Donegal continue winning ways 27/07/2003
All Ireland Qualifer: Donegal 3-15 Down 2-10

Linden - When is he going to retire - By Alex McGreevy, The People 20/07/2003

Soccer and Gaelic Marriage to help Down !!! - By Alex McGreevy, The Down Democrat 20/07/2003

O'Rourke wants Real Down to stand up and be counted 25/07/2003

Donegal name team to face Down 25/07/2003

Donegal boss disappointed for Down duo 24/07/2003

McEniff must plan without Diver for Down clash 23/07/2003

Down lodge second McCartan appeal to GAA's Management 23/07/2003

Coulter doubtful for Saturday's Qualifier clash with Donegal 22/07/2003

Down overwhelmed by Tyrone side of Fire 20/07/2003
Ulster Senior Football Championship Final Replay: Tyrone 0-23 Down 1-05

Tyrone team named for replay 18/07/2003

O'Rourke disappointed with GAC decision 18/07/2003

McCartan loses appeal 17/07/2003

McCartan to Appeal Sending Off 16/07/2003

McGrath set for sensational return to managment 03/07/2003
Ex Down manager Pete McGrath could be set for a sensational return to the inter-county managerial scene as manager of Louth - one year after leaving the Down post. Though he hasn't been contacted by anybody from Louth, the former Down All-Ireland winning manager has stated that he would consider an approach if it was made.
McGrath who quit the Down job last year after defeats to Donegal and Longford is keen to get back into the management scene. He was offered a number of high profile posts last year including the Antrim post but declinded them due to wanting a rest from the the inter county scene. Now that the batteries have been recharged and that his appetite may have returned he may reconsider if an offer was put on the table.

Fermanagh through to Ulster minor final 27/06/2003
Fermanagh are definitely through to the Ulster minor final after Down's appeal against their involvement in the decider was thrown out by the provincial council. Down appealed against Fermanagh's semi-final win on the grounds that the Ernesiders had played an extra man for a period of two minutes late in the game following a blood substitute.
However, the substitution was deemed legal by GAA chiefs while a separate Fermanagh counter appeal was also thrown out.

No injury problems for Down 26/06/2003
Down football team manager Paddy O'Rourke has reported no injury concerns ahead of the Ulster final against Tyrone on July 13 after Sunday's hard fought victory over Fermanagh.
Full-back Brian Burns did carry a slight knock into the game though, a fact that possibly contributed to an uncharacteristically under par display that saw him outsmarted time and again by Stephen Maguire and eventually sent off after receiving a second yellow card for persistent fouling.
The Down panel will be given a total rest between now and the final against Tyrone as this weekend's league games are all 'starred' matches meaning that no club can field their county players.

Down Officials log objection to Fermaghan minor result 25/06/2003

Demanding fans can't forgive their exiles 24/06/2003
Article by Paddy Heaney appeared in Irish News

Photos from Ulster Semi Final 2003: Down 2-10 v Fermanagh 0-11 22/06/2003

McCartan leads the way for Down to Ulster Final 22/06/2003
Ulster Semi Final: Down 2-10 Fermanagh 0-11
Gregory McCartan was man of the match with some out standing catching and fielding of the ball throughout this close encounter with Fermanagh . . .
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Down seniors through to Ulster final against Tyrone 22/06/2003
Down 2-10 0-11 Fermanagh
Fermanagh looked to be heading for victory after they had clawed back a six-point deficit midway through the first half to take the lead against the Mournemen who had been reduced to 14 men. But Down never gave up and when James McCartan rattled in the second goal in the 56th minute, the Mournemen surged back and never allowed the Ernemen to trouble the scoreboard again.
Down 2-10 - G McCartan 1-4 J McCartan 1-0 Murtagh 0-1 McCrickard 0-1 Doyle 0-3 Coulter 0-1
Fermanagh 0-11 - R Gallagher 0-4 Keenan 0-2 McCabe 0-3 Bradley 0-1 Maguire 0-1

Photos from Ulster Minor Semi Final 2003: Down 0-08 v Fermanagh 2-03 22/06/2003

Down minors fall to Fermanagh 22/06/2003
Down 0-08 2-03 Fermanagh
In a poor minor game that never lived up its billing, both teams were very poor with Fermanagh just edging the result. Down never lived up to the standard that they displayed in their previous game against Armagh, but had their change to win the game on more than one occasion. If they had taken their points earlier in the game in stead of going for the goal which they never got - they would have easily have won this game.

Mulholland suspension is lifted 12/06/2003
Down's attacking options have been increased ahead of their Ulster football championship semi-final against Fermanagh after the Ulster Council overturned Shane Mulholland's two-month ban. The experienced forward was sent off while playing for his club Ballyholland and was handed an eight-week ban by the Down county board for verbally abusing the referee. But Mulholland appealed the decision to the provincial council and was cleared of any offence.

Mulholland ban 10/06/2003
Shane Mulholland who last played for the county team in 2001 against Armagh and who returned to the County squad in March has been handed a two month suspencion by the Down GAA Board.
Mulholland was sent off while playing for his club Ballyholland and was handed a two-month suspension last week after also been found guilty of verbally abusing the match referee.
Mulholland has launched an appeal to the Ulster Council which will be heard this week (Thursday night). If as expected Mulholland gets his suspension overturned he would add an additional attacking option for the Ulster Football Semi-final against Fermanagh

Gordon should be back for semi final 11/06/2003
THE injury which forced Dan Gordon to limp off during Down's win over Monaghan - their first championship victory for four years - has been diagnosed as an ankle ligament problem. It's not that serious though, and Down are hopeful the 19-year-old Loughinisland attacker will be fit for the Ulster semi-final against Fermanagh on June 22. "Early reports indicate that he will be able to resume training by the weekend, so we're keeping our fingers crossed," said team spokesman Seán Óg McAteer.

O'Rourke's sights now on final 11/06/2003
Paddy O'Rourke has warned the Down following that their is a tough hurdle between them and the Ulster final. Fermanagh who over came Donegal stand between them and a place in the 13 July decider. "That will be a diffuclt one for us," said O'Rourke. "In the National League, Fermanagh finished top of the section we were bottom in. "They are a good side, a well organised team, and have plenty of Championship experience behind them."

Fury at attack on Monaghan fans after Down Game 10/06/2003
There was widespread anger in Monaghan at the treatment meted out to their supporters who travelled to Belfast for their championship game against Down on Sunday, 8th June. Traffic chaos lead to. . . .
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Photos from Down v Monaghan Ulster Football Championship 2003 09/06/2003

Down get first victory in four years 09/06/2003
Ulster Senior Football Championship:
Down 1-12 v Monaghan 0-13 08/06/2003
It was a scrappy victory for Down over Monaghan at Casement park on Sunday but this victory in front of 21,948 fans, Down's first in the championship in four years was worth its weight in gold. . . .
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Down show great promise as they cut Orchard minors down to size 09/06/2003
Ulster Minor Football Championship:
Down 2-14 v Armagh 0-06 Sun 08/06/2003
The Down minor team opened proceeding at Casement Park on Sunday with a great victory over Ulster Minor League champions Armagh . . .
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Down through to semi-finals 08/06/2003
Down 1-12 Monaghan 0-13
Down are through to the semi-finals of the Ulster Football Championship after a thrilling victory over Monaghan at Casement Park on Sunday. Monaghan, who had beaten All-Ireland champions Armagh in an earlier round, had been four points ahead in the first half. But Down scored the only goal of the game through Michael Walsh early on the second half and Monaghan were left to rue a number of missed chances. Down now play Fermanagh in the Ulster semif-finals while Monaghan will gace Westmeath in the All-Ireland qualifiers.

A double for Down 08/06/2003
Down minors and seniors over came Armagh and Monaghan respectively. The minors crashed Armagh minors 2-14 to 0-06 while the seniors overcame Monaghan conquerors of All Ireland Champions Armagh in the previous round 1-12 to 0-13.

Down look to Coulter for edge 07/06/2003
BRENDAN Coulter could wield a big influence for Down against Monaghan in tomorrow's Ulster SFC clash at Casement Park, Belfast. Coulter is included in the Down attack but could find himself deployed as a third midfielder should manager Paddy O'Rourke decide that his engine-room needs re-tuned. Coulter in fact is one of two Down forwards, the other being Dan Gordon, who have served at midfield during the course of the recent National League. And Liam Doyle, at right-half-forward tomorow, has also sampled life in the central area.
The fact that O'Rourke has interesting options to him could tilt the scales in Down's favour although Monaghan manager Colm Coyle believes that Eoin Lennon and Jason Hughes still form one of the best midfield pairings around.

Down Senior Team to face Monaghan 03/06/2003
All Ulster eyes will be focused on Casement Park, Belfast, on Sunday 8th June for the meeting of Monaghan and Down in the . . .
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Casement losers will face another big test 06/06/2003
THE draw for the first round of the All Ireland Qualifiers provided the perfect incentive for both Down and Monaghan to come out on top in their Casement Park clash on Sunday. . . .
Article appeared in Belfast Te
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Orchard Men Expecting "Surreal Atmpsphere" for Minor Game 06/06/2003
Houlihan expecting a 'surreal' Casement ARMAGH football minor manager Ger Houlihan is anticipating a "surreal atmosphere" at Casement Park on . . .
Article appeared in Irish NEws
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Coulter speaks of the Sacrifices 04/06/2003

O'Rourke's squad reports no injury concerns 03/06/2003
Paddy O'Rourkes squad reports no injury concerns ahead of the game with Monaghan on Sunday, with Michael Walsh (groin) and Sean Ward (shoulder) back to full fitness and expected to be included in Down's first 15. "We've a clean bill of health, so we've no problems on that front,' says team spokesman Sean Og McAteer. "Our preparations have been good and in recent weeks we've had wins over Louth and Dublin in challenges, a draw with Westmeath while we were beaten by Offaly. "The players have worked very well. It's a very competitive squad and I am sure that Paddy (O'Rourke) is happy with the work the boys have done and we're looking forward to the Monaghan game."

Down minors will be hoping that a father-son double act can lead to victory 04/06/2003
Former senior star Ross Carr is the manager, while the star player is his son Aidan who will line out at midfield. The team is regarded by many as the most talented since the '99 All-Ireland winning crop. Jason Browne, who is a nephew of the late Ambrose Rogers, is a prolific forward. Bryansford's Darren Neeson and Stephen Toner anchor a tight defence while Newry Bosco's Mark Rooney and Ryan Lynch are two others to look out for. Down will be hoping to overturn the defeat they suffered to Armagh in the Ulster minor league. Match takes place at 1.30 Casement park Belfast.

Winners of Down / Monaghan game to met Fermanagh in Ulster Semi Final. 01/06/2003
Fermanagh over came Donegal in Brewster park today (Sunday) by 10 point to 6 to set up an Ulster Semi Final meeting with the winners of the Down/Monaghan game. Mean while the bank door drew the losers of the Down Monaghan game against the losers of the Meath / Westmeath replay match which will take place on Saturday.

Monaghan's Corey ruled out for Down Games 29/05/2003
Monaghan's hopes of reaching the Ulster SFC semi-finals have been hit by a shock two month ban imposed on 20-year-old right back, Vincent Corey . . .
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Down in broken jaw row with Westmeath 28/05/2003
Westmeath are demanding an investigation into an incident in a challenge game against Down on Sunday which led to defender Ken Larkin sustaining a broken jaw . . .
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Mourne Minors prepare for Orchard Meeting 29/05/2003
Both Down and Armagh minor teams have been preparing for this local derby clash for some time . . .
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Down captain back for Monaghan SFC game16/05/2003
Burren clubman Sean Ward is on course to return for Down at midfield for their crunch Ulster SFC quarterfinal clash with Monaghan on June 8th at Casement Park, Belfast. The 27 year-old team-captain made a successful comeback after injury last weekend in a challenge game against Dublin at Ardglass. Ward, such an influential member of the current county panel missed the last round of the NFL against Meath, after straining shoulder ligaments against Kildare. He also came through a Down S.F.L. game for Burren on Monday night.

L to r, "It's a deal" Sean Og McAteer, senior football team liaison officer, PJ McGee team trainer and selector, Mickey McVey senior team captain, John McParland Canal Court Hotel, Danny Stewart Canal Court Hotel, team sponsor, Aidan OPrey vice captain senior football team, Mickey Linden. Photos By Jerry Quinn	L to r Danny Stewart, MD Gaelic Gear, Hugh Morgan MD Morgan Fuels sponsor Minor football team, Owen Henry captain minor football team, Ross Car minor football team manager.

Down Sign up with Gaelic Gear 12/05/2003
The Down County GAA Committee today announced a three year agreement with sports clothing manufacturer 'Gaelic Gear '. . .
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DOWN TO PLAY MONAGHAN IN ULSTER CHAMPIONSHIP 10/05/2003
Down will play Monaghan in the first round og the Ulster Championship after Monaghan over came All Ireland Champions Armagh 0-13 to 0-09 in the Preliminaries

Down over come Dublin to lift spirits for championship 14/05/2003
Down played Dublin at the opening of the Ardglass pitch on Sunday evening and ran out winners on a score line of 1-13 to 0-13. The players certainly displayed the right attitude when the outplayed Dublin for most of the match. With this victory and Monaghan defeating All Ireland Champions Armagh on Sunday Down will travel to Casement of June the 9th confident that they can put a run together in the championship.

Pre Championship clash between Down and Dublin 08/05/2003
Down GAA fans will have the opportunity to see Down play Dublin this weekend at the opening of Ardglass's new pitch. Game is due to start at 6.00 pm. With this match being played on th eeve of the Championship both teams will be fielding their strongest teams. Down play the winners of this Sundays Armagh and Monaghan match on 9th June.

Down minor training 01/05/2003
In preparation for the Ulster MFC quarter-final against either Armagh or Monaghan, the Down minor panel is training on Wednesday and Friday nights and Sundays and it is hoped to have one challenge game per week as part of the preparations.
Down minors beat Kildare by 12 points in a challenge game on Sunday.

Down minors cruise to comfortable win 19/04/2003
Minor League, Down 1-18 Antrim 0-05
THE County Minor footballers had little difficulty in dealing with a poor Antrim side at Newcastle on Saturday . . .
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Sligo win sends Mournemen down 21/04/2003
Sligo defeated Kildare 0-12 to 1-07 in the replay of the blunder game from Feb has meant that Down have been relegated to Div 2 along with Kildare

Sligo injuries give Down hope 18/04/2003
Injuries to Dessie Sloyan and Gerry McGowan ahead of the crunch Division 1B replayed league game could give Down some hope of survival in the Division. Both Sloyan and McGowan have been consistently the best forwards for the Connacht side over the past few seasons and if they were to be ruled out then Sligo's potent attack would be greatly diminished.
Sloyan is suffering from a back problem while McGowan’s dead leg is causing problems and the players will face fitness tests later this evening. Sligo play Kildare in the replayed Division 1B league tie and if Kildare are victorious, then Down will maintain their position in the top flight next year while both Kildare and Sligo make the drop.

Linden back with Down 17/04/2003
The evergreen Mickey Linden has made a dramatic return to the Down senior panel. Linden, who will turn 40 this year, trained with the county panel on Sunday. Amazingly, it's Mickey's 22nd successive year in the panel.
The former All-Star and All-Ireland winner is now expected to figure in Paddy O’Rourke’s plans for the Ulster championship quarter-final against either Armagh or Monaghan on June 8.

Mourne County fall to Orchard Bloom 06/04/2003
Minor Football League: Armagh 2-13 Down 1-08 - Sat 12/04/2003
Neither managers Ross Carr or Ger Houlihan were giving much away as the two sides may meet in the Ulster Championship later this year. Both sides displayed character but it took a late flurry from the Orchard County . . .
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Down anger over re-fixed match 11/04/2003
Despite what many felt would be a life-line to Down with the re-fixing of the Kildare v Sligo Allianz NFL game for Easter Sunday, the opposite has been case as Down Chairman, Eamon O'Toole has reacted angrily to the GAC decision. . . .
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Sligo and Kildare game to be replay 10/04/2003
The Games Administration Committee has ordered Sligo and Kildare to replay their infamous NFL Div 1B tie at Markievicz Park on Easter Sunday.
Kildare won the initial tie but were docked the two points for submitting an inadequate team-sheet to the referee beforehand. Kildare are definitely relegated anyway but if they beat Sligo then Down will move out of the bottom two in the division and stay up.