The provisional 2018 Allianz League fixtures have been announced, with Down opening their football proceedings against Pete McGraths Louth on Sunday the 28th January.

Draft 2018 Allianz League fixtures

Allianz Football League Division 2

Round 1: 
Saturday, January 27th:
Cork v Tipperary;

Sunday January 28th:
Clare v Cavan
Louth v Down
Roscommon v Meath

Round 2: 
Saturday, February 3rd:
Cavan v Louth
Tipperary v Roscommon

Sunday, February 4th:
Down v Cork
Meath v Clare

Round 3:
Saturday, February 10:
Cavan v Meath;

Sunday, February 11:
Clare v Tipperary
Cork v Louth
Roscommon v Down

Round 4: 
Sunday, February 25th:
Cork v Cavan
Down v Clare
Louth v Roscommon
Tipperary v Meath

Round 5: 
Saturday, March 3rd:
Cavan v Down

Sunday, March 4th:
Clare v Roscommon
Meath v Cork
Tipperary v Louth

Round 6: 
Saturday, March 17th:
Cork v Clare

Sunday, March 18th:
Down v Tipperary
Louth v Meath
Roscommon v Cavan

Round 7: 
Sunday, March 25th:
Cavan v Tipperary
Clare v Louth
Meath v Down
Roscommon v Cork

Down champions Kilcoo will be without key forward Ryan Johnston for Sunday’s Ulster club SFC preliminary round clash against Slaughtneil.

The Belfast Telegraph reports that the Magpies’ playmaker has been ruled out with a metatarsal injury he sustained during his club's county final victory over Burren last Sunday week.

The news comes as a huge blow for Kilcoo boss Paul McIver as his side look to upset the odds against last year’s beaten All-Ireland finalists in Newry this weekend.

Former Antrim boss Gearoid Adams says he’s relishing his new role with Down’s senior footballers.

Adams walked away from his Saffron post during the summer after the county board had opted for a nominations process and the news was confirmed yesterday of the St John’s clubman’s decision to link up with the Mourne County under Eamonn Burns.

“Sometimes when it’s your own club or your own county people don’t realise the amount of work that actually goes into a set-up,” Adams told The Irish News.

“We’ll see how Antrim pans out after our time there and all those young boys coming through. But in terms of Down it was nice to get the offer, obviously.

“It’s great to go down to a set-up where they have got three pitches, floodlights and a weights room beside it.

“I’m excited about it because I’m going into a good set-up with good players.”

County Senior Football Team Manager Eamonn Burns is happy to announce that Gearoid Adams has agreed to join his Management Team for the 2018 Season.

We wish Eamonn and his Management team every success in 2018 as we all look forward now to the start of a new campaign.

Toner lays it on line as Ballygalget eye provincial glory
 
By John Campbell

Ballygalget hurling club captain Ben Toner certainly believes in telling it like it is. When his side just managed to get the better of Portaferry in the Down senior championship final last month, 2-13 to 2-12, Toner promptly hailed the faith shown by the management in the players.

"Fair play to them, when we had poor numbers at training earlier in the year the management stood by us and we have been able to go on and retain our title," declared Toner.

Tomorrow Ballygalget can take a step towards further success when they meet Fermanagh representatives Lisbellaw in the Ulster club championship semi-final on their home soil (2.30pm).

It's a challenge which Toner and his team-mates are relishing as they see it as another opportunity to do their management proud.

"We know it's going to be tough but we are up for it," he asserts.

Ballygalget's progress has been underpinned by the work-rate of Gareth 'Magic' Johnston and Brook Byers at midfield, the finishing ability of Cormac Coulter and Toner's leadership skills.

The peninsula outfit will face a Lisbellaw side that, while a close-knit, cohesive unit, has not had the advantage of any championship action because of their 'free passage' into the Ulster club series.

Nonetheless in brothers Ciaran and Sean Corrigan, the McGarry duo John Paul and Kevin, Ryan Bogue and John Duffy they have players capable of posing problems for their opponents.

Lisbellaw manager Sean Duffy is very anxious to see his side get into their stride early and remain vigilant at the back, given that Cormac Coulter in particular is likely to pose a major threat.

Should they succeed in these two objectives, Lisbellaw will have some cause for optimism - but the indications are that Ballygalget should book their place in the final.

Belfast Telegraph

Down County Board Updates

The AGM will take place on Monday 23 October 2017, at 8pm in the Thierafurth Inn, Kilcoo. As you are all aware we are moving into a big year ahead, with our 25 years anniversary and the Feile taking place in Down. It is important that we have all our positions filled and we look forward to new members coming on board to our committee.

Remember you are the county board, and you elect your officers, but we will be asking for more help. Please do not put a nominee on without asking the person first. Nomination forms are to be in by Sunday 8 0ctober at the very latest.

Down U15/16 Academy – BORN 2002 / 2003 ONLY
U15 Academy for girls born 2002/2003 continued on Sunday 1 October at a wet and windy Ballykinlar. With over 65 girls now attending, the academy continues to grow each week. This is a great reflection of the girl’s enthusiasm as the weather hasn't been kind. Academy continues on Saturday 7th October at Ballykinlar girls to arrive 11.20am finishing at 1pm. Girls to bring all outstanding registration forms and monies. New girls very welcome to join in. Please see Facebook for photos!

Down U13 Academy - BORN 2004 ONLY

It was Club Colours Day at the U13 Academy this weekend at Clonduff GAC, which generated great banter. A fantastic turnout of 52 girls in bright sunshine showed great commitment and desire to improve their skills, as the Ulster Blitz on 14 October draws closer. Well done girls on your great attitude throughout. Thanks to Clonduff GAC for the use of their facilities. There is just one weekend left of the Academy and following the Ulster Blitz, trials will get underway to pick the squad for next year’s Ulster U14 Championship. Details will be published early next week of the venue and time for next weekend’s academy. Please see Facebook for photos!

Down U12 Academy - BORN 2005 ONLY

The U12 Academy continued on Sunday 1 October, great turn out this weekend by the girls. The Academy will continue this Sunday at the Bann Road, Castlewellan. Starting at 10am and finishing at 11.30am. The girls involved in the U14 Championships are excused from training.

Fixtures

Keep up to date with fixtures via the website and social media. 

Another momentous day for Niamh McDowell and our Club in Pairc Esler on Sunday.   She had the honour of singing " Amhrán na Bh Fiann " before the the Senior Championship final  between Burren and Kilcoo. Then in recognition of their All Ireland success in Scór and in front of a very appreciative crowd  Niamh and the Clonduff Ballad group( Paul, Colleen, Agnes, Martina and Caroline) were  presented with commemorative medals  by County Chairman Sean Rooney accompanied by William James Smith County Cultural Officer and Paula Magee from Coiste Scór Naisiunta.   At half time George Thompson ,from our u-12 squad,represented the Club in the Clubs of Down presentation at Half time in the Senior Final.  Congratulations to Burren Minors and Kilcoo Seniors on their respective Championship wins and we wish them well in the Ulster Championships and beyond. 

The Eire Óg u-13s had a tough home fixture on Saturday against a very strong Rostrevor side. Despite some good performances from the Eire Óg lads it was not to be their day and it was the visitors who were victorious. 
Training continues st the Quarter road on a Wednesday evening from 7pm until 8pm.

Eire Óg u-16's  take to the field this Saturday in Drumgath for the U-16  "B" final against Clann na Banna. We would like to see a  big crowd there  to cheer the team on.  Jonathan McVeigh from our Minor contingent won a medal with Castlewellan in the East Down Minor  " B" Championship. Great to see our local talent doing well. 

Ballymartin Ladies' Senior team , managed by our own Declan Grant, saw this year's amazing winning streak brought to an end against St. Naul's of Mountcharles in the Ulster Championship Quarter -finals.  A great year with the team going through their County unbeaten with talent from all three of our Local clubs.

Congratulations to Colleen Joyce on her award at Circuits on Tuesday Night. Yoga continues on Mondays at 8.00 p.m.  Circuits on Tuesdays  at 7.00 p.m.   Wednesday night Walking Club at 7.00 p.m . Thursday night Club Bingo at 8.30 p.m . All in the Clubroomsunless stated otherwise. 

We wish a sppedy recovery to our esteemed Club member Ruby Higgins.

Anyone interested in taking part in a free all day woodcarving workshop with lunch provided, please contat Colette Burden.

Glasdrumman U8/U6s played their last GoGames match against local neighbours Atticall U7s on Friday evening. The boys and girls have really developed their skills and teamwork throughout the year and this was very evident in how they played in their games.  The players and mentors will take a break for the winter and Glasdrumman Youth Club will commence shortly. Thanks to all parents and players who committed to the team this season. We will be in touch soon with details of the end of season treat.

SUPPORTING TROCAIRE DOWN GAA INTERMEDIATE AND JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS
Sunday 8th October in Pairc Esler, Newry
Seating: Adults (16+): £10.00    Students/Over 65’s: £8.00 (with valid ID)    Under 16’s: £2.00
Terracing: Adults (16+): £8.00    Students/Over 65’s: £6.00 (with valid ID)    Under 16’s: Go Free

JFC: Bright v Dundrum @ 2.00pm
IFC: Annaclone v Rostrevor @ 4.00pm

FANE VALLEY DOWN GAA U14 & U16 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS
Saturday 7th October in Mayobridge
Entry Fee:  Adults/Students/Over 65’s: £5.00    Under 16’s: Go Free
U14 FC: Burren vs Bredagh @ 1.00pm
U16 FC: Clonduff vs Kilcoo @ 2.45PM