Open invitation to the Down Minor Hurling panel

Trials for the Down Minor Hurling team begin on Thursday night at 7.15 in St Columba’s Sports Hall under the guidance of new Down Minor Manager John Dougherty. The Ballycran man has extended an open invitation to all minor hurlers in the county to join an initial training squad for the League and challenge games.

John and his team of selectors have in place a 3 year plan which they hope “will bring Down hurling back to where it is meant to be”. In preparation for this post he has forged links with the Kilkenny county board and has assurances they will provide coaching assistance in Down and they will also set up weekend training camps for the panel in Kilkenny.

In order to cast the net as wide as possible the managerial team will be actively seeking players from across the county. Emphasis will be placed on prior involvement with the U-16 and U17 Hurling Development Squads. However John is keen to point out that he wants to examine more than just them. Unlike previous years this tears managerial team hope to place more emphasis on scouting for players in the Down Leagues.

Anyone wishing to attend the session on Thursday night should bring both boots and trainers as well as their hurling gear.