COMING from Crossmaglen, Down were always Aaron Kernan’s big rivals. Sure, during his playing days there was a real hatred with Tyrone, but the historic rivalry with the Mourne men always stood out to him. And it’s back. Following their amazing win over Ulster and All-Ireland favourites Donegal, Conor Laverty’s side will be keen to […]
Nothing beats being there: The buzz of a packed championship venue
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April 30, 2026
There are two plum Ulster semi-finals this weekend. After Down’s electrifying win over Donegal, the Gaels of Ulster can taste another dose of action. Former Monaghan Karl O’Connell helps explain why. Michael McMullan writes… There were so many turning points in Down’s win over Donegal, it’s impossible to know where to dig the spade into […]
Antrim and Fermanagh Tailteann Cup fixtures confirmed
April 29, 2026
ANTRIM and Fermanagh will both be in action when the Tailteann Cup kicks into action later this month. The Saffrons travel to Carlow in a repeat of their January league meeting in Portglenone, won by Joe Murphy’s side. Fermanagh will host Longford as Declan Bonner’s side will also bid to bounce back from their Ulster […]
Mourne men not motivated by fear says Rooney
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April 28, 2026
By Shaun Casey DESPITE beating arguably the best team in the country last weekend, Down could still find themselves in the Tailteann Cup later in the year. It doesn’t seem fair, but rules are rules. Heading into the lion’s den of Letterkenny last weekend, the Mourne men knew that defeat could spell the end of […]
Ulster players named on the GAA Team of the Week
April 27, 2026
EIGHT Ulster players have been named in the latest Team of the Week. Down lead the way with four players – goalkeeper Ronan Burns, goal heroes Daniel Guinness and Micéal Rooney join man of the match Odhrán Murdock from their win over Donegal. Darragh McGurn’s 1-12 earns his a spot despite defeat at the hands […]
McGuinness laments Donegal’s lack of energy
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April 26, 2026
By Michael McMullan DONEGAL manager Jim McGuinness pointed to his side’s lack of energy after Sunday’s exit at the hands of Down in the Ulster Championship. The champions were eying a third successive title but were cut down by Conor Laverty’s side and their three second-half goals. “The overall performance, our energy levels, our intensity […]
Laverty praises the Down players’ thirst for preparation
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April 26, 2026
By Michael McMullan CONOR Laverty praised his side’s level of desire to improve after Down’s win over champions Donegal in O’Donnell Park on Sunday. In the last two seasons, Down pushed eventual All-Ireland champions Armagh and Donegal all the way before coming up short. Speaking after both games, Laverty pointed to the level of preparation […]
Report: Down cut loose to end Donegal’s reign as Ulster champions
April 26, 2026
Ulster SFC – Down 3-21 Donegal 1-21 By Michael McMullan A RAMPANT Down caused the championship’s latest shock by unseating Ulster champions Donegal on Sunday on O’Donnell Park. Conor Laverty’s side were full of ambition, energy and pace, leaving Donegal left to pick through the pieces of defeat ahead of the All-Ireland series. Advertisement Second-half […]
A different perspective for Magill
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April 25, 2026
By Shaun Casey THIS year’s Ulster Championship preparation is much different for Danny Magill. In two of the past three seasons, the Burren clubman, along with his Down teammates, has been eyeing up triumphs over Donegal. In 2023, he kicked a point on his championship debut as Conor Laverty’s men overturned the Tir Chonaill county […]
Down squad named ahead of Sunday’s clash with champions Donegal
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April 24, 2026
By Michael McMullan DOWN have named their squad for Sunday’s Ulster Championship quarter-final with Donegal in O’Donnell Park. Conor Laverty’s side added the league title to their promotion back to Division Three and look ahead to the championship. There are three changes from their victory over Wexford in the league decider. Advertisement Paddy McCarthy comes […]