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Former
Down hurling All Star nominee to sit out NHL campaign -
16/01/03
Report taken from Hoganstand.com
 Veteran
inter-county hurler Noel Sands may have played his last
match for the Mourne county. The former All-Star nominee
and three-times Ulster championship winner will sit out
Down's forthcoming National Hurling League campaign, and
has no firm plans to wear the 'red and black' jersey again.
However, Mourne team-manager Jimmy O'Reilly
has left the door open to the 34 year-old in case he has
a change of heart, and wants to return for the Ulster championship.
O'Reilly confirmed that he would bring the Portaferry player
back on board later in the year if he so wishes especially
in light of Tom Coulter, Barry Coulter and Paddy Monan's
respective retirements from the inter-county scene. With
basically a young squad at present, Noel Sands experience
would be badly needed.
Jimmy O'Reilly regards this coming season
as his most challenging one since taking over the post of
Down team-manager four years ago. He hopes their inclusion
in the Walsh Cup in Leinster next week will provide the
youthful panel with some much-needed experience against
quality sides. "It is the only they will learn and give
the management some idea of their real potential,'' he added.
Down play Wexford in a challenge game on Saturday, and the
following day (Sunday) they are away to Dublin in the Walsh
Cup competition.
A busy week-end ahead for the Mourne county
hurlers who are eagerly looking forward to the new season.
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