Down Club Hurling & Football

[befair]

The Kilcoo county final episode really tarnished Lavery's reputation; much of the enthusiasm and support from last year has gone. Not all his fault, we don't have the players to compete.

[ardtole]

The Kilcoo county final episode really tarnished Lavery's reputation; much of the enthusiasm and support from last year has gone. Not all his fault, we don't have the players to compete.

It was a shameful episode alright. Strange too that there were never any details released by Croke Park after their investigation into it. Something just isn't clicking at the minute, if we are beat in the semi final, will there be as much enthusiasm for the TC this year as there was last year?

[PAULD123]

As Urbangael said above - basic mistakes. It was the same against Westmeath. For me the positives were that Down's defense is reasonably competent and we get plenty of possession. 

The problem is the final third. So many players not been decisive enough. And all our games there are so many opportunities to take simple points instead it's overplayed, or pass to someone who might be theoretically in a better position. Recycle and tease, over and over. There was one point in the second half when Daniel Guinness ran off the shoulder took a few steps a bounce and then simply knocked it to over the bar. We had so many times during the game when players could have done the same but didn't. So many times when a point could have been taken but it wasn't. Instead it's almost like everyone's looking for a perfect opportunity. And it doesn't help when Liam Kerr keeps over carrying the ball.

By the way I think Liam Kerr is great. His speed is such a weapon, he just lets himself down with primary school level decisions after he has penetrated.

Two other things that really bugs me, not just Down but every team.

Firstly - In the second half O'Hare was trying to take a kick out. 5 out of 6 defenders had their back to him, along with one midfielder and two half forwards. 8 out of 11 possible kick out options were being positively denied to the Keeper by the players. That drives me crazy eight players not looking for the ball, not even looking to distract the opposition.

Secondly - And this connects to the first. So many players standing still or strolling about drives me crazy. Like that kick out above, there were only two players that were actively running, though I think jogging would be a better term. And that wasn't just kick outs, that was all game, there were so many players just not moving much. How easy does that make it for the opposition to markup, and predict where the ball will Go? If you're not moving you're not asking questions.

[Truth hurts]

Any early updates on the senior leagues? Saul has had a great start.

[Truth hurts]

Burren took a bit of a pasting last night; do they not have a load of players?

[DuffGael]

Burren took a bit of a pasting last night; do they not have a load of players?

Burren seemed to be missing 8-10 starters. They were poor in fairness but I assume a lot of their players are young and will get better with exposure to Div 1 football.

[Granto]

Burren took a bit of a pasting last night; do they not have a load of players?

Burren seemed to be missing 8-10 starters. They were poor in fairness but I assume a lot of their players are young and will get better with exposure to Div 1 football.

That's a fair assessment

[Johnnysboys]

A chastening experience tonight when Kilcoo play like that. Surely Jerome is worth his place on the county squad - at least he shoots!! 2 victories fade into the memory after a defeat of that magnitude..

[thewobbler]

Harps pretty much stole it tonight in Clonduff.

The yellows had us at an arm's length throughout but never pushed for the kill. They tired in the last quarter - as you'd expect for their first game of the season - and then a mad bastard combination of stuff contributed to a late wining goal.

[ApresMatch]

Drumaness wasting their time in Div 3!

[manwithnoplan]

Drumaness wasting their time in Div 3!

Should they relegate the three teams below them too then?

[ApresMatch]

After 3 games? No
Fin & D'ness down
Glenn & Clann up

[snoopdog]

Big win fornthe hurlers in thr McDonagh Cup. 3.24 to meath 0.25

[Godsown]

Another defeat for the Minors. How does that leave them from here?

[snoopdog]

Another defeat for the Minors. How does that leave them from here?

When did Down last win a game at Minor level?? It's a long time ago.