Taken from Hoganstand.com

Ross Carr the Down manager was trying to take something from the defeat by Meath in the first round Qualifier at Newry on Saturday evening last. He said that his side were very much in the game in the opening half but too many enforced errors and wayward shooting cost them dearly in the end.

“At half-time we were still in the game trailing by only a goal 1-4 to 0-4 and at that stage we were confident we could win the game. However, we just couldn’t break down the Meath defence although we dominated the last 20 minutes of the game. When you don’t take your scoring chances you pay the price,’’ he added.

He added it was a disappointing end to the season for both the players and management alike especially as we showed promise in the championship games with Cavan and Monaghan, and indeed at times in this Meath game,’’ concluded Carr.

“It’s going to be a long job,’’ says Ross Carr

Speaking after the game on Saturday evening, Down manager Ross Carr gave his assessment of this first season in charge.

“When we came into the job, D. J. and myself we felt it was going to be a long jib. How long it is going to be only the people on board can determine that.’’

He added: “I still think we have made progress in this our first season in charge. Obviously, we didn’t win a game in the NFL and we didn’t set the world alight in the championship, yet the teams that have defeated us – Monaghan and Meath – haven’t thrashed us. Indeed, we more than held our own in those games, and in the end were let down by poor shooting and inexperience.

“I don’t think we’ve the best panel of players in the country at the present time,’’ he replied. “Obviously, we have deficiencies. I know our defence comes in for a lot of criticism, but in today’s game defence starts when you don’t have the ball – no matter where you are on the field of play.

“I felt Meath got out of their defence too easily to launch attacks, and when we were in possession we hadn’t the cutting edge to break them down. However, it is all a learning curve, and hopefully we will be the better for this experience and take it on board next season,’’ added Carr.

The Meath manager Colm Coyle was delighted to come away from the Newry venue with the win. He pointed to his defence as the key to their five points win.

“I thought defensively we were very good to-day,’’ said the former Royals star. Down only scored one point from play, so our defence played a key role in this latest success.

Coyle added: “We have another tough game next Saturday in the second round of the Qualifiers at home to Fermanagh in Pairc Tailteann. The Ernesiders have a good record in recent times against Meath and we will be wary of their challenge. However, the atttidude in the Meath came is very positive at present. The players want to do well, and we would be hopeful on Saturday next, but at the same time expecting a tough challenge,’’ he added.