Success was the name of the game for the Down Ladies this weekend as both the Minor and U14 teams took to the field.  The Minors, playing in the Ulster B Championship final faced Fermanagh in a windy Irvinestown on Saturday.  Down dominated right from the start with goals from full forward Grainne Kelly, Orla Fegan and captain Kyla Trainor, with the half time score of 4-8 to 0-3 an accurate reflection of the play.  The second half saw a reversal of fortunes as Fermanagh came out firing.  Three quick goals and a penalty kick saw them exert considerable pressure on the Down full back line and an unlikely comeback looked on the cards as they found themselves three points down with ten minutes to go.  However, the Down backline regained its composure with Louise Baker and Newry Shamrocks player, Sinead Fegan working tirelessly.  Goalkeeper Christine McCarthy also pulled off a number of important saves.  Down finished the stronger of the two teams with Kyla Trainor and Grainne Kelly both testing the crossbar.  Final score Fermanagh 5-5  Down 4-14.  The win is a considerable achievement for what is one of the youngest teams in the Ulster Championship and managers John McCarthy and Noel Haughey will be hoping for bigger and better things for this side in 2007.   

 
Down Minor team with sponsors Gerard and Siobhan Rice, Around a Pound with the winning trophy (captain Kyla Trainor holding it).

It was a similar story with the Down U14 team as they overcame a determined Tyrone B side in Killyclogher.  Playing in blustery conditions, Down dominated the first half, finding themselves up by twelve at half time.  However, Tyrone fought back to come within three points with minutes to go.  Some heroic goal keeping from Rostrevor 'keeper, Kate Nolan and all round determination saw them hold on to reach the Ulster B Championship final on June 17th.  Stars for Down on the day were Saval duo Natashya Lennon and Eimear Kane with substitute Ciara McGuire from Bredagh making a big impact in the back line.  Final score Tyrone B 4-5   Down 4-8.

 
The Down U14 team.