Down Club Hurling & Football

Splash · February 01, 2026, 10:33:56 PM

A great performance from Down today.

Heartbroken for them in the end.

Really, really, could have won that.

Not the same Wexford side that will go up against Galway and Kilkenny this summer, I'm sure, but for Down to put up the fight they did, was amazing.

It's well worth remembering, not that long ago, Down couldn't get near Meath in a Christy Ring Final. Today they were level with Wexford at the 69th or 70th minute.

Thought it was noticeable the speed at which Wexford operated at. If Down can maintain their status Div 1, exposure to that type of playing will benefit them no end in the long run.

Can't remember Ballycran being packed like that in a long time. Thought it was a good atmosphere.

I am obviously biased, but I did think Down couldn't get a free at times. Thought there was a momentum shift towards the end of the second half when Down had a clear 65, which was changed to a Wexford free out (for reasons I'm still not sure of). The momentum was well with Down at that stage, and the break give Wexford a chance to regroup a little.

Nonetheless, it was a great performance, and a great day for it. Clare in Ennis next week is a different beast, but there's plenty to be hopeful for about the year ahead after today's performance.

I know many were expecting a bit of a hiding today- not least myself. Pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong. Well done to everyone involved today.

marty34 · February 02, 2026, 08:59:52 AM

Quote from: knowbetter on February 01, 2026, 10:05:42 PM
Quote from: Blue By Nature on February 01, 2026, 08:00:17 PMQuick question. How long can this Down hurling manager continue? Must be serious questions about him if he is the right person. If he spent more time coaching and winning close games instead of being on X ( Twitter ) rambling on about the Middle East and the Scottish Premiership they might win these games !!! Asking for a friend $:-\$

Well Down won the division 2A league last year and got promoted to division 1B. For a smaller hurling county that's a great achievement. Also although we lost yesterday, to come within 2 points of Wexford is an achievement on its own. We still have lots of our starters still missing and the 3 of U20s playing a full game the day before.

Ramblings on twitter aside this is the highest we've been as a county in hurling for 20 plus years, so in terms of management its not too bad.

Sure look at Antrim, big name manager and a team thats doing no better than us yet they have 40 or so hurling clubs to pick from, just a thought.

Ronan's a good Down man who has Down punching well above their weight I think. Probably not taking many 'expenses' either? Compare that to Davy Fitz next door in Antrim. Sheenan has been with Down a good few years now. Had the Rock up for a while to freshen things up bit. Players seem to like him and, as I say, Down are higher position then they've been in a long time.

Not a great start yesterday but came back and were well in it at the end. They'll give Kildare and Antrim run or it. Tough challenge but be great to
see them stay up.

I think Clare and Dublin will go up. Not convinced on Wexford..

imtommygunn · February 02, 2026, 09:03:10 AM

Quote from: Blue By Nature on February 01, 2026, 08:00:17 PMQuick question. How long can this Down hurling manager continue? Must be serious questions about him if he is the right person. If he spent more time coaching and winning close games instead of being on X ( Twitter ) rambling on about the Middle East and the Scottish Premiership they might win these games !!! Asking for a friend $:-\$

The fella is doing a great job whether you like his social media profile or not...

LosDodgers · February 02, 2026, 09:48:20 AM

Quote from: Blue By Nature on February 01, 2026, 08:00:17 PMQuick question. How long can this Down hurling manager continue? Must be serious questions about him if he is the right person. If he spent more time coaching and winning close games instead of being on X ( Twitter ) rambling on about the Middle East and the Scottish Premiership they might win these games !!! Asking for a friend $:-\$

Ridiculous comment, especially after his side came within a couple of mins of beating Wexford. I think most Down fans would have been going into yesterday's game with a bit of fear of a 20+ point defeat.

Sounds like you have issues with his politics or choice of football team rather than his hurling record.

Him and his coaching team seem to be doing a great job

snoopdog · February 03, 2026, 08:10:02 AM

Anyone know if we will see Kerr or any of the Johnsons this year for Down.
Also no sign of Eugene as yet?.

ardtole · February 03, 2026, 09:33:53 AM

I heard Eugene Brannigan and Liam Kerr are recovering from injury. I heard nothing about the Johnsons.

snoopdog · February 03, 2026, 01:08:18 PM

Quote from: ardtole on February 03, 2026, 09:33:53 AMI heard Eugene Brannigan and Liam Kerr are recovering from injury. I heard nothing about the Johnsons.

Thanks ardtole

oakleafgael · February 04, 2026, 01:12:18 PM

Quote from: johnnycool on February 04, 2026, 11:41:33 AMwell done to OLSPK lady footballers on winning the U20 A championship last night.

Is this the first time a Down school has won it?

I believe so Johnny, exceptionally strong team with a lot of the Carryduff girls who won the Ulster Club involved, plenty of Bredagh girls involved too. it has become increasingly difficult for the schools in the 6 counties to compete in this with the age groupings so fair play to them.

oakleafgael · February 04, 2026, 07:54:11 PM

Quote from: johnnycool on February 04, 2026, 04:39:38 PM
Quote from: oakleafgael on February 04, 2026, 01:12:18 PM
Quote from: johnnycool on February 04, 2026, 11:41:33 AMwell done to OLSPK lady footballers on winning the U20 A championship last night.

Is this the first time a Down school has won it?

I believe so Johnny, exceptionally strong team with a lot of the Carryduff girls who won the Ulster Club involved, plenty of Bredagh girls involved too. it has become increasingly difficult for the schools in the 6 counties to compete in this with the age groupings so fair play to them.

Is that U20 thing to align with schools south of the border?

Yeah.

Splash · February 05, 2026, 05:39:13 PM

Best of luck to Aquinas in the MacLarnon Final tonight.

Splash · February 05, 2026, 10:04:59 PM

Quote from: johnnycool on February 05, 2026, 09:03:51 PM
Quote from: Splash on February 05, 2026, 05:39:13 PMBest of luck to Aquinas in the MacLarnon Final tonight.

They won

Won convincingly. Fair play to them.

Splash · February 08, 2026, 11:59:42 AM

A huge task for Down today, away to the 2024 All Ireland Champions.

Best of luck to them, and to the Abbey in the MacCrory Final.

SticksandStones · February 09, 2026, 11:15:34 AM

Cracking game of football yesterday!!!

manwithnoplan · February 14, 2026, 06:07:49 PM

Any streams available?

Sheedy · February 14, 2026, 08:39:52 PM

13 points up after 55 minutes then we completely stopped, Westmeath took over around the middle, we couldn't win a ball, lucky enough that Westmeath missed a few chances at the end.

For the first 3/4s of the game we played some good stuff, moved the ball well and got a good score up. Another win but again too close for comfort at the end