Down league preview – Meath game could decide Mourne men’s future

Review of last year

By Niall McCoy

DOWN’S 2020 National League campaign finished in unusual circumstances, but it wasn’t the fault of Paddy Tally’s side.

The Mourne county had fluffed their lines the season before as a one-point home loss to Louth cost them promotion from Division Three. It is a game they should have eased through.

They didn’t exactly race out of the blocks last season, but a point away to Tipperary wasn’t the worst of starts – particularly considering what the Premier county would go on to do later in the summer.

There was a hint of regret at the result seeing as Jack Kennedy was sent off for Tipp midway through the second half but late scores from goalkeeper Rory Burns and Owen McCabe meant that it was a point apiece.

The round two meeting with Derry in Newry always had the feel of a match that would have a significant say on the promotion race, and it was Down who prevailed 0-14 to 0-12. The Oak Leafers missed a number of good chances and were made to pay through Donal O’Hare’s six frees.

Nothing was expected away to Cork in round three, but Cory Quinn’s goal did keep them within striking distance and only five points separated the sides at the conclusion.

Páirc Esler hasn’t been the happiest of hunting grounds for Down in recent years, but their record has improved under Tally and they picked up another crucial home win against Longford and, like in the victory over Derry, the winning margin was two points.

Having missed a lot in the first half, Longford took advantage and plundered a goal to lead by a couple of points heading down the stretch. Quinn was once again in goal-scoring form though and then James Guinness did likewise to secure a crucial 2-13 to 1-14 win.

A fine 0-17 haul in Offaly left them in brilliant shape just as Covid put the brakes on, before ensuring a messy end to the Division Three season.

Down were to host Leitrim in round six, but Terry Hyland’s side conceded after claiming that they were unable to get enough players to Newry due to Covid issues.

When Longford did likewise against Cork, it meant that Tally’s side were promoted without kicking a ball as they held the head-to-head advantage over Derry.

That meant that the management could play a second-string team against Louth in round seven with an Ulster Championship meeting with Fermanagh on the horizon.

The Wee county won easily for their first points of the campaign, but given the players rested, it didn’t ruffle any feathers in Down ahead of the championship.

2020 was a case of job done.

Down manager watch

PADDY Tally enters season three in good standing, albeit with a bit of credit lost after picking up an eight-week ban for Down breaking the training ban in February.

Break the rules and you have to hold your hands up, but a bit of sympathy must be extended because it is widely accepted that nearly every other county team was also training before they were allowed back.

The St Mary’s Sigerson winning manager has brought a bit of solidity to the Mourne county. They have won a number of tight league encounters at home and they are now back in Division Two.

The Ulster semi-final against Cavan last year, in the first half anyway, was an example of just how good they can be. The second half, when they threw away an eight-point interval lead, was an example of the work still to be done.

This is now a very young team, and Tally will hope to bring them up to speed.

The Ulster draw was unkind as they face Donegal in Newry in the preliminary round, but it is a pressure-free game too. Nobody outside the camp will be tipping them.

Down team news

AS revealed by Gaelic Life last week, Down look set to be without the three Johnston brothers for various reasons.

All three Kilcoo players featured in the Mourne county’s Ulster semi-final loss to Cavan last season, but will not feature in Castlebar for the side’s Division One North opener against Mayo on May 15.

Jerome was superb for Paddy Tally last year, but a hamstring injury looks set to rule him out for a number of weeks.

The youngest of the three, Sheelan, is focussing on the county’s u-20s at the moment while Ryan is not currently involved with the panel. If the u-20s are moved to later in the year, Sheelan could potentially return.

There is better news for Paddy Tally though with Saval forward Pat Havern returning as is Burren’s Gerard McGovern.

Shay Millar is also due home from Australia in the coming weeks and he could be a huge addition if he rejoins the panel.

Team captain Darren O’Hagan is also set to feature in the league after a number of surgeries last season while Donal O’Hare could also play this season.

The Burren forward was due to get surgery on a knee problem but will not be getting it now.

He is still a long way away from fitness though.

Down are operating with a big panel at the moment and it is expected to be reduced before that trip to Mayo.

Down prediction

GIVEN that the leagues have been split into two four-team groups, Down can feel somewhat aggrieved to have been lumped in with Connacht kingpins Mayo.

That’s who they start their campaign against later this month, and it’s as hard a tie as they could have asked for.

Round two isn’t much better as they face another side that dropped out of Division One last season, Meath. This was due to be a home game but will be played in Armagh as punishment for Down breaking the training ban.

They end their group campaign away to Westmeath and that appears the most winnable fixture of the lot.

Anything in Mayo is unlikely, so it’s that clash with Meath that is likely to decide whether or not they will be in the league semi-finals or the relegation semi-finals.