BALLYBAY have received a huge boost with the news that Paul Finlay is set to continue playing for the side in 2021.

The stylish attacker had an impressive 2020 as the Pearse Brothers made it to the county final, where they lost heavily to Scotstown.

Since then, manager Colin Malone has departed and has been replaced by Kilcoo man Jerome Johnston with Down selector Mark Doran coming in as his number two.

The Mourne pair will be delighted with the commitment of a player who has now given more than two decades’ service to his club at senior level.

Finlay played midfield for the Ballybay minors in 1999 and also represented the seniors in the Dr Ward Cup final later that season when they lost to Clones.

Ballybay made it to their second county final in three years in 2020 but once again found Scotstown too hard to beat.

While only two points separated the sides in 2018, Scotstown eased to a 1-14 to 0-7 win last September at Clones.

Finlay grabbed four of his side’s seven points with all the scores coming from frees.