Down Club Hurling & Football

[imtommygunn]

Nephew as far as I know.

(He was on the u20 team but I think he's about football teams too).

[johnnycool]

Nephew as far as I know.

(He was on the u20 team but I think he's about football teams too).

Mickeys son, Liam.

Mickey was the best hurler of all the Blaneys stick wise, had a turn of pace and deadly left hand.

[DownFanatic]

Brilliant achievement for our hurlers getting to 1B. Do we have the ability and depth to sustain a period at this level or would that be a huge ask?

[johnnycool]

Brilliant achievement for our hurlers getting to 1B. Do we have the ability and depth to sustain a period at this level or would that be a huge ask?

It will be a huge ask.

We will in all likelihood be playing the likes of Clare, Wexford, and either Waterford or Dublin.

And that's not to mention Antrim and Carlow (who beat KK in the Leinster round robin last year) so it's a big step up in standard.

Sure, what's the worse that can happen?

[Splash]

An amazing day for Down Hurling.

Division 1 for the first time in nearly 20 years.

Delighted.

It's no secret here how tough things can be in the Down hurling world, so a massive congratulations to all the players, management, and anyone involved with the teams.

We spent so long stuck in Division 2B, and finally broke through that glass ceiling. To get promoted 5 years later- after many people would have tipped Down to be relegated- is admirable.

I remember when we won 2B, Antrim won 2A the same year. I was delighted for them, but I remember thinking, 'wouldn't that be great.' A great day.

Down didn't make it easy on themselves, but they'll not worry too much about that now.

There's no two ways about it- Division 1 is going to be a big step up. But this is where we want to be. In all likelihood we'll be playing Clare- the All Ireland Champions. I know it's the league, but who cares? This is the next step for Down.

It's too early to know if Down will manage to stay up. In all likelihood, Kildare will be promoted with us. That's a game Down definitely can target. Antrim and Carlow are two good sides, but Down have beaten both in recent years. Sustaining Division 1 status is not out of the realms of possibility. But we'll worry about that next year.

Couldn't ask for much more this year. A lot of sons on that team as mentioned above. Good to see hurlers from Carryduff, Warrenpoint, Ballela, and other teams also included though.

A great day for Down. They have done us all proud. A lot of work has been put in over the past few years, and it really is paying off. I hope having our hurlers competing against the top teams inspires more people to take up the small ball, or to get their kids involved. The fact Down have reached this level with so few resources is testament to the dedication and quality in this small hurling world.

Up Down.

[Truth hurts]

Will there be any hurling games in Pairc Esler next year? Or would the hurlers prefer the Ards?

[Splash]

I am assuming the home games will be in Ballycran.

I understand that. Ballycran has been more than good to Down over the years. It is a fortress, Down are rarely beat there.

It is a massive pity though. It would be a great exhibition to potentially have the Munster/Leinster/All Ireland Champions in Newry.

It's not out of the realms of possibility to say the footballers could be in Div 3 next year. If the powers that be have any sort of cop on, they'd arrange double headers against Wexford, Clare and Antrim (assuming all results go to form, all these teams will be in Division 3 football and Division 1 hurling). Would do everybody a world of good.

Hopefully the hurlers get at least one game in Newry, but I'd say Ballycran is more likely.

[imtommygunn]

Unfortunately I don't think antrim will be in division 3 football next year...

Yeah double headers would be great. You have to credit Sheehan here - really has done a great job with Down hurlers.

[Truth hurts]

A massive game on Saturday for us, The pitch in Newry, which has been in bad nick for the last few games, will benefit from a decent week's weather.

[Ed Hardy]

No word of the team yet?

[downtothecore]

Tough match expected this evening. Both teams have played well to date but are struggling to get the win. A draw is not great result for  either but it could likely be the result as there is very little between teams. Let's hope Down can do enough to win it..

[Splash]

Last game of the league before the final against Meath today for the hurlers.

Doesn't matter for Down, but I think if Meath win they can keep their promotion hopes alive.

Would have liked to see a younger/more developmental side named- I think going forward it is very important Down expand their depth- but it is a strong team named to have been playing well, with a few fringe players named.

Great to see players from Newry, Carryduff, Ballela, Warrenpoint, and Castlewellan named on the bench. Hopefully they get some game time today. McGreevy and Connolly played as well as anybody in the junior championship last year, so good to see players from that level involved with the county setup.

Meath were flying about 5 or 6 years ago, and caused Down plenty of problems back in the Christy Ring.

Hopefully Down keep the momentum going.

[downtothecore]

What a game in newry tonight. 2 evenly matched teams served up a classic. It great to get the win after so many close calls recently...

[snoopdog]

Div 2 is so competitive. It's hard on anyone relegated. Westmeath have lost last 2 games at the death. Down were done out of a point in Cavan.  Very small margins.
 Hoping for a monaghan win over Meath tomorrow to see them promoted with a game to spare. Means thry would have nothing to play for next week.  It's still very likely we will go down though.

[PAULD123]

Our big hope realistically is for Cork to get turned over by Louth and Cavan. I think Cavan will do it, not confident about Louth winning in Cork though.