if the result is kind to us tomorrow? That would leave Down in a very good place going into the final two rounds.

But one step at a time. Let's not be getting too ahead of ourselves, and focus on the task at hand. Kildare are a tough test. But hopefully Down are well fit for them.

Viper up to his old tricks again. His record on saving penalties is unreal, two again yesterday to gain Down a well earned point.

Ironically enough club wise Marc Fisher has a very good record on scoring past Viper and penalties in general, he's got a good mix of power and accuracy.

3 points in the bag with Meath yet to come to McKenna, a bit of a chance of claiming the third placed spot for a semi-final.

Carlow away isn't beyond the realms but isn't as important a game as the Meath game.

Considering the main aim this year would have been to consolidate Div2A and build, it's looking good on that front.

Sheehan may have his detractors but he's well thought off by the players and seems to be getting buy in from all clubs so credit where it's due.

[Hard2Listen2]

" Sheehan may have his detractors"

As someone with limited knowledge of hurling, what would the complaints of him be?

Personally I've always seen him as very positive.

[johnnycool]

" Sheehan may have his detractors"

As someone with limited knowledge of hurling, what would the complaints of him be?

Personally I've always seen him as very positive.

He can be a bit of a gobshíte along the line especially during the club championship games when sub/managing the Shamrocks.

[5times5times]

" Sheehan may have his detractors"

As someone with limited knowledge of hurling, what would the complaints of him be?

Personally I've always seen him as very positive.

Plus his twitter outbursts are head in hands stuff. Some caic typed
He can be a bit of a gobshíte along the line especially during the club championship games when sub/managing the Shamrocks.

[Twix]

I've seen a coach from tullylish is managing a belfast club in antrim league. Its fascinating to hear of all these down managers in other countys. We must be the biggest exporterin ulster? Exactly how many are outside down? And who? Whats wrong with our leagues that they cant or wont stay?

[Ardstick]

Cant really blame a coach who goes to a different county, if their skills are best at senior level there's only so many jobs about. Although I'm sure you could argue plenty of jobs/help required in their own clubs.

[Johnnysboys]

Plenty to be done in their own clubs surely - but could you be bothered listening to the parents (if taking an underage team) or the patrons who go to senior games?? In their day everything was much better and no matter what you do it's never enough. I can't blame people going out and broadening their horizons in other places/counties. If they are getting "expenses" fair enough - although Jarlath is going to put a stop to that apparently...

[Mourne Red]

Fixtures out - Darraghcross in Divsion 4