COUNTY MINOR HURLING

 

Triple Champions
Three competitions entered, three competitions won. That’s the proud boast of the non-Ards Minor hurling team.
Back in May/June they took part in the Ulster “B” league and went through their fixture undefeated but one fixture was never played and that was away to Donegal.
            Undaunted however they then travelled to Termonteckin Complex in County Louth to take part in the north east blitz- the brain child of national hurling development office Paudie Butler and here they registered victories over Longford, Monaghan and Cavan to contest the final against the only other unbeaten side – Louth and once again Down ended up victorious.
            The plan was o play off the north east winners against the North West but this proved problematical. Eventually however Croke Park selected Ballyhaise in County Cavan to host the final for the All Ireland “C” Cup with Down facing Sligo. Again the men in red and black emerged victorious. Two trophies won, Sciath Iomána and the All Ireland “C” Cup – but there was still unfinished business with Donegal! Well that was concluded last Saturday when Down travelled to Letterkenny to take on Donegal. In the resplendent surroundings of St. Eunans, Letterkenny a considerably depleted Down squad took to the field with the same focus and enthusiasm that had reaped earlier rewards and once again the fire and hunger of the young men in red and black prevailed. Within 4 minutes of the start Paul McAleenan had pointed before Micheál Cunningham found the net and Down were on their way. With 20 minutes gone Matthew Teague soloed through only to see his shot canon off the upright and Shane Courtney followed up to first time just past the post. Despite this let off Donegal mounted stern opposition and the game was decidedly still in the balance as the half time whistle sounded and the scoreboard read Down 1-03 Donegal 0 -03!
            Karl Maxwell pointed brilliantly on the resumption and a few minutes later came the score that essentially secured victory for down. Donegal were pressing and sent a through ball into their forward line it was brilliantly won by star performer Allen Higgins whose lengthy clearance reached Meatsey at the opposite end of the field and he rounded his man and hammered it to the roof of the net. Paul McAleenan continued to find his range back from injury Conal Beatty sent over two excellent points. In the final 3 minutes Paul Sheehan helped himself to an excellent point before notching the game’s final goal. The gallant team who all played a heroes part was as follows; Michael Fegan, Danny Nugent, Allen Higgens, Aaron OHare, Chris Teague, Gary Courtney, Brian Grant, Paul McAleenan, Karl Maxwell, Matthew Teague, Shane Courtney, Micheál Cunningham, Paul Sheehan, Danny Grant, Declan Doherty, Blain Murphy, Conor Beatty.
And thus the season ends with three competitions won and further underlines the progress in hurling outside the traditional hurling area.

 

 

NATIONAL TITLE FOR DOWN

All the Warrenpoint contingent on the Down Panel(l-r) Matthew Teague, Blain Murphy, Chris Teague, Danny Grant, Miceal Cunningham, Karl Maxwell, Conan O'Neill, Aaron O'Hare, Allan Higgins, Mark Rafferty, (missing from photo)Michael Fegan.And not to forget, one of the next up and coming stars wee Maxwell.

 

For the first time ever the All-Ireland Hurling cup is in Down having been won on Saturday September 8th by a very skilful and determined non-Ards minor team. It was indeed fitting that this historic All-Ireland victory should take place on a ground steeped in history viz Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan the home of the first Gaelic Club formed in Ulster in 1886.

This victory will live long in the memory not only of the players who took part but indeed in the minds and the pulsating hearts of the large contingent of Down supporters. For this was certainly a game where the scoreline does not reflect the game.

In a nutshell, Down got off to a flying start when they were awarded a free in the opening minute on the halfway line. Up stepped Ballyvarley's Paul O'Neill and his majestic strike came down just under the Sligo crossbar. The Sligo goalie didn't hold it and there was Paul Sheehan to flick it to the net. Midway through the half Paul O'Neill added a second goal and Down appeared to be cruising going in at the break leading 2-8 to Sligo's 3 pts.

However, any ideas Down harboured that Sligo were about to collapse were quickly dispelled on the resumption. With their full back moved to centre half forward and their big burly centre forward back to midfield it was a different Sligo who took the field for the second half. Within 8 mins of the restart the former full back had the ball in the Down net twice and when the former full forward pointed from midfield there was only 3 pts between the sides and 20 minutes left and the entire momentum was with Sligo. This young Down side were being asked serious questions but manfully they stepped up to the challenge.

Alan Higgins who had moved to centre full back along with Gary Courtney and Conan O'Neill built an impenetrable wall. Paul O'Neill and Karl Maxwell re-established their grip on midfield while up front skilful captain Paul Mc Aleenan and a resurgent Miceal Cunningham sent over a series of excellent points. With Sligo reduced to 14 men with 10mins to go, Down piled on the pressure and further goals from Chris Teague and an absolute cracker from Cormac Hughes Down sealed a memorable and historic victory. FINAL SCORELINE DOWN 4-13 SLIGO 2-6

When a still breathless and somewhat dumbfounded captain Paul Mc Aleenan raised the cup there were unbridled scenes of celebration among the red and black supporters. When the team returned to their hotel in Armagh they were applauded through the lobby by their supporters. A gesture very much appreciated by the players and their proud management team of Brian Murphy and Ronan Sheehan.

DOWN - Colm Mc Cabe, Danny Nugent, James Mc Dermott, Aaron O'Hare, Chris Teague, Gary Courtney, Conan O'Neill, Paul O'Neill, Karl Maxwell, Cormac Hughes, Paul McAleenan, Miceal Cunningham, Paul Sheehan, Danny Grant, Alan Higgins. Subs - Michael Fegan, Declan Doherty, Thomas Lennon, Brian Grant, Arthur McConville, Matthew Teague, Shane Courtney, Michael Mullan, Mark Rafferty, Conor Mc Clorey, Cormac White, Matthew McAfee, Mark Devlin, Blain Murphy, Stephen McCusker.

 

 

 

Historic Win For Down Minor Hurlers

Down’s non-Ards minor hurlers pulled off a marvellous victory in Drogheda on Saturday last beating Longford, Monaghan, Cavan and Louth to be the first name on the Blitz Iomana shield – the brainchild of national hurling development Officer Paudie Butler. They now go forward as North East Champions to take on the North West Winners – Sligo in the All-Ireland Final.
Despite travelling with only sixteen fit players due to- holidays, gaeltacht, injuries etc Down’s magnificent 16 did themselves, their parents, their clubs and their county proud with 2 hours of gruelling hurling. The games were 15 minutes each way on full sized pitches in the wonderful St Fechins complex.

First up came Longford and it proved to be quite a difficult test with Down edging home by 1-6 to Longfords 5pts Cormac Hughes 1-0 Micheál Cunningham and Danny Grant 0-2 Paul O’Neill and Paul Mc Aleenan 1pt each. With little more than a 5 minute break Down had then to take the field against a big strong Monaghan outfit. However, Down stepped up their performance from the first game. The defence of Danny Hungent, Conan O’Neill, Aaron O’Hare Michael Mullan, Gary Courtney and Rowan Smart were compact while up front the all-important goal again came courtesy of Cormac Hughes while also on the points trail were Micheál Cunningham 0-3 Paul O’Neill 0-3 Danny Grant Paul McAleenan Cormac Hughes and Karl Maxwell 0-1 a piece as Down ran out winners 1-10 to 2-4.

Down then had a well deserved rest before demolishing Cavan on a scoreline 4-12 to 0-0 with Micheál Cunningham top scorer with 2-4 and Danny Grant 2-1. Thus the stage was set for the finale between the only two unbeaten teams Down and recent Leinster Shield winners Louth. Louth were coming off their rest period while Down had got in some vital shooting practice against Cavan and what a cracker of a game it turned out to be.

The scoreline may suggest a runaway victory but that would be very wide of the mark. It was tough, uncompromising and very skillfull with the prize an All-Ireland Final meeting with Sligo. IF the defence and the forwards had won the plaudits in other games then enter a new hero.- goalie Colm Mc Cabe – He was simply superb. He pulled off 2 breathtaking stops that Noel Keith at his best would have been proud of while his puckouts were measured to perfection. In midfield Paul O’Neill and Karl Maxwell proved the ideal pairing with O’Neill’s point taking exemplary while Maxwell’s workrate, vision, passing and a superb point proved too much for plucky Louth. In the end Down ran out clear and deserved winners 2-12 to 0-5. Down scorers Micheál Cunningham and Paul O’Neill 0-4 a piece Paul McAleenan and Michael Fegan 1 goal Danny Grant 0-3 Karl Maxwell 0-1.

Colm McCabe	Newry Shamrocks	Karl Maxwell	St Peters, Warrenpoint
Danny Nugent	Clonduff	Micheál Cunningham	St Peters, Warrenpoint
Conan O’Neill	St Peters, Warrenpoint	Paul Mc Aleenan	Liatroim
Aaron O’Hare	St Peters, Warrenpoint	Cormac Hughes	Bredagh
Michael Mullan	Bredagh	Mark Devlin	Bredagh
Gary Courtney	Newry Shamrocks	Danny Grant	St Peters, Warrenpoint
Rowan Smart	Bredagh	Blain Murphy	St Peters, Warrenpoint
Paul O’Neill	Ballyvarley	Declan Doherty	Bredagh
Michael Fegan	St Peters, Warrenpoint

The team was managed by Ronan Sheehan and Brian Murphy and the ever efficient liaison officer Willie Mageean- heroes all!
At the conclusion of the blitz ‘The Blitz Iomána Shield’ was presented to captain Paul McAleenan and a beautiful set of medals and so Down becomes the first name on the new shield but more importantly Down go forward to meet Sligo in the final on a date still to be decided and this team still have to play the final of the Ulster ‘B’ League against Donegal and on the evidence of last Saturday there may be more honours to follow.

 

Teams:          Louth, Longford, Monaghan, Cavan and Down

Teams arrive in St Fechin’s @ 12 noon.

Travel arrangement will be posted at a later date

 Sandwiches and drinks served on arrival

Fixtures:

Cavan	V	Louth
Monaghan	V	Down
Louth	V	Monaghan
Longford	V	Down
Longford	V	Louth
Cavan	V	Monaghan
Down	V	Cavan
Longford	V	Monaghan
Louth	V	Down
Longford	V	Cavan

 

6pm            Presentation of trophy and medals to section winner                  

The Warrenpoint players that will represent their County in the first section of this competition are as follows

 

Karl Maxwell

Allen Higgins

Conan O’Neill

Mark Rafferty

Danny Grant

Micheal Fegan

Aaron O’Hare

Miceal Cunnigham

Paddy Gartland

Darren Doyle

Conal OHare

NOTE: Bus will leave Belfast at 11am on Saturday from outside the Parador Hotel, travelling via Banbridge (stopping outside the Coach Inn 11:35am) and finally Newry(Brass Monkey) at 12pm     

Hot food is available to all players at the conclusion of the games.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Down Minor B Hurling  V Armagh will now take place on Friday 22nd June  

Venue: Killeavy

All players to meet at venue 6:45pm

In preparation for Dun na ngall fixture

Malachy Magee	Baile Aileach
Paddy McCambridge	Baile Aileach
James McDermott	Baile Marlie
Paul O’Neill	Baile Marlie
Conor McClory	Baile Marlie
Thomas Lennon	Baile Marlie
Niall Higgins	Baile Marlie
Cormac White	Breadach
Matthew McAfee	Breadach
Mark Devlin	Breadach
Michael Mullan	Breadach
Cormac Hughes	Breadach
Conor Beatty	Ceathru Aodha Dhuibh
Declan Doherty	Ceathru Aodha Dhuibh
Paul McAleenan	Liatroim
Brian Grant	Liatroim
Kealim O’Hare	Cluain Daimh
Paddy Gartland	Mourne
Darren Doyle	Mourne
Conor O Hare	Mourne
Shane Courtney	Seamrogai An Iuir
Gary Courtney	Seamrogai An Iuir
Paul Sheaghan	Seamrogai An Iuir
Karl Maxwell	Rinn Mhic Giolla Rua
Allen Higgins	Rinn Mhic Giolla Rua
Conan O’Neill	Rinn Mhic Giolla Rua
Mark Rafferty	Rinn Mhic Giolla Rua
Danny Grant	Rinn Mhic Giolla Rua
Micheal Fegan	Rinn Mhic Giolla Rua
Aaron O’Hare	Rinn Mhic Giolla Rua
Miceal Cunnigham	Rinn Mhic Giolla Rua

 

Ulster Minor Hurling Championship Final: Antrim 2-14 Down 3- 08

Photos and report by Patrick Murphy   www.downgaa.net

Conor Woods scored a penalty for Down Although Antrim were crowned Ulster Minor Hurling Champions in Casement Park on Saturday it was not the walk in the park they had come to expect in recent years. Down opened the scoring with a point from Paul Keith but found themselves 2-5 to 0-1 down after 10 minutes. Antrim peppered Declan Ennis in the Down goals but he had both Padraig Flynn and the crossbar save him in the first half. The Antrim siege was broken by a long ball to James Coyle who beat his man and placed the ball expertly past the Antrim keeper. Whilst Antrim responded immediately with a point, Down maintained the pressure. Two excellent points from Paul Keith and Karl Maxwell, from Warrenpoint, boosted Down’s confidence and they ended 5 points adrift, 2-7 to 1-5. Aidan Clarke tries to get a tackle in Antrim opened the second half with a few points before Aidan Clarke’s persistence dispossessed the Antrim keeper and left him an easy tap to the net. Further Antrim points were cancelled out by a Conor Woods penalty and an excellent long range point from full back Alan Higgins, from Warrenpoint, left the scores level on 2-10 to 3-7 with 4 minutes left. Whilst Antrim were content to settle for points Down maintained their search for goals. Despite several goal mouth scrambles and a spectacular save from the Antrim keeper they failed to put the ball in the net. Whilst Antrim were fortunate to retain their title on a score line of 2-14 to 3-8, Down will rue missing their best opportunity in years. Down: D Ennis, S Conlon, A Higgins (0-1), T Mc Manus, G Courtney, C Woods (1-1), P Flynn, D Ennis, P Mc Aleenan, P Keith (0-1), P O’ Neill, C Gilmore, J Coyle (1-3), N Fowler, M Magee Subs Aidan Clarke 1-1, Karl Maxwell 0-1 Warrenpoint's Alan Higgins fired over an excellent long range point from full back

27/05/2007

Courtesy of www.downgaa.net