Down Club Hurling & Football

LosDodgers · June 21, 2026, 12:49:45 PM

Just watched the game back. We actually didn't play too badly in the second half apart from our finishing! I counted 2-8 left behind of chances we would have expected to over. It wasn't a case of rushing shots and shooting from low percentage angles. We worked great chances and somehow missed them. Magill, McEvoy, Havern & then Murdock at the end with ones they will never miss again!

Steve Williams has been a great appointment as Burns place kicking has improved immensely. Fegan & Pierce great in full back.

Rauri McCormick & Mooney made great impacts off the bench. Should Mooney start the final??

We mixed up our play a lot more with Guinness hitting some lovely direct balls in Brown. He was excellent in full forward line.

Don't think McEvoy had his best game (or season) but he stepped up again to kick the winning point just like he did in league final.

ClubScene13 · July 09, 2026, 10:23:00 PM

Come on lads, has to be someone interested in this game!

Aristo 60 · July 09, 2026, 11:07:58 PM

1st day back since Clones for me. Pondering shorts, but would it be too cold in the Hogan for bare legs?

Lazer · July 10, 2026, 12:34:48 PM

Quote from: ClubScene13 on July 09, 2026, 10:23:00 PMCome on lads, has to be someone interested in this game!

Obviously..but not really much to talk about it beforehand

We are expected win and hope we do- its one game which guarantees our place on the top tier next year (and gives us a trophy)..that should make the team hungry enough to give it their all and see us over the line.

Interesting to see the difference in attitude this year vs previous Tailteann finals..nowhere near the same level of visible support (flags etc)

Dayman · July 10, 2026, 11:10:24 PM

Quote from: Aristo 60 on July 09, 2026, 11:07:58 PM1st day back since Clones for me. Pondering shorts, but would it be too cold in the Hogan for bare legs?

It's gonna be 25C during the match tomorrow, I think even in the shade you'll be fine in shorts, I'll definitely be wearing them.

Think we've done pretty well to steady the ship after the crazy 6 days at the start of the championship. Feels like there's even less press on this final than there has been in previous years, and most of it has been focused on Wicklow which is probably no harm. 1 more match to get back to the Sam Maguire next year I think should be enough of a carrot to see us over the line.

LosDodgers · July 11, 2026, 12:00:45 AM

At end of the day we have to beat Wicklow to get Sam Maguire football. If we don't, then we can really complain or claim we should be playing at a higher level.

In saying that, it's a final. We should win by 10+ however like the Wexford league final you just never know, they have Jackson as a 2 point threat and have scored a lot of goals.

LosDodgers · July 11, 2026, 12:01:44 AM

PS: defs shorts, but if in the Hogan it will be chilly enough when the sun goes behind the stand, if staying for the 2nd game, a light jacket recommended

snoopdog · July 11, 2026, 08:28:20 AM

Anyone got 2 spare ti kets. Looking for a mate of mine. Pm if you do. Cheers
He got sorted. Thanks. Ignore the above.

Nanderson · July 11, 2026, 05:08:51 PM

If you cant professionally see out a game against any level of team with a 12 point lead, you have no business dreaming about playing at a higher level.

Aristo 60 · July 11, 2026, 05:16:18 PM

Fall on your sword stuff for Laverty.

befair · July 11, 2026, 05:16:56 PM

Utter collapse; most humiliating defeat we've ever suffered. Time for new management

Mourne Red · July 11, 2026, 05:21:08 PM

Utter shite. Brilliant for Wicklow, well deserved.

Nanderson · July 11, 2026, 05:23:09 PM

Quote from: befair on July 11, 2026, 05:16:56 PMUtter collapse; most humiliating defeat we've ever suffered. Time for new management

I've been a big fan of this management team but I think some of the performances this year have been shocking. Clones against Armagh, both 2nd half performances against Fermanagh and Wicklow. Laverty needs to resign or be moved on. He's moved us on a bit but I think it's time for something fresh

5times5times · July 11, 2026, 05:23:53 PM

Whats your screensaver this week Laverty?

Time for change. Embarrassing capitulation

Minus15 · July 11, 2026, 05:28:11 PM

No. Not time for change. Management rightly need to review and take a look at themselves, as do the players.

Every Down man thought they would do enough, even with the momentum swing in that second half. We got caught and couldn't recover.

I'm sure Laverty will reflect on his position but he's still the right man. His tenure has consistently been 3 steps forward and 2 back. They've left themselves with it all to do in Div 2 next year but secure Sam Maguire via the league and today will soon be forgotten.

It means more to Wicklow and it showed in the second half.