Improving Down out to upset the odds

FOR a county with such a proud tradition, it’s almost unimaginable that Down have gone over 30 years without tasting provincial glory. They’re reached finals alright but just haven’t got over the line since 1994.

They’re building nicely under Conor Laverty and he certainly has them in a better place now than when he took over, but are they ready to make a serious tilt at winning an Ulster Championship?

Their campaign literally couldn’t start with a tougher challenge. They take on a Donegal side that are chasing a third Anglo Celt success on the bounce and just hammered Kerry to take the Division One league title.

They’re probably the best team in the country at the moment and Jim McGuinness’ men also have the advantage of welcoming Down to their home patch at O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny.

The Mourne men will be massive underdogs, but Laverty won’t mind. If anything, he’ll quite enjoy everyone writing off their chances of causing a major upset, even before a ball is kicked.

They go into the championship having just claimed the Division Three league title and did so without really hitting their stride. Wexford could have pipped them at Croke Park, but Down collected the trophy having not played overly well. The sign of a good side.

Taking a glance through the Down team sheet and they undoubtedly have enough quality to at least push Donegal all the way. They put in a solid display against them twelve months ago and had they taken their goal chances, things could have panned out differently.

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In Ronan Burns, they have one of the best young goalkeepers in the game. The Drumgath netminder has it all. His shot stopping ability is second to none. His kicking is pinpoint. Even though he’s small in stature, he’s extremely assured under the high ball.

Ryan McEvoy is top class. Although he wears three on his back, he can literally play anywhere and is likely to line out around the middle of the field to neutralize Donegal’s wall of huge men in the mould of Michael Langan, Jason McGee and Hugh McFadden.

Pierce Laverty is the man-marker in defence and while Peter Fegan and Ryan Magill can also do a job in that regard. Kilcoo’s Callum Rogers has fitted in seamlessly and nailed down a starting place throughout the league.

Odhran Murdock is the star of the show at midfield and would walk onto any team in the country. He gained national attention last year for his displays in the championship, but everyone was only seeing what Down folk have known for years.

Daniel Guinness brings that dynamic aspect to their play while Ceilum Doherty is one of the most underrated players in Ireland. He’s gone from their number one man-marker to their play-making number eleven and is excelling at that role.

Then there’s the daunting threat of Pat Havern up top. Most of the scoring burden falls on his shoulders, but he carries the weight of expectation well. If the Saval sharpshooter has a good day in front of the posts, then Down are well on their way to winning any game.

Liam Kerr can provide that punch off the bench which they have possibly been lacking, and realistically if Down are to cause an upset against Jim McGuinness’ side, they’ll need more than just the 15 men on the field.

They’re going in the right direction. Does that mean they can chin the Ulster champions? That’s probably a step too far at this stage but coming up against Donegal will be another sign of where they are at the minute.

Roll of honour: 14 (1959, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1971, 1978, 1981, 1991, 1994)

Memorable Ulster Championship match

Ulster Championship Final 2003

Down 4-8 Tyrone 1-17

Sunday July 13, 2003

Down fans probably still wonder how they didn’t end their Ulster Championship wait that afternoon. It was an epic decider with goals, cards, comebacks, twists and turns, but for the Mourne men, it was one that got away. Greg McCartan received his marching orders before half time but three second half goals, from Liam Doyle and full forward Dan Gordon (2) put Mickey Harte’s men on the back foot. They didn’t panic however, and when Peter Canavan tucked away a late penalty, they had completed the comeback and earned a draw. Tyrone went on to convincingly win the replay, 0-23 to 1-5.

Wild card: Ryan McEvoy

His positioning against Donegal is going to be absolutely crucial. Does he play in the traditional full back role and pick up Michael Murphy? Or his is physicality and size needed around the midfield? Donegal have huge bodies around there and outside of Odhran Murdock, Down really don’t have anyone to match the likes of Langan, McFadden and McGee. McEvoy is a real leader in the team as well, as he’s demonstrated on numerous occasions for both club and county and can provide plenty going forward as well. If Down are going to cause a shock, then the Kilcoo man will be central to their hopes.

Captain: Odhran Murdock

Ranked as one of the best midfielders, and footballers, in the country, the high rated Burren man will now wear the captain’s armband in 2026. He’s already accepted one piece of silverware during his reign as captain, leading the men in red and black to the Division Three league title at Croke Park. Murdock is a rampaging middle eight player and a real box-to-box performer, but also one of the top scorers for Conor Laverty’s side. If Down are to cause an upset in Ulster and end their 32-year wait for a provincial title, then they’re going to need their captain playing at full throttle.

Manager: Conor Laverty

There’s no doubt, Down have made massive progress under Conor Laverty’s watch, as their performances in the All-Ireland series last season showcased. Now, in his fourth year in charge, the question is, where can he take them? They are back in Division Two next season and more or less guaranteed Sam Maguire football again this year, so what’s the next step? Donegal will potentially be a step too far for the Mourne men in the opening round of Ulster but for the remainder of the championship, there won’t be too many teams that will fancy facing Down, particularly in Newry.