By Niall Gartland DOWN coach Mickey Donnelly believes that the process of splitting teams between the All-Ireland series and Tailteann Cup is overly complicated and doesn’t necessarily reward teams who have excelled in the early part of the season. The Mourne County have been left in a precarious position following their Division Three final defeat […]
PREVIEW: Down can end wait for silverware
March 29, 2024
By Niall Gartland IT was quite a line – last weekend Leitrim boss Andy Moran issued a defiant rebuttal to those who call for the league finals to be consigned to the dustbin of history. Moran, whose team play in the Division Four showdown this Saturday, said “I heard a lot of noise during the […]
Pierce Laverty: The pressure is off Down as they eye up Croke Park title
March 28, 2024
By Shaun Casey DOWN’S target at the start of the season was to confirm their spot in Division Two for next year, and ahead of Saturday’s Croke Park showdown with Westmeath, they’ve achieved their goal. Six wins from seven outings and a convincing final day victory over Clare in what was more or less a […]
Mourne County aiming to secure promotion in Westmeath
March 15, 2024
By Shaun Casey WHILE not mathematically secured just yet, it looks likely that Sunday’s contest in TEG Cusack Park between Westmeath and Down could well be a dress rehearsal for a Division Three league final. The two teams currently sit at the top of the pile with an unblemished record of five wins from five […]
Laverty pays tribute to Down legend McCartan
March 7, 2024
By Michael McMullan DOWN manager Conor Laverty has paid tribute to the late Dan McCartan and wants the current Mourne squad to take inspiration from the successful teams of the past. McCartan won three All-Ireland medals in the 1960s before being involved in management teams that delivered u-21 and minor All-Ireland glory. He also won […]
Burns gets Ulster’s backing
March 1, 2024
Four Ulster Gaels give their thoughts on the appointment of Jarlath Burns as GAA President Conor Laverty “I have known Jarlath a long time and he’s a brilliant Gael. What he has done as principal of St Paul’s High School in Bessbrook is incredible and I think he’ll be a brilliant President for the GAA. […]
Donnelly: Division Three final remains the Mourne main focus
February 23, 2024
By Michael McMullan DOWN still have their sights firmly on a place in the league final and a shot at promotion, insists selector Mickey Donnelly. After winning their first three games, the Mourne County host Offaly on Saturday evening at Páirc Esler and Donnelly highlights the importance of winning their home games. Down also have Sligo […]
McKernan: Down’s midfield maestro Murdock “a different level”
February 17, 2024
By Shaun Casey FORMER Down defender Kevin McKernan says his clubmate Odhran Murdock is “a different level of footballer” and isn’t surprised that the young midfielder is producing the goods in the red and black of Down. James McCartan handed Murdock his inter-county championship debut in the opening round of the 2022 Ulster Championship, and […]
Newry know-how to see Down pass Treaty test
February 2, 2024
By Shaun Casey A GENERAL rule of thumb for the league is to perform at home and capture maximum points and anything earned on the road is a bonus. Well, Down started their campaign on the front foot. Heading to Aughrim looking a result is never an easy thing to do but Conor Laverty’s side […]
Laverty names Down squad for Cavan clash
January 10, 2024
Conor Laverty has named his Down team to take on Cavan, at Pairc Esler, this evening in the third and final round of the McKenna Cup. The Mourne men were defeated by Mickey Harte’s Derry in the opening round but showed encouraging signs against the Ulster champions. They have made three changes for Cavan’s visit […]