Can Kitty and Lillian make it 2 in a Row? That’s the question that will be answered next Sunday 12th August as Down Minors are through All Ireland Final in Parc Esler, Newry, throw in 1pm.

Down Camogs will be playing their old rivals from last year the Saffrons in a repeat of last years final. Hopefully it will be a repeat of last year’s sensational game. On that day Down came out the champions- a point scored by Sara Louise Carr in the last minute of the game ensured their victory (Down 5:08 Antrim 6:04).

These two sides are both out to ensure their campaign finishes on a high. The sides have met twice this year already. In the group stages of the Championship played at Loughguile Antrim came out victors and showed the Mourne Camogs that they were serious in their crusade to win the Minor All Ireland Title that was snatched cruelly away from their grips last year. However recently in the Ulster semi final Down beat Antrim by a point Down 3-5 Antrim 2-7 with Karen Tinnelly ensuring the win.

Kitty Fegan (Clonduff) and Lillian Tinnelly (Ballyholland) have taken this team from U14 through to Minor Level winning the Ulster U16 Title in 2004 and the Ulster Minor Championship and All Ireland Minor B in 2006.

Kitty herself has won an Ulster Medal and has also played for her County at U16 and Minor level. Her experience is vast in both playing and coaching for both Club and County thus influencing and aspiring young players to reach their full potential. At Club level Kitty has 4 County Feile Titles and has coached Minors to League and Championship honours winning the Minor Championship five times. However the highlight so far this year for Kitty is undoubtedly winning the Senior Club Championship Title against Portaferry for the first time in her clubs history. In this game Kitty displayed her true nature by providing a cheeky goal to secure Clonduff's lead.

Lillian also has vast experience in the Camogie circuit as a player and manager. Lillian is one of the founding members of Ballyholland and currently manages the club Minor team.

The panel is represented by clubs throughout the county - Ben Dearg, An Riocht, Ballycran, Atticall, Clonduff, Ballyholland, Warrenpoint and Longstone. Two members of the panel players such Karen Tinnelly (Ballyholland) and Sara Louise Carr (Clonduff) were also part of this years County Senior Panel. Not to be outdone we have players who played for Down’s U16’s, Jordan Hynds (Ben Dearg), Suzelle Johnston (Ballycran), Colleen Fearon (An Riocht), Megan O’Reilly (Clonduff) and Amy McCarthy (Ballycran). These five girls had the heartache of being defeated by Waterford in last weekends All Ireland U16 semi-final and therefore getting the opportunity to get on to this panel and going in to an All Ireland Final, is an event they will never forget.

In all weather conditions, you will find these young camogs out training. How do they find the time? Through dedication to their sport and education they make time. Clonduff’s Paula Gribben is a prime example of what can be achieved. Paula has two All Ireland medals, at Minor and at U16 level. Paula has also won a Down Senior Football medal picking up ‘Player of the Match’. Paula with her team mates will be out this Sunday to ensure that Down retains the All Ireland Minor Title.

Throughout their campaign Down Minors have been sponsored by Tinnelly Demolition (Newry), Kilkeel Kitchen Centre and Moyfab Atticall. Tinnelly’s has been involved with the Down Minors over the last few years and have seen how successful these young camogs are. Indeed a great deal of appreciation must go to Tinnelly’s for their sponsorship. Also the parents of the panel must be thanked as they also must take credit in ensuring that the girls are properly equipped for all eventualities.

By all accounts both teams are up for the challenge and what a match this Sunday will be.
Down’s Path to the Final

1st April Armagh 4:07 5:06 Down

15 April Antrim 7:12 3:03 Down

28 April (Postponed to 24 June)
Down 2:09 2:05 Offaly
12 May
Derry 1:03 2:16 Down
30 June
Kildare OFF OFF Down
14 July
Quarter Final

Monaghan OFF OFF Down
28 July
Semi Final Roscommon 0:03 10:25 Down