Switch for Carr has Down on up

By John Campbell
Thursday, 24 July 2008

The Carr family input to Down’s progress has now helped to form visions that a place in the last twelve of the All Ireland Football Championship is now a clear goal.

While Ross Carr has been calling the tactical shots as manager, his son Aidan has helped to stiffen the defence while at the same time proving a healthy source of scores from long-range free-kicks.

Not so long ago, Aidan was a more familiar figure in the half-forward division but a seamless transition to wing-back has helped to project him as one of the top defenders in the country.

When Down meet Laois in the All Ireland Qualifiers at Portlaoise on Saturday, Aidan and his colleagues are expecting a torrid examination of their skills from players like Ross Munelly, Colm Parkinson and Billy Sheehan.

“Laois got that win over Longford under their belts last week-end and they will be ready for us. But while we were disappointed not to beat Armagh in the Ulster semi-final, I think we showed against Offaly last weekend that there is nothing wrong with our attitude nor our appetite,” says Aidan.

His ability to translate defence into attack and to support his midfield – Dan Gordon has been superb for Down here all year – is a key factor in Down’s strategy.

“I’m used to playing in the half-back line although the absence of Liam Doyle because of injury is obviously a blow to us,” says Aidan.