Down v Wexford

[lfdown2]

dont get me wrong I'm not saying the lads are over confident! Just some supporters seem to see it as a matter of turning up!! I think the lads are confident in their own ability just as you say as long as they remember there's a job to be done!!

[D4S]

If referring to supporters like myself who have confidence, I 100% understand there is a big job in hand I think Wexford will bounce back, they'll be happy with the draw and will be quietly fancying themselves to progress. However  if Dan had stayed on the field last weekend we'd possibly have run out winners by 9 or 10 points and been suprememly confident this weekend.  Having him back for Saturday gives me great confidence that we can continue on this run and reach the quarter finals, all be it by a narrow margin, I do not expect wexford to collapse in croke park 2 games running, they are a good side and will be trying to restore some pride.

[spiritof91and94]

If referring to supporters like myself who have confidence, I 100% understand there is a big job in hand I think Wexford will bounce back, they'll be happy with the draw and will be quietly fancying themselves to progress. However  if Dan had stayed on the field last weekend we'd possibly have run out winners by 9 or 10 points and been suprememly confident this weekend.  Having him back for Saturday gives me great confidence that we can continue on this run and reach the quarter finals, all be it by a narrow margin, I do not expect wexford to collapse in croke park 2 games running, they are a good side and will be trying to restore some pride.

All the Down Players should use this as a lesson that getting involved even in handbags can effect the team badly - given the decisions we have seen this year to date by officials

[D4S]

Maybe it has all happened for a reason If we'd ran out 10point winners against laois perhaps the pundits and other teams would have sat up took note and said hold on this must now be a decent Down side.  As it is we got by with a 2point win, we now face Wexford and I would not fear Cork, Galway or Armagh in the quarters if we win!  I wouldn't mind avoiding Dublin for another while

[southdown]

What sort of attendance is anyone expecting?  Id say about 35-40,000 total for the double header

[western exile]

What sort of attendance is anyone expecting?  Id say about 35-40,000 total for the double header

Triple header!  Let us not forget our comrades from the northern side of the Lagan 
It should be a good crowd.  Mayo always bring a huge support.

[Jinxy]

I fancy Wexford for this one. Should be a good open game.

[Down Gael]

I take it we`ll all be in to watch Antrim. It would be nice to give them an extra bit of support and in turn they`ll stay on to support us and Tyrone.

Anyone like to take a guess at the starting line up?

Anyone know any GAA pubs in Newcastle ?(england)     Fooking going mad

From my experience O`Neills pubs dont usually show GAA games, try the Irish centre, 0191 2610384

[Model Hammer]

I fancy Wexford for this one. Should be a good open game.

Well, we'll have to compete at midfield this time. There's almost an acceptance that our defence are going to concede a sizeable score to a good team. So we really have to cut out the supply. I'm a firm believer that breaking ball is what wins games (or "carpet ball" as I heard the Kerry lads call it this year).

Two simple rules for Wexford on Saturday:
1. Do not concede clean possession at midfield (all day)
2. Win the breaking ball battle

There's a certain amount of luck involved in 2 above, but it often comes down to who wants the ball more.

The first half of the Meath game was just a fisaco for WX at midfield. Rory Stafford hasn't recovered from it yet. In the 2nd half I don't think we won any clean ball, but we hoovered up the breaks. Against Laois we caught one ball clean in midfield all day, but again we lorded the breaking ball. Against Dublin we were back to our old tricks, conceding clean ball all day and our half lines went AWOL at the breaks.

It's a simple enough game. We're essentially down to 2 capable midfielders now, and Howlin needs to get his finger out after his performance in the Leinster Final. I would expect us to make it fairly crowded out there to try and ensure we're not overrun. Doyle could be employed out there to make a nuisance of himself as a 3rd midfielder. He did well against Laois but he was eaten alive by Dublin. As usual then we need Red Barry in there pulling the strings, then we have enough up front to do some damage.

Overall it's already been a great year for the footballers, but they'll want restore some pride before they (eventually) bow out of the championship. Who knows, a win on Saturday and they might get another crack at the Dubs 

It's great for Wexford to be playing championship football in August, but there'll be more Wickow fans than Wexford in Croke Park, so I hope they'll be in good voice! The support in the Leinster Final was brilliant, but expect normal service to be resumed this weekend. No matter, the players are well used to it ....

[downredblack]

I take it we`ll all be in to watch Antrim. It would be nice to give them an extra bit of support and in turn they`ll stay on to support us and Tyrone.

Anyone like to take a guess at the starting line up?

Anyone know any GAA pubs in Newcastle ?(england)     Fooking going mad

From my experience O`Neills pubs dont usually show GAA games, try the Irish centre, 0191 2610384

Thks. Gael . Hopefully I can get sorted . Hope all Down boys / girls have a great day out in "the smoke" .

[full back]

...or you could try the Tyneside Irish Centre near St James Park

Yeah, thats the one
They have been showing plenty of games in the Championship so far this year

[armaghniac]

Hope all Down boys / girls have a great day out in "the smoke" .

I know you haven't been in Croke Pk recently, but smoking isn't allowed there now. Which is a vast improvement.

[mournerambler]

Hope all Down boys / girls have a great day out in "the smoke" .

I know you haven't been in Croke Pk recently, but smoking isn't allowed there now. Which is a vast improvement.

And what have Armagh got to show for their much talked about outings in Croke Park & dominance of the Ulster championship in the last ten years, 1 All-Ireland & a couple of Ulster titles

[downgirl]

Anybody know roughly how much it is to leave the car in the car park in central station all day on Saturday?

[Yes I Would]

Anyone know any GAA pubs in Newcastle ?(england)     Fooking going mad

There is an Irsih pub up beside St James Park
I know they show games

Irish centre opposite St James's is the place to watch it. Do tasty pints as well.
Stay clear of O Neills, they likely wont be showing it!