Down runners up in their group this year were beaten by 2006 U16 All Ireland winners Derry (1:03 – 0:03). This defeat early in the season was the team’s incentive to progress and they proved this when they went on and defeated Armagh, Meath and Westmeath.

These young Camogs have improved under the Management of Joan Gilmore (Ballycran). Joan is assisted by Suzy Hynes (Clonduff) and Margaret McNabb (Liatroim), all three have a vast experience and knowledge of the game as a players and managers and all have All Ireland medals under their belts. The management team have worked hard with these girls and hopefully their hard work will be rewarded in Dublin.

The last time Down reached this stage was in 2003 when they had a convincing win against Tyrone in Ballyholland.

Down’s U16 Captain, Caislin Hynes, is keeping the Captaincy role within the family, as her mother Suzy was also team Captain of the Down Minors which went on to win the Minor all Ireland Cup in 1974 which was the inaugural year of this competition.

The Down Camogie panel itself is quite extensive and includes representatives from: Attical, An Riocht, Ballycran, Ben Dearg, Breda, Bryansford, Clonduff, Longstone, Portaferry, St Johns and Warrenpoint. This is a great sign of what talent lies within the County.

It is also important to note, that 7 out of the U16’s firsts, will also be representing their County on the U18’s squad. These young Camogs will be taking part in the U18’s Championship semi finals on Saturday 28 July, the day before their U16’s semi final, when they will be playing against Roscommon in Cavan.

Down have never met Waterford before who ran out easy winners against Roscommon in their last encounter. The Mourne team will know that Waterford will be difficult opponents and will have to put on a good display to reach the final.