Rossa game the last before final
Having already travelled to Ben Dearg the week before the All-Ireland semi-final clash with Roscommon for a challenge game with Down, Antrim champions Rossa welcomed Down to Rossa Park on Sunday evening for what was Down's last challenge match before their final clash with Cork.
In what was a close tight game, Down emerged winners by 3-14 (23) to 4-9 (21).

While the margin of victory was slim enough, Down manager Bernie McNally used the occasion to have a good look at her complete squad of players as she explained. "We probably should have won by more considering the possession we had and the chances we missed but in saying that, Rossa really put it up to us. Even though it was a challenge fixture, it was a good hard physical game, and that's exactly what we needed..

This was our last game before the All-Ireland and it gave me a chance to look at a few combinations and also the opportunity to try players in different positions and see how thy adapted. While the Camogie may not have been pretty at times, the game served its purpose which is always important when it's a challenge game."

From here on in to the All-Ireland Final, it's heads down for the Mourne County players. With the press and media now catered for, all focus will now be on the job at hand...to win the All-Ireland Junior Championship.

Paul Welsh
Fairplay sport and leisure