Down Club Hurling & Football

[wobbller]

Donegal 1-13 Down 2-08

[Targetman]

On the match Down did reasonably well considering it was a very young and inexperienced team, missed Gilmore's goal in the first half but Murdock took his well, a couple of good points from Ruairi Mc Cormack and a few dodgy decisions from Hurson!

[whitegoodman]

Was funny game for the amount we could see anyway.

Defended well but didnt offer much up front which maybe is expected from such an inexperienced team and the time of year.  Doherty and McParland will definitely add a bit of strength and bite around the middle.

I like the cut of McElroys jibe and McCormack did well.  O Hagan is a class act and hard to know whether he is better inside as he did so well in the half forward line last year.  The likes of Murdock and Close are going to need time so would be surprised if they are involved at the start of the league.  If we could find a target man akin to Harrison we mightn't be far away in staying up in Division 2.

All in all not bad start having expected a lot worse.  Thought the ref was terrible for both teams.

[SamFever]

Was funny game for the amount we could see anyway.

Defended well but didnt offer much up front which maybe is expected from such an inexperienced team and the time of year.  Doherty and McParland will definitely add a bit of strength and bite around the middle.

I like the cut of McElroys jibe and McCormack did well.  O Hagan is a class act and hard to know whether he is better inside as he did so well in the half forward line last year.  The likes of Murdock and Close are going to need time so would be surprised if they are involved at the start of the league.  If we could find a target man akin to Harrison we mightn't be far away in staying up in Division 2.

All in all not bad start having expected a lot worse.  Thought the ref was terrible for both teams.

A bit harsh on the two young lads.They were part of a team that did well a long way from home on a cold frosty night.

[whitegoodman]

Didn't think I was being harsh.  Odhran is only out of minor and Tom is probably a year older.  Just want realistic expectations set on them.

[SamFever]

Didn't think I was being harsh.  Odhran is only out of minor and Tom is probably a year older.  Just want realistic expectations set on them.

Ok

[Lazer]

I'm just home from the game, and there was a surprising crowd there for a McKenna cup game on a snowy day.

The game was far better than I expected, some good new players and they played well especially in the 2nd half.

The goal in the first half was lucky, and our midfield really didn't do well at the breaking ball in the first half, but this improved in the 2nd half 2.

Also showed signs of good defending and managed quite a few turnovers.

Andrew Gilmore had an excellent game in my opinion, as did Rory Burns.

[Mourne Rover]

It was very difficult to assess our performance due to the constantly interrupted and jerky stream but the indications were that an understrength team did reasonably well on a long trip in difficult circumstances. McElroy and McCormack had decent debuts at the back, O'Rawe had his moments down the middle and Murdock and Gilmore managed goals on their first appearances. We are probably in a slightly better place for the crucial league trip to Derry but there is still a long way to go.

[Johnnysboys]

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I doubt it Johnny in the 1st 15?? cant be!
[/quote]

Seàn Og McCusker has played games for them this year in championship. Only a young lad but has come through on that decent team they had a few years ago.

[Lloyd p]

With Pat Havern back on board Saval should be expected to make an assault on the IFC.

Paul McComiskey seen in the coffee dock in the Town with John Clarke, do not be surprised to see him in the red of Dundrum this season.

Mac hasn't played in 5 years I doubt he'll be back playing for Dundrum

He is only 33/34, would have won them the JFC if he was playing. It will be some coup for Clarke .

Does anyone know if Burren will be allowed to have a team in Div 4 this year? It will will help one team and that's Burren.

Mac is coming 35 this year and spent his last 2 years he played with persistent back issues - After that length of time out and a young family I'd be fairly certain he'll not be back, I'll wager a Docs he won't.

Im starting to be convinced you're a wind-up merchant who tries to fill their teach day in on here. Reserve teams in Div 4 was discussed and scrapped 3/4 years ago

Mccomiskey been playing for St Brigids in Belfast for the last few seasons..

[Truth hurts]

I think we can stay in division 2 this season after Friday night's display, we have a lot of players to come back I urger everyone to get behind the team. I think big O'Rawe could be useful and Finn Mc looks decent.

[wobbller]

I think we can stay in division 2 this season after Friday night's display, we have a lot of players to come back I urger everyone to get behind the team. I think big O'Rawe could be useful and Finn Mc looks decent.

In my opinion there are only about five or six from Friday's line out that be playing come the start of the league.

[thewobbler]

I think we can stay in division 2 this season after Friday night's display, we have a lot of players to come back I urger everyone to get behind the team. I think big O'Rawe could be useful and Finn Mc looks decent.

In my opinion there are only about five or six from Friday's line out that be playing come the start of the league.

I hope you're wrong wobbller. Down have needed a clear out for about 5-6 seasons but there was nobody to take the places. The last couple of years of under-20s are more talented than we've had in 15 years. They of course need some experience around to help them get going, but they don't need inferior players keeping them out.

[Smurfy123]

Agree with wobbler
A big clear out is needed
But can the management hold their nerve
Get Tuesday nights game over and I think James will go back to the players that have been about the squad for years
Why not stick with the likes of
McCormack
O Rawe
McElroy
Doherty
Close
Prenter
Murdock

New players so give them a go

[whitegoodman]

All depends on what Kilcoo players commit.  If you only get 2 or 3 which i fear then you will need everyone from last years panel and the below mentioned.

From last years team I would be put the below as key players.

D O Hagan
Mooney
B O Hagan
Kerr

That leaves a lot of places up for grabs.

Add in the returning Doherty and McParland who will probably become key players and you are still short.  Realistically the below would probably be starters for Down if they make themselves available;

Kane
R McEvoy
Rooney
Morgan
J Johnston
R Johnston

With Ward and C Johnston not far away.  If the above was available it actually would be the makings of a decent div 2 team

Kane
?
McEvoy
O Hagan
Rooney
McParland
Morgan
Doherty
Mooney
R Johnston
?
?
Kerr
O Hagan
J Johnston

That full forward line would put the fear into a lot of teams.  I still think we might be a bit light at midfield and are obviously missing a few half forwards which is where some of the younger lads might fit in.

If we could get all of the above to commit I think there are reasons to be optimistic.