Down U-20s have cause for optimism

By Niall Gartland

DOWN u-20s will feel they have no reason to fear defending All-Ireland champions Tyrone when they cross paths in next Wednesday’s group stage opener at Páirc Esler.

They met in similar circumstances two years ago – albeit before the introduction of the group stages – and they claimed a stunning upset over the Red Hands, who could call upon many of their 2022 All-Ireland winning team.

They met again in the first round of the group stages this time last year, playing out an exciting draw against a star-studded Tyrone team that went on to lift the Ulster and All-Ireland titles.

Now they’re set to renew acquaintances and captain Eoin Murray can’t wait to get a crack at the All-Ireland champions.

The Bryansford lad said: “We’re a very young team and very enthusiastic. Training has been very good and is getting better and better.

“We’re looking forward to getting started and hopefully getting a couple of wins under our belts and getting into the quarter-finals. We’ve Tyrone first and it’s a hell of a challenge but I’m really looking forward to it – I can’t wait, to be honest.”

Murray was part of the Down minor set-up a few years back before going down a different road, playing soccer with Drumaness Mills. He’s back playing Gaelic football and was part of the Ulster University freshers team that reached the All-Ireland semi-final, where they were beaten by a single point by DCU.

“I’m studying Construction Engineering, I’m in my first year and it’s going well but the best part of it is the football. We were pipped by a point in the All-Ireland. It’s the best team I’ve ever played on, the standard of football at colleges level is unbelievable.”

Neil Coulter and Paul McCartan remain in charge and they’re ably assisted by Frank Dawson, Liam Doyle and Stevie Kane. Last year they won the All-Ireland u-20 ‘B’ Championship, though for now their big focus will be making their mark in Ulster and pushing towards a possible provincial title. It won’t be easy and Wednesday’s match against the Red Hands should tell a story, whatever happens.