On the Ladies football calendar,
the Suzuki National League is fast approaching.
The Down Ladies team, who will feature in Division
Two, are approaching the year with renewed enthusiasm
with a new management set-up, several new faces
on the panel and a lot of hard work already
done.
The mourne girls have worked
hard for this year’s competitions, starting
their pre season training well before Christmas.
With the hill running now a thankfully distant
memory though, the girls have played a number
of very competitive friendlies in recent weeks
against Division One sides Meath and Monaghan
and college team, UUJ.
New faces on the panel include
Fionnuala Carr and Janine Brannigan from Clonduff,
with Mairead Trainor and Shauna McKevitt making
up the new Burren contingent in the side. Natasha
Ferris (Bryansford) and Ciara McArdle (Annaclone)
have also made the step up while Louise Kelly
has the privilege of becoming the first St Michael’s
player to represent her county. Alongside the
new players to the panel, Eliza Downey (Annaclone)
and Jenna Connell (Bryansford) have also returned,
bringing some much needed experience to the
panel. The young players who joined the side
last season have also continued to make good
progress, particularly Saval’s Niamh McGowan,
the Fegan twins, Sinead and Orla from Newry
Shamrocks and Bredagh’s Emma Mulhern who
was awarded the most improved county player
in 2007.
New managers Paul McShane and
Sean O’Hare have been pleased with the
team’s preparation saying, “the
work the girls have put into pre season training
has been immense. Their attitude from day one
has demonstrated their commitment to the team
this year and they have done all that has been
asked of them from a training perspective. We
know that we have some hard games ahead of us,
but with promotion to Division One our objective
for 2008, we are looking forward to the challenge.”
The fixtures draw has been
kind to the Down team this year with three home
friendlies out of four. They kick off their
National League campaign against Longford on
Sunday 3rd February at 1pm in Saval. Alongside
their footballing efforts, the team have also
organised a number of fundraising nights. They
will be hosting a table quiz in the Canal Court
Hotel on Thursday 7th February and a Night At
The Races in the Downshire Arms on Friday 22nd
February. The support of all clubs is very much
appreciated.
