Arrangements are well underway for the Down U16 girls team as they prepare to face Roscommon in the All Ireland B Final in Pairc Taileann, Navan on Saturday.  As they take to the field, they also become the first underage team from Down to reach an All Ireland Final.  The girls have reached the final following hard fought victories over Fermanagh and Kilkenny.  They also overcame Westmeath in the All Ireland semi final with a text book display of tackling and forward play in Ardee a fortnight ago.

Noel Haughey (Down U16's Manager), Cathy O'Hanlon and Orla Sloan (The Quays) and Down players, Niamh McGowan, Sinead Fegan, Orla Fegan and Catherine Digney

As part of their preparations for the big game, the girls have been availing of the wise words of former Derry star and RTE pundit Joe Brolly, who took the team for a training session at the weekend, placing an emphasis on simplicity, timing and teamwork.  The squad has also benefited from the input of Down Senior manager, Gregory McGonigle in the last number of weeks. 

Managers Noel Haughey and John McCarthy looking forward to the big game with Noel commenting, “the girls are well prepared and looking forward to the game.  We knew we had a special bunch of players from the very first training session, both in terms of skill and individual character.  We set ourselves a target to reach an All Ireland Final at the start of the year and intend to do ourselves proud, especially given that it’s the first time a Down underage team have made it to this stage.”  Co-manager John McCarthy had a word of appreciation for the support the team has received over the course of the year.  “The support from players’ families has been immense.  There is as much of a time commitment from parents as players in terms of providing transport to training and support at games.  The last number of weeks especially has been fantastic in terms of fundraising efforts from parents, clubs and schools.  The support from our sponsors, the Quays, Newry has also been excellent throughout the year in raising the profile of the team.”

The success experienced by the team this year bodes well for next year as many of the players are still in the age bracket for 2007.  The quality of the team is also reflected in the fact that the player of the match awards for both the Senior and Intermediate Championship finals this year went to members of the squad, namely Grainne Kelly (Annaclone) and Paula Gribben (Clonduff).  A repeat of the scoring accuracy and commitment shown in the semi final may well result in some silverware crossing the border on Saturday evening and a first ever all Ireland title for the team.  The game takes place in Pairc Taileann, Navan at 2.30pm.