DOWN:           4:09 OFFALY:        0:04

This match was on, then it was off and then on again as Offaly appeared not wanting to travel and therefore details of the time, venue etc was not know until the last minute. This appears to have upset quite a few people but hopefully the details for the next match will be organised well in advanced as Down is playing at home to Antrim.

Down took on Offaly in the grounds of Ballela on Sunday 25 February, playing against strong winds. It was within 2 mins that Downs Kelly O’Higgins opened the score with 2 consecutive points. This was then followed by Offaly scoring 3 points. At this point of the game, Down made a change with Jenny McHugh on for Aoibheann O’Neill. Offaly defence was unbelievable and simply prevented Down from scoring. They appeared to be in front of Down at all times and the speed they were playing at, Down found it hard to keep up with them.

Downs Cathy Mulholland battled hard to maintain position and it was due to sheer strength and skill, that she was able to score the first goal of the game. Fionnaula Carr caused a stir amongst the crowd as she slid across the grass and blocked a pass from an Offaly player. Moya Maginn played outstandingly in defence. The final point of the first half was scored by Offaly. Score Down 1:03, Offaly 0:04. Down should have scored more points in the first half but their forwards seemed to be having communication problems.

Whatever Jerome and Maureen, said to the Down Camogs, paid off Down came out into the second half of the game with a different attitude and within 5 mins of play scored a goal and 4 points. Even though Offaly was playing against the wind, key players such as Karen Gribben proved to make several excellent blocks and cleared any potential scares for Down. There were several changes for both sides Katherine McGourty on for Cathy Mulholland, Sara Louise Carr for Karen Tinnely, Emma Keith for Grainne O’Higgins and Claire Quinn for Caitriona McCrickard. These changes of play proved to be to much for Offaly, as they never got to scored at all within the second half.

It was great to see Katherine McGourty back on the panel. Katherine is still studying at Strathclyde and hastily left the pitch as soon as the game was over to catch her plane back to Glasgow.

The Down panel has quite a selection to choose from and positions on the team are now being fought for. Downs next game will be against Antrim. This is going to be an extremely tough match for Down.

The final score Down 4:09 - Offaly 0:04.

Player of the Match :  Karen Gribben.

Down:  Theresa McGowan, Ann Morgan, Moya Maginn, Deborah McClelland, Grainne O’Higgins, Fionnuala Carr, Karen McMullan, Mairin McAleenan (0.2), Ciara McGovern (1.0), Caitriona McCrickard, Karen Gribben (0.1), Cathy Mulholland (1.0), Aoibheann O’Neill, Kelly O’Higgins (1.5), Karen Tinnelly, Clare Quinn, Roseleen McCann, Claire Trainor, Emma Keith, Orla Maginn, Jennifer McHugh (0.1), Sara-Louise Carr(1.0), Coleen Grant and Katherine McGourty.