Down Gaelic Athletic Association - Past County Hurling News 2003

Brian McAvoy's Chairman's Address to Hurling Convention 2003 26/11/2003

New county hurling management in place 20/11/2003
Newly elected Down senior hurling team-manager John Crossey has his management team in place for the commencement of the National Hurling League (Division 2) campaign in February.
The County Committee has sanctioned the appointment of Sean Cavanagh from the Lamh Dhearg club in Belfast as team-trainer; and selectors Mick Braniff (Ballycran), former All-Ireland winner Hugh Dorrian (Ballygalget) and Hugh Pat McCusker from Ballela.

Hurling Board AGM THE annual general meeting of the Down Hurling Board will be held in the RGU Social Centre, Downpatrick, on Tuesday, November 25.

McAvoy wants a united front to elevate Down 29/10/2003

Crossey has the credentials says predecessor O'Reilly 26/10/2003

Crossey appointed as Down Hurling Boss 24/10/2003

Six Down players named in Ulster Hurling Squad 09/10/2003
Down have had only six players named in the 29 man Ulster Railway Cup announced for the game against Leinster in Belfast on 18 October. Antrim dominate with 18 players named in the squad.
Derry's Oliver Collins may have announced his intention to quit the intercounty scene but he has neverthless been included in the panel. Collins is one of four Derrymen in the squad.
The six Down men in the squad are:
G Clarke, P Braniff, G Johnson, S Murray, S Clarke, S Wilson
The remainder of the squad is: DD Quinn, M Kettle, C Kelly, M McCambridge, J Campbell, K McKeegan, C Herron, J Connolly, C Cunning, L Richmond, C McGuckian, P Richmond, L Watson, Gregory O'Kane, B McFall, A Delargy, M Molloy, M Herron (all Antrim), D Magill, P O'Kane, O Collins, E McKeever (all Derry)

O'Reilly Resigns Down Hulring Post 06/09/2003

Coulter is U-16 manager
Barry Coulter has been ratified as manager of the county U-16 hurling team.
Paddy Braniff, who has led Down to success in the Ulster JHC, has also been reappointed.

Down have made an application to Croke Park that the junior side be allowed to compete in Division 3 of the NHL.

Down outclassed by Kilkenny in U21 Hurling Semi Final at Mullingar 23/08/2003
ERIN ALL-IRELAND U-21 HURLING S-FINALS - Kilkenny 4-19 1-07 Down

Down U21 Hurlers take on Kilkenny in All Ireland Semi Final 22/08/2003

Kilkenny face Down on Saturday in Mullingar in the All Ireland U-21 Hurling semi-final.

Anxious wait for Kilkenny U21 boss 22/08/2003
Kilkenny U21 hurling manager Martin Fogarty has made one change to his team ahead of the All-Ireland semi-final with Down but his main concern relates to two team members who are involved in local championship action.
Fogarty will sit out this evening in nervous tension as he waits to see if two of his fledgling young stars, Willie O'Dwyer and Conor O'Loughlin, both involved in important Kilkenny senior hurling championship games in Ballyhale come through unscathed.
Kilkenny face Down on Saturday in Mullingar in the All Ireland U-21 Hurling semi-final.

Kilkenny (U-21 HC v Down): D. Herity, M. Phelan, C. Hickey, G. Joyce, K. Coogan, J. Tyrell, J. J. Delaney, S. Hennessy, T. Walsh, C. Phelan, P. Cleere, W. O'Dwyer, A. Fogarty, S. O'Neill, B. Dowling.

Down Hurlers defeat Derry to Claim first Ulster title since 1990 24/07/2003

Down lose Hurling Junior Final 15/06/2003
Down...........................2-11 Donegal.......................5-13
DOWN'S dream of annexing the Ulster Junior Hurling Championship crown was dashed by Donegal in the final at Casement Park. Donegal proved vastly superior in terms of skill, team work and finishing power. In fact, for Donegal read Burt. The East Donegal club side, which has ruled the hurling scene in Tir Connail for the past two decades, provided all 15 starting players and the four substitutes. Down played their hearts out but overall lacked the pace and accuracy of their opponents. They led for a spell in the first half, but were quickly overhauled. Donegal always looked the fitter and better balanced side. Their stick work, fielding and team play was excellent. Down, however, played their part in an excellent game and had their own moments of good play.
Down: S. Boyle; G. Cairns, B. McAleenan, P. McCusker; D. McGovern, P. McCabe, F. Murray, J. Murphy (1-0), T. Jennings; D. McCusker (1-0) C. McCabe, A. Brown; D. Morgan, J. McCrickard (0-5), A. Tinnelly (0-4). Subs; L. Boyle for Cairns, P. Matthews (0-2) for Morgan, R. Matthews for McGovern, A. McGilligan for Murphy.

Hurlers set for Casement
It will be back to Casement Park next Sunday for Down followers from the hurling fraternity. Down hurlers play Donegal in the Ulster JHC final, which is a curtain-raiser to the Antrim v Tyrone SFC semi-final. Down will be hoping that some of the terrific supporters of last Sunday will return to cheer them on.

Photos from Down Junior Huling Games against Tyrone and Cavan 07/06/2003

Attractive programme planned for SHC Final Day 05/06/2003
The Down Hurling Board in an effort to spruce up the senior hurling championship final occasion this season, will be producing a special colour programme filled with memories, dates, a quiz, photographs of winning teams and events down the years. The All-Ireland J.H.C. winners of 1963 and the Ulster S.H.C. winners of 1992 will be the special guests on the day, and they will be introduced to the crowd at the half-time break in the senior decider. Other ideas are also being considered by the Hurling Board to make it a very special occasion and the highlight of the hurling year in the Mourne county for players and spectators alike.

Down Hurling boss O'Reilly speaks out 21/05/2003
Down hurling manager Jimmy O'Reilly has spoken out against the Ulster GAA Council for the refixturing of the Ulster SHC final. The Ulster Council switched the Ulster Hurling Final from Sunday the 8th June to Sat the 7th as a result of Monaghan defeating the All Ireland Champions Armagh in the SFC, which means that Monaghan will now meet Down at Casement Park for the first round game on that Sunday. O'Reilly blasted: "I am genuinely despondent. It was a smack between the eyes going into the Ulster semi-final. I was just bewildered by the decision."
O'Reilly is also annoyed that Down's season is over after only one match. "Westmeath and Kerry are getting another game," he added. "What is good enough for Leinster and Munster should be good enough for Ulster. What about parity of esteem? Our season ended on May 18."

Two Down hurlers make Irish Independent Team of the Week 21/05/2003
Downs Graham Clarke and Gary Savage both made the Irish Independent team of the week after their great displays in the Down Jersey when they played Antrim last weekend in the Ulster Hurling Semi Finals, which they lost by 3 points.
The full team: 1.Graham Clarke (Down), 2.Brian Quinn (Clare), 3.Brian Lohan (Clare), 4.Frank Lohan (Clare), 5.Ciarán Herron (Antrim), 6.Gary Savage (Down), 7.Gerry Quinn (Clare), 8.Colin Lynch (Clare), 9.Diarmuid McMahon (Clare), 10.Eoin Kelly (Tipperary), 11.Conor Gleeson (Tipperary), 12.Alan Markham (Clare), 13.Niall Gilligan (Clare),14.Andrew Quinn (Clare), 15.James O'Connor (Clare)

Junior Hurlers through to Ulster Final 18/05/2003
By Jerry Quinn - Ulster JHC Semi Final Cavan 2-04 Down 1-13

Down come close but Antrim qualify for Ulster Hurling Final 18/05/2003
Ulster SHC Semi Final Antrim 0-21 Down 2-12

Saffrons minors brush Down aside in closing stages 18/05/2003
Ulster MHC Semi Final Antrim 4-12 Down 2-11

Down Juniors Hulers qualify for Ulster Final 18/05/2003
Ulster JHC Semi Final Sat 17/05/2003 - Kingspan Breffni Park Cavan 2-04 Down 1-14
Downs second string defeated Cavan Hurlers on Saturday evening to qualify for the Ulster final. The outcome of the game was never in question as Down's superior stick work and striking give them the edge. Down 1-14 Cavan 2-04.

Adair glad to be back 16/05/2003
There will not be a more grateful player lining out at Casement Park on Sunday than Down's Gerard Adair. After a suspension and injury-ravaged 2002, Adair is grabbing his Ulster Championship chance with both hands. Sunday's semifinal opponents, Antrim, hold bad memories for the Portaferry midfielder. The 27-year-old Adair was jettisoned to the sidelines for three months after receiving a red card against Antrim last season. A broken hand and a serious car accident later, Adair is finally back in harness.

Down name side to play Antrim 15/05/2003
Included in the side is Gerard McGrattan at right full-forward even though he is rated as an injury doubt because of a hamstring strain. Gary Savage is fit to line out at centre half-back while Simon Wilson takes over from Barry Coulter at centre half-forward. Talented young forward Paul Braniff is included in the subs as he is still recovering from a hand injury but he is expected to be introduced during the game.
Down Team: Graham Clarke, T Coulter, Gabriel Clarke, E Dorrian, L Clarke, G Savage, G Adair, B Milligan, P Monan, M Coulter, S Wilson (capt), E Trainor, G McGrattan, S Clarke, G Johnson.
Subs: R Murray, E Clarke, M Pucci, B Coulter, M Braniff, A Dynes, J Doherty, D McCusker, JH Hughes, P Braniff.

Junior Hurlers defeat Tyrone 12/05/2003
Down Junior's defeated Tyrone 1-14 to 2-09 in the Ulster Junior Championship played at Casement Park on Sunday past. Down will now play Cavan in the Semi Finals this Sat at 6.30 pm in Kingspan Breffni Park.

Braniff may be included in Down Hurling squad 12/05/2003
Down hurler Paul Braniff is expected to play some part in Sunday's Guinness Ulster semi-final against Antrim - even though his hand is still in plaster. The Portaferry youngster had hand surgery last month but he has made a quick recovery and is likely to be included in the Down substitutes. Antrim will go into the game as strong favorites after claiming promotion to Division One of the National League. However, the Saffrons will have a much stiffer test than London provided last Sunday when Dinny Cahill's side won with embarrassing ease, 8-27 to 1-5.

Two changes for Antrim hurlers 14/05/2003
Antrim have made two changes from the team that started in the runaway victory over London for Sunday's Ulster SHC match against Down at Casement Park, Belfast (3.30). Kieran Kelly, who missed the London match with a back injury, takes over at full-back, with Michael McCambridge reverting to his customary right half-back position with Michael Herron losing out. Liam Richmond, who was ruled out of the win over London with an ankle injury, returns at left half-forward, with Joe Boyle demoted to the substitutes.
Antrim (SH v Down) - DD Quinn; M. Kettle, K. Kelly, J. Campbell; M. McCambridge, K. McKeegan, C. Herron; C. Cunning, J. Connolly; P. Richmond, C. McGuckian (captain), L. Richmond; G. O'Kane, A. Mort, B. McFall. Subs - G. Magee, P. Gillan, M. Herron, R. McNaughton, K. McDonnell, L. Watson, D. Quinn, A. Delargy, P. Close, J. Boyle, S. Delargy, M. Scullion, M. Molloy, B. Herron.

Down Hurling Juniors for Casement 08/05/2003
Down junior hurlers, who were beaten by Antrim in last year's Ulster final, start this year's campaign on Sunday (11th May) when they meet Tyrone at Casement Park (2pm). This is a repeat of last year's opening game at the same venue when Down cantered to an easy victory. This is the curtain-raiser to the Antrim v London SHC game.

Down Junior Hurling Panel to Play Tyrone in the Ulster JHC on Sunday (May 4th) 28/04/2003
S. Boyle, L. Boyle, D. Farnan, F. Murphy, J. Murphy, P. Matthews, R. Matthews, A. Magilligan, P. McCusker, A. Tinnelly (Clonduff),
A. Brown, B. McAleenan, D. Morgan, J. McCrickard (Liatroim),
C. Rodgers, L. Deagons (Kilclief),
M. O'Neill, D. McGovern (Ballyvarley),
D. McCusker, D. Doran (Ballela),
P. McCabe, C. McCabe, G. Cairns, J. Morgan, T. Jennings, B. McCann , E. Hardy (Castlewellan),
F. Murray, C. Murray (Darragh Cross)

Hurling ace Paul Braniff out of championship 28/04/2003
Down hurling star, Paul Braniff has ruled himself out of Down's Ulster championship game against title-holders, Antrim next month after sufferng a hand fracture. The Portaferry clubman picked up the injury during a club game against St. Paul's a fortnight ago, and he doesn't expect to recover in time for the May 18th clash with the Saffrons.
Braniff is one of the leading players in the current Down set-up, and he will be a huge loss in the championship clash with Dinny Cahill's Antrim side.

NHL: Down 2-10 Kerry 1-14 27/04/2003
Kerry defeat Down by a single point at Portaferry to qualify for NHL Final against Antrim
In what was a high-scoring encounter that could have gone any away, visiting Kerry held on for a win and a place in the NHL final against Antrim with a one point win over a depleted Down side on a scoreline of 1-14 to 2-10.

Down keep promotion hopes alive 21/04/2003
Allianz NHL Div 2 Group 1 - Carlow 0-14 Down 2-15

League Table Senior Hurling - Division 2 Group 1

Down hurlers clinch minor title 23/04/2003
Minor National Hurling League: Down 2-10 Tyrone 0-8
Down clinched the Ulster Minor Hurling League title and maintained their unbeaten record when they defeated Tyrone at St. Patrick's Park, Portaferry, on Saturday, April 19.
Winning Down Team: G. McMullan; D. McAleenan, P. Hughes, M. Ennis; O. McGuinness, K. Flynn, G. Dynes; A. McGuinness, S. Keith; E. Hardy, J. McCusker, E. Gilmore; K. O'Hare, K. McCarthy, C. McManus.
Subs - K. Courtney for O'Hare, B. McGourty for Hardy, D. Flynn for Gilmore, B. O'Neill for McCarthy.

Down Hurlers travel to Carlow 18/04/2003

Hurling manager O'Reilly on committee 17/04/2003
Congratulations to Down hurling manager Jimmy O'Reilly, who has been appointed by new GAA President Sean Kelly to serve on a special committee to examine and recommend the way forward for hurling. Also on the committee are former county managers Nicky English (Tipperary), Cyril Farrell (Galway), Pat Dunny (Kildare) and P. J. O'Grady (Offaly).

U-21 hurlers in training 17/04/2003
THE Down U-21 hurling panel starts training the first week in May in preparation for the Ulster championship, which this year will be played on a round-robin basis. Down play Antrim at Ballycran on July 16 and Derry at Ballinascreen on July 23. Both these games are on Wednesday nights with 7.30 throw-ins. The new management team of Martin Mallon, Paul Coulter and Dermot O'Prey are hopeful that they will have a good squad available.

Royals over come dogged Down 13/04/2003
Allianz NHL Division 2, Group 1- Meath 2-10 Down 0-12 - Navan

Monan back in Hurling Panel 10/04/2003
Midfielder Paddy Monan, whi announced his retirement at the end of last season, has reconsidered and is back in training. The Ballygalget man will be in contention for a place on Sunday's team against Meath.

Down pull away with uncommon ease against Roscommon 31/03/2003

Allianz NHL Down 4-12 v Roscommon 1-13 29/03/2003
Down kept their promotion hopes bang on target with an impressive eight point win over home side Roscommon in a see-saw game at Athleague. The Mourne County always had the edge over the 70 minutes against the basement bottom side although they had to be thankful in the end for their greater fire power in front of goal to maintain their pole position in the section. Martin Coulter hit 3-2 as Down defeated Roscommon 4-12 to 1-13.

Allianz NHL: Westmeath 0-11 v Down 1-15
League Table Senior Hurling - Division 2A

Good start by county minor hurlers 23/03/2003
The Down county minor hurlers started with a convincing 3-15 to 2-2 victory over Derry in the opening round of the Ulster Minor Hurling League. The Mourne county were always in command in this game, and some of their scores and team-work was of the highest calibre. They travel to play Armagh in the second round of the competition and can expect much stiffer opposition on this occasion.

Three-month ban for Murray 22/03/2003
Down's Ulster hurling championship hopes have suffered a setback with the news that team captain Stephen Murray will miss the semi-final against either Antrim or London because of suspension. A 12-week ban was imposed on the Portaferry defender by the GAC on Wednesday night, after he was cited for striking with the hurl in the National League opener against Antrim on February 23.

Down hurler summoned to appear before GAC 18/03/2003

Braniff puts Kildare to the sword 18/03/2003

Down Senior Hurling Team for Kildare Clash 14/03/2003

Milligan is Down's major doubt 13/03/2003

Down see off Westmeath 09/03/2003
Allianz NHL Division 2A Westmeath 0-11 Down 1-15

Down Hurling team to play Westmeath 07/03/2003
Allianz National Hurling League Division 2A
Westmeath v DownA

Clarke cleared 07/03/2003
County senior hurler Liam Clarke who was sent off during the recent league game against Antrim has been cleared by Croke Park. Mourne officials used video evidence to exonerate him from any punishment. Down boss Jimmy O'Reilly was obviously confident of a successful hearing as he named Clarke in his team on Wednesday before learning of the official outcome from Croke Park.

Down to enter JHC team 02/03/2003
Down will again enter a team in the Ulster JHC and will comprise players from outside the Ards clubs. Last year they were beaten in the Ulster final by Antrim who went on to win the All Ireland title They are due to play Tyrone in the quarter final in Dungannon on May 4 with the winners meeting Fermanagh or Cavan in the semi final. The Ulster Council is being asked to regrade Liatroim's John Brown who was the only non Ards player to figure in last year's SHC.

Down lose to late Antrim Goal 24/02/2003
Division 2A NHL at Portaferry - Sunday 23rd Feb 2003
Down 1-13 Antrim 2-14

Three new faces on Down Hurling Team 19/02/2003
By Matt Fitzpatrick
Down manager Jimmy O'Reilly gives debuts to three players on the side which faces Ulster champions Antrim . . .
Click here for more details

Press Release - Down v Antrim NHL Game in Portaferry 16/02/2003
By Matt Fitzpatrick Down Hurling PRO

Mallon new U-21 manager 22/02/2003
Former Senior hurling star Martin Mallon has been appointed manager of the County U-21 hurling team. He will be assisted by two other former stars. Dermot O'Prey will be coach and Paul Coulter the trainer.

Down Hurlers prepare for NHL game against Antrim 14/02/2003

Hurlers take on Wicklow 30/01/2003
DOWN hurlers continue their build-up for the start of the NHL on February 23 with a challenge game on Sunday against Wicklow. Game takes place in Burren at 1.00 p.m.

Down and Wexford draw in Hurling Challenge 20/01/2003
Wexford 1-12 Down 2-09

Dublin record comfortable victory over Down Hurlers in Walsh Cup 20/01/2003
Dublin 3-19 1-14 Down RES

Former Down hurling All Star nominee to sit out NHL campaign 16/01/2003

Down to break new ground 13/01/03
Down's senior hurlers will break new ground this weekend when the take on Dublin in Leinster's second hurling competition, the Walsh Cup this Sunday at Naomh Mearnog pitch in Portmarnock with a 12.45 start. The game will preceed the Dublin and Kildare football match.