Down GAA
Encyclopedia
The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association
(GAA) or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards
of the GAA in Ireland
, and is responsible for Gaelic games
in County Down
. The county board is also responsible for the Down inter-county teams.
For current information on the Down Senior Football team, see 2011 Down GAA Senior Football
.
Division One and reaching the All Ireland Senior Football final
- narrowly losing by 1 point to Cork.
Down was not regarded as a Gaelic stronghold when Queen's University won the 1958 Sigerson Cup
, and some of its leading players turned their thoughts to Down's inter-county dilemma. They took the 1959 Ulster title with six inter-changeable forwards who introduced off-the-ball running and oddities such as track-suits. In 1960 two goals in a three minute period from James McCartan and Paddy Doherty helped beat Kerry
, who were almost completely unbeaten at the time, and which brought to an end the Kerry football regime for a few years, and they beat Offaly
by a point in 1961 in a tremendous match that featured five first half goals. In that three-year period their loyal supporters smashed every attendance record in the book. When Down played Offaly
in 1961 they set a record attendance of 90,556 for a GAA game. Against Dublin
in the 1964 National League
final a record 70,125 showed up. The 71,573 who watched them play Kerry
in 1961 still stands as a record for an All-Ireland semi-final. In 1968 Down beat Kerry
with Sean O'Neill
and John Murphy goals, again in a two-minute spell. Despite a famous prediction that Down would go on to win three in a row, the county took twenty years to regain its status.
In 1991 they surprised favourites Meath
, Barry Breen giving them the goal that sent them into a lead of eleven points with 20 minutes to go, too far even for Meath
. In 1994 Mickey Linden
sent James McCartan in for a goal directly under Hill 16
which silenced Dublin
and helped them claim their fifth title.
Down teams through the years have played with great emphasis on attack often leading to the neglect of the defence. This system has cost Down teams in the past 10 years or so with the introduction of more negative tactics to quell forward lines with a massive emphasis on blanket defence.
In 2008 Down defeated Tyrone
after a replay in the Ulster Senior Football Championship
but fell to Armagh
in the Ulster SFC Semi Final. Down went on to play Offaly
in the All-Ireland SFC qualifiers. After a convincing 5-19 to 2-10 victory over Offaly, Down faced Laois
in round 2 of the qualifers. Beating Laois by a single point, and with Dan Gordon being sent off, Down were through to the last round of the qualifiers where they played Wexford
at Croke Park
. Down had Dan Gordon's suspension removed, but awful conditions and poor Down performance resulted in a defeat to Wexford by a 2-13 to 0-12 scoreline.
In 2010 Down reached the All-Ireland Final after a narrow win over Kildare
in the Semi-Finals. They lost to Cork at GAA Headquarters, the first time Down has tasted defeat in the All-Ireland Final. Cork were three points down at half-time but they upped the ante in the second-half and ran out 0-16 to 0-15 winners in the end. Down captain Benny Coulter's effort on 70 minutes and a fisted Daniel Hughes
effort a minute into added time left the bare minimum in it and that was the way it stayed as Cork collected their seventh All-Ireland SFC crown in front of 81,604 spectators.
|down team v leitrim 2011
1 Brendan Mcveigh
2 Aidan Brannagan
3 Dan Gordan
4 Brendan Mcardle
5 Conor Garvey
6 Kevin Mckernan
7 Kevin Duffin
8 Declan Ronney
9 Kalum King
10 Liam Doyle
11 Martin Clarke
12 Brendan Coulter
13 Conor Laverty
14 Paul Mccomiskey
15 Mark Poland
Down played in the Leinster Minor Hurling Championship
for three years in the 1970s, even playing Antrim
in an unusual Leinster semi-final in Croke Park
in 1979. Four Down hurling clubs, Ballycran, Ballygalget, Portaferry and Bredagh play in the Antrim League. The first two used the experience to win Ulster Senior Club Hurling Championship
s. Ballygalget, Portaferry and Ballycran play in Antrim Div 1 while Bredagh play in Div 3. Although Down had not won the All Ireland B championship in four final appearances, when the Ulster Senior hurling championship was revived Down won titles in 1992, 1995 and 1997, losing the All Ireland semi-finals by 14, 11 and 16 points.
Runners up: 2005, 2009
) would compete in parallel to the main Down team, to encourage hurling in an area of growing population where the game has not been strong. While players from all of Down are eligible for the main Down team, Ards players cannot play for South Down. The new team competed in the National Hurling League 2008
, recording their first win by beating Cavan
at Ballela
, scoring 4-15 to Cavan's 0-9. South Down then competed in the Nicky Rackard Cup 2008
. It is playing in Division 4 of the 2009 National hurling league.
in 1968 and inaugural minor (under-16)
championship in 1974, further All Ireland junior championships
in 1976 and 1991 and the intermediate
championship of 1994 which resulted in a brief return to the senior championship. They won the All Ireland
championship at Under-16 C level in 2011 and reached the 2011 [All-Ireland Junior Camogie Championship#Nancy Murray Cup|Nancy Murray Cup]] final.
.
Leitrim Fontenoys won the 2004 and 2005 All Ireland junior club title.
Notable players include All Star and soaring star award winners Máirín McAleenan
, Catherine McGourty
and Karen Tinelly
. Síghle Nic an Ultaigh
and Belle O'Loughlin
served as presidents of the Camogie Association
).
Under Camogie’s National Development Plan 2010-2015, “Our Game, Our Passion,” five new camogie clubs are to be established in the county by 2015.
Gaelic Athletic Association
The Gaelic Athletic Association is an amateur Irish and international cultural and sporting organisation focused primarily on promoting Gaelic games, which include the traditional Irish sports of hurling, camogie, Gaelic football, handball and rounders...
(GAA) or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards
GAA county
A Gaelic Athletic Association county is a geographic region within the Gaelic Athletic Association , controlled by a county board and originally based on the counties of Ireland as they were in 1884. While the counties of Ireland have changed since the foundation of that date, the GAA counties have...
of the GAA in Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, and is responsible for Gaelic games
Gaelic games
Gaelic games are sports played in Ireland under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The two main games are Gaelic football and hurling...
in County Down
County Down
-Cities:*Belfast *Newry -Large towns:*Dundonald*Newtownards*Bangor-Medium towns:...
. The county board is also responsible for the Down inter-county teams.
For current information on the Down Senior Football team, see 2011 Down GAA Senior Football
2011 Down GAA Senior Football
-Kits:McKenna Cup and NFL kits:Championship kits:-Competitions:-McGeough Cup:Squad:1 Gavin Joyce, 2 Eoin Costello, 3 Gary Mc Cardle, 4 Colm Murney, 5 James Colgan, 6 Kevin Mc Kernan, 7 Michael Mc Cartan, 8 Declan Sheeran, 9 Peter Fitzpatrick, 10 Martin Clarke, 11 Aidan Carr, 12 Brendan Coulter, 13...
.
History
With just one loss in six appearances in All Ireland finals, Down have got a reputation for rising to the big occasion. Kitted out in their distinctive red and black, their massive fan base has been responsible for some of the largest match attendances in GAA history. Although in the last fifteen years they have been going through a very barren patch at senior level, despite various successes at underage level, in 2010 Down showed signs of improving by gaining promotion to the National Football LeagueNational Football League (Ireland)
The National Football League is a Gaelic football tournament held annually between the county teams of Ireland, under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The prize for the winning team is the New Ireland Cup, presented by the New Ireland Assurance Company...
Division One and reaching the All Ireland Senior Football final
2010 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final
The 2010 All-Ireland Football Final was the 123rd event of its kind, and the last football match of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship 2010, it was played between Cork and Down on 19 September 2010 in Croke Park, Dublin....
- narrowly losing by 1 point to Cork.
Gaelic football
Sigerson Cup
The Sigerson Cup is the top division of Higher Education Gaelic football in Ireland, It is administrated by the Higher Education committee which is part of the Gaelic Athletic Association...
, and some of its leading players turned their thoughts to Down's inter-county dilemma. They took the 1959 Ulster title with six inter-changeable forwards who introduced off-the-ball running and oddities such as track-suits. In 1960 two goals in a three minute period from James McCartan and Paddy Doherty helped beat Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
, who were almost completely unbeaten at the time, and which brought to an end the Kerry football regime for a few years, and they beat Offaly
Offaly GAA
The Offaly County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Offaly GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Offaly...
by a point in 1961 in a tremendous match that featured five first half goals. In that three-year period their loyal supporters smashed every attendance record in the book. When Down played Offaly
Offaly GAA
The Offaly County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Offaly GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Offaly...
in 1961 they set a record attendance of 90,556 for a GAA game. Against Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
in the 1964 National League
National Football League (Ireland)
The National Football League is a Gaelic football tournament held annually between the county teams of Ireland, under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The prize for the winning team is the New Ireland Cup, presented by the New Ireland Assurance Company...
final a record 70,125 showed up. The 71,573 who watched them play Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
in 1961 still stands as a record for an All-Ireland semi-final. In 1968 Down beat Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
with Sean O'Neill
Sean O'Neill
Sean O'Neill may refer to:*Sean O'Neill *Sean O'Neill *Seán O'Neill, player of Gaelic football*Sean O'Neill, 3rd Earl of Tyrone*Sean O'Neill , association footballer...
and John Murphy goals, again in a two-minute spell. Despite a famous prediction that Down would go on to win three in a row, the county took twenty years to regain its status.
In 1991 they surprised favourites Meath
Meath GAA
The Meath County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Meath GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Meath, as well as for Meath inter-county teams.- Pre-1960s :...
, Barry Breen giving them the goal that sent them into a lead of eleven points with 20 minutes to go, too far even for Meath
Meath GAA
The Meath County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Meath GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Meath, as well as for Meath inter-county teams.- Pre-1960s :...
. In 1994 Mickey Linden
Mickey Linden
Michael Rory "Mickey" Linden is an Irish Gaelic footballer who played for Down in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. He was part of the Down team that won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1991 and 1994. Linden also won two Ulster Senior Football Championships and a National League...
sent James McCartan in for a goal directly under Hill 16
Hill 16 (Croke Park)
Hill 16 officially called Dineen/Hill 16 is a terrace on the railway end of Croke Park, the show piece stadium of the Gaelic Athletic Association in Dublin City, Ireland. It is considered a national icon....
which silenced Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
and helped them claim their fifth title.
Down teams through the years have played with great emphasis on attack often leading to the neglect of the defence. This system has cost Down teams in the past 10 years or so with the introduction of more negative tactics to quell forward lines with a massive emphasis on blanket defence.
In 2008 Down defeated Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
after a replay in the Ulster Senior Football Championship
Ulster Senior Football Championship
For information on this years competition, see Ulster Senior Football Championship 2011-2010 Draw:-2009 Draw:-2008 Draw:-Top winners:* All-Ireland winning years in bold.-Roll of honour:Notes:* 1907 No final result in records...
but fell to Armagh
Armagh GAA
The Armagh County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Armagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Armagh...
in the Ulster SFC Semi Final. Down went on to play Offaly
Offaly GAA
The Offaly County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Offaly GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Offaly...
in the All-Ireland SFC qualifiers. After a convincing 5-19 to 2-10 victory over Offaly, Down faced Laois
Laois GAA
The Laois County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Laois GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Laois and the Laois inter-county teams.-History:...
in round 2 of the qualifers. Beating Laois by a single point, and with Dan Gordon being sent off, Down were through to the last round of the qualifiers where they played Wexford
Wexford GAA
The Wexford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Wexford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Wexford. The county board is also responsible for the Wexford inter-county teams.-History:Hurling has been played in...
at Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
. Down had Dan Gordon's suspension removed, but awful conditions and poor Down performance resulted in a defeat to Wexford by a 2-13 to 0-12 scoreline.
In 2010 Down reached the All-Ireland Final after a narrow win over Kildare
Kildare GAA
For more information see Kildare Senior Club Football Championship or Kildare Senior Club Hurling Championship.The Kildare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Kildare GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kildare...
in the Semi-Finals. They lost to Cork at GAA Headquarters, the first time Down has tasted defeat in the All-Ireland Final. Cork were three points down at half-time but they upped the ante in the second-half and ran out 0-16 to 0-15 winners in the end. Down captain Benny Coulter's effort on 70 minutes and a fisted Daniel Hughes
Daniel Hughes (Gaelic footballer)
Daniel Hughes is a Gaelic football player from County Down, Northern Ireland. He plays for the Down senior inter county football team and for his club Saval....
effort a minute into added time left the bare minimum in it and that was the way it stayed as Cork collected their seventh All-Ireland SFC crown in front of 81,604 spectators.
Honours
- All-Ireland Senior Football ChampionshipAll-Ireland Senior Football ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the premier competition in Gaelic football, is a series of games organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and played during the summer and early autumn...
s: 5- 1960, 1961, 1968, 1991, 1994
- All-Ireland Senior Football ChampionshipAll-Ireland Senior Football ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the premier competition in Gaelic football, is a series of games organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and played during the summer and early autumn...
: Runner-Up 1- 2010
- Ulster Senior Football ChampionshipUlster Senior Football ChampionshipFor information on this years competition, see Ulster Senior Football Championship 2011-2010 Draw:-2009 Draw:-2008 Draw:-Top winners:* All-Ireland winning years in bold.-Roll of honour:Notes:* 1907 No final result in records...
s: 12- 1959, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1971, 1978, 1981, 1991, 1994
- National Football LeagueNational Football League (Ireland)The National Football League is a Gaelic football tournament held annually between the county teams of Ireland, under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The prize for the winning team is the New Ireland Cup, presented by the New Ireland Assurance Company...
s: 4- 1960, 1962, 1968, 1983
- McKenna Cups: 11
- 1944, 1959, 1961, 1964, 1972, 1987, 1989, 1992, 1996, 1998, 2008
- Dr Lagan CupDr Lagan CupThe Dr Lagan Cup was inter-county Gaelic football competition in the province of Ulster. The competition was discontinued in 1967 when Donegal won the competition. The Lagan Cup was the trophy for a Senior Football League limited to five Ulster counties at a time unlike the Dr McKenna Cup which was...
s: 6- 1949, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964
- All-Ireland Under-21 Football ChampionshipAll-Ireland Under-21 Football ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for players aged between 18 and 21 in the game of Gaelic football played in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and are played during the summer months...
s: 1- 1979
- Ulster Under-21 Football ChampionshipUlster Under-21 Football ChampionshipFor the Senior equivalent see: Ulster Senior Football ChampionshipThe Ulster Under-21 Football Championship known for sponsorship reasons as the Cadbury Ulster Under-21 Football Championship is a Gaelic football tournament for players under the age of 21, contested by the nine counties of Ulster in...
s: 8- 1965, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1984, 2005, 2008, 2009
- All-Ireland Minor Football ChampionshipAll-Ireland Minor Football ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Minor Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for under-18 competitors of the game of Gaelic football played in Ireland...
s: 4- 1977, 1987, 1999, 2005
- Ulster Minor Football ChampionshipUlster Minor Football ChampionshipThe Ulster Minor Football Championship is the Minor "knockout" competition in the game of Gaelic football played in the province of Ulster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Ulster Council. The trophy for the winning side is The Liam Murray Cup. The competition began in 1930, with...
s: 10- 1958, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1966, 1977, 1979, 1986, 1987, 1999
- All-Ireland Junior Football ChampionshipAll-Ireland Junior Football ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Junior Football Championship is a Gaelic Athletic Association competition for junior gaelic football inter-county teams in Ireland. The definition of what constitutes a junior player differs from county to county. In some, the junior team is the second team after the senior team...
s: 1- 1946
- Ulster Junior Football ChampionshipUlster Junior Football ChampionshipThe Ulster Junior Football Championship is a junior Gaelic football knockout competition organised by the Ulster GAA. The competition began in 1914, with Cavan winning during the inaugural title. The most successful county to date is Cavan, who have won on fourteen occasions. The championship has...
s: 8- 1931, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1958, 1965, 1966, 1971
- GAA All Stars AwardsGAA All Stars AwardsThe All Stars Awards, currently sponsored by Vodafone, are given annually since 1971 by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the best player in each of the fifteen positions in Gaelic football and Hurling in Ireland. Additionally, one player in each code is selected as the player of the year...
: 23- 1971 (Sean O'NeillSean O'NeillSean O'Neill may refer to:*Sean O'Neill *Sean O'Neill *Seán O'Neill, player of Gaelic football*Sean O'Neill, 3rd Earl of Tyrone*Sean O'Neill , association footballer...
), 1972 (Sean O'NeillSean O'NeillSean O'Neill may refer to:*Sean O'Neill *Sean O'Neill *Seán O'Neill, player of Gaelic football*Sean O'Neill, 3rd Earl of Tyrone*Sean O'Neill , association footballer...
), 1975 (Colm McAlarneyColm McAlarneyColm McAlarney is a retired Northern Irish sportsperson.-Gaelic football:He played Gaelic football with his local clubs Liatroim Fontenoys and Castlewellan and was a member of the Down senior inter-county team from the 1960s until the 1980s...
), 1978 (Colm McAlarneyColm McAlarneyColm McAlarney is a retired Northern Irish sportsperson.-Gaelic football:He played Gaelic football with his local clubs Liatroim Fontenoys and Castlewellan and was a member of the Down senior inter-county team from the 1960s until the 1980s...
), 1981 (Paddy Kennedy), 1983 (Liam Austin, Greg BlaneyGreg BlaneyGreg Blaney is an Irish former dual GAA player who played Gaelic football and hurling for Down in the 1980s and 1990s. He is chiefly remember as a footballer. He was part of the Down team that won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1991 and 1994. Blaney also won three Ulster Senior...
), 1990 (James McCartan), 1991 (Conor Deegan, Barry Breen, Ross CarrRoss CarrRoss Carr is a former Senior Gaelic football manager and former inter-county player for Down. Carr had previously managed the Down Minor Football team in 2003 and 2004....
, Greg BlaneyGreg BlaneyGreg Blaney is an Irish former dual GAA player who played Gaelic football and hurling for Down in the 1980s and 1990s. He is chiefly remember as a footballer. He was part of the Down team that won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1991 and 1994. Blaney also won three Ulster Senior...
), 1994 (Micheal Magill, Paul Higgins, DJ KaneDJ KaneJason Cano better known as DJ Kane is a Mexican American singer who is currently recording an album alongside ex Kumbia All Starz vocalist Ricky Rick. He was also the lead vocalist for the Latin Grammy award winning A.B...
, Gregory McCartan, Greg BlaneyGreg BlaneyGreg Blaney is an Irish former dual GAA player who played Gaelic football and hurling for Down in the 1980s and 1990s. He is chiefly remember as a footballer. He was part of the Down team that won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1991 and 1994. Blaney also won three Ulster Senior...
, James McCartanJames McCartanJames McCartan is a retired Irish Gaelic footballer and current manager. He played for Down between 19xx and xxxx. McCartan was part of the Down team that won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1991 and 1994. McCartan also won two Ulster Senior Football Championships with the county...
, Mickey LindenMickey LindenMichael Rory "Mickey" Linden is an Irish Gaelic footballer who played for Down in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. He was part of the Down team that won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1991 and 1994. Linden also won two Ulster Senior Football Championships and a National League...
), 2010 (Brendan McVeighBrendan McVeighBrendan McVeigh is a Gaelic football player from County Down, Northern Ireland. He plays for the Down senior inter county football team and for his club An Ríocht as a goalkeeper....
, Daniel HughesDaniel Hughes (Gaelic footballer)Daniel Hughes is a Gaelic football player from County Down, Northern Ireland. He plays for the Down senior inter county football team and for his club Saval....
, Martin ClarkeMartin ClarkeMartin 'Marty' Clarke is a Gaelic footballer from Cranfield Point, County Down, Northern Ireland. He is also an Australian rules footballer for Collingwood in the Australian Football League.- Underage :...
, Benny Coulter).
- 1971 (Sean O'Neill
Notable players
- Sean O'NeillSean O'NeillSean O'Neill may refer to:*Sean O'Neill *Sean O'Neill *Seán O'Neill, player of Gaelic football*Sean O'Neill, 3rd Earl of Tyrone*Sean O'Neill , association footballer...
, Former All Star (1971 & 72) and Down's only representative on the Gaelic Football team of the Millennium - Colm McAlarneyColm McAlarneyColm McAlarney is a retired Northern Irish sportsperson.-Gaelic football:He played Gaelic football with his local clubs Liatroim Fontenoys and Castlewellan and was a member of the Down senior inter-county team from the 1960s until the 1980s...
, Former All Star (1975 & 78) player for Down - Kevin MussenKevin MussenKevin Mussen was a Northern Irish sportsperson. He played Gaelic football with his local club Clonduff and was a member of the Down senior inter-county team from 1951 until 1962. Mussen captained Down to the All-Ireland title in 1960...
, From the Clonduff Club he was the first Down man to lift the Sam Maguire CupSam Maguire CupThe Sam Maguire Cup, often called The Sam , is the name of the cup that is awarded to winners of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the premier "knockout" competition in the game of Gaelic football played in Ireland...
in 1960 - Paddy DohertyPaddy Doherty (Gaelic footballer)Paddy Doherty is a retired Irish sportsperson. He played Gaelic football with his local club Ballykinlar and was a member of the Down senior inter-county team from the 1950s until the 1960s. Doherty captained Down to the All-Ireland title in 1961. paddy scored 16 points in a club match 10 form...
, All-Ireland winning captain 1961 - Joe Lennon, All-Ireland winning captain 1968
- Patsy O'Hagan, All-Ireland Winner (1960 & 1961) and selector for 1968 All-Ireland winning team
- Patrick KieltyPatrick KieltyPatrick Kielty is an Irish comedian and television personality from Dundrum, Northern Ireland.-Background:He was affected by The Troubles in Northern Ireland. On 25 January 1988 his father, businessman Jack Kielty, was shot dead by the Ulster Defence Association /"Ulster Freedom Fighters" , a...
, All-Ireland Winning team 1987 (Down Minor's) - Paddy O'RourkePaddy O'RourkeThis article is about a football manager from Down. For the Meath footballer from Skryne, see Patrick O'RourkePaddy O'Rourke is a Northern Irish Gaelic football manager and former player. He played football with his local club Burren and was a member of the Down senior inter-county team from the...
, All-Ireland winning captain 1991 and former Down Senior Football Manager - James McCartanJames McCartanJames McCartan is a retired Irish Gaelic footballer and current manager. He played for Down between 19xx and xxxx. McCartan was part of the Down team that won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1991 and 1994. McCartan also won two Ulster Senior Football Championships with the county...
, All-Ireland winner in 1991 and 1994, former All Star (1990 & 1994) and managed Queen's UniversityQueen's UniversityQueen's University, , is a public research university located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Founded on 16 October 1841, the university pre-dates the founding of Canada by 26 years. Queen's holds more more than of land throughout Ontario as well as Herstmonceux Castle in East Sussex, England...
to Sigerson CupSigerson CupThe Sigerson Cup is the top division of Higher Education Gaelic football in Ireland, It is administrated by the Higher Education committee which is part of the Gaelic Athletic Association...
glory in 2007. Present manager of Down Senior team. - Greg BlaneyGreg BlaneyGreg Blaney is an Irish former dual GAA player who played Gaelic football and hurling for Down in the 1980s and 1990s. He is chiefly remember as a footballer. He was part of the Down team that won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1991 and 1994. Blaney also won three Ulster Senior...
, All-Ireland winner in 1991 and 1994, three-time All Star winner. - Ross CarrRoss CarrRoss Carr is a former Senior Gaelic football manager and former inter-county player for Down. Carr had previously managed the Down Minor Football team in 2003 and 2004....
, Two times All Ireland Winner (1991 & 94), a former All Star (1991) player for Down and former Down Senior Football manager - DJ KaneDJ KaneJason Cano better known as DJ Kane is a Mexican American singer who is currently recording an album alongside ex Kumbia All Starz vocalist Ricky Rick. He was also the lead vocalist for the Latin Grammy award winning A.B...
, All-Ireland winning captain 1994 and former assistant county manager with Down - Ambrose Rogers, from the Longstone Club, Ambrose was Captain in 2010 but was injured for the All Ireland Final
- Mickey LindenMickey LindenMichael Rory "Mickey" Linden is an Irish Gaelic footballer who played for Down in the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s. He was part of the Down team that won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in 1991 and 1994. Linden also won two Ulster Senior Football Championships and a National League...
, Winner of 2 All-Ireland medals (1991 & 94) and former All Star (1994). Is regarded as one of Down's best Gaelic Footballers of all time - Gregroy Mccartan, All Ireland winner 1994 all star 1994 one of the best midfielders in the country
- Benny Coulter, star half forward and Ireland internationalIreland international rules football teamThe Ireland International rules football team is the representative team for Ireland in international rules football, a compromise between Gaelic football and Australian rules football...
. He won an All-Star award in 2010 - Dan GordonDan GordonDan Gordon was an American storyboard artist and film director, best known for his work at both Famous Studios and Hanna-Barbera Productions. Gordon was one of Famous' first directors, and he wrote and directed several Popeye the Sailor and Superman cartoons...
, Star midfielder from the Loughinisland Club. He was captain of the Down Senior team in 2007/08. In 2010 Dan played in defence. - Martin ClarkeMartin ClarkeMartin 'Marty' Clarke is a Gaelic footballer from Cranfield Point, County Down, Northern Ireland. He is also an Australian rules footballer for Collingwood in the Australian Football League.- Underage :...
, An Riocht Club man, Martin won an All-Ireland Minor medal in 2005 and is a former player for AFLAustralian Football LeagueThe Australian Football League is both the governing body and the major professional competition in the sport of Australian rules football...
club Collingwood Magpies. He won an All-Star award in 2010 - Conor BurnsConor BurnsConor Burns is a British Conservative Party politician. He was elected as the Member of Parliament for Bournemouth West at the 2010 general election.-Early life:...
, Lodged an application with Down GAA to transfer from Armagh - Kevin Mckernan, All Ireland minor championship 2005 ulster under 21 winner 2008 current down player
|down team v leitrim 2011
1 Brendan Mcveigh
2 Aidan Brannagan
3 Dan Gordan
4 Brendan Mcardle
5 Conor Garvey
6 Kevin Mckernan
7 Kevin Duffin
8 Declan Ronney
9 Kalum King
10 Liam Doyle
11 Martin Clarke
12 Brendan Coulter
13 Conor Laverty
14 Paul Mccomiskey
15 Mark Poland
Hurling
Leinster Minor Hurling Championship
The ESB Leinster Minor Hurling Championship is the Minor "knockout" competition in the game of Hurling played in the province of Leinster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Leinster Council...
for three years in the 1970s, even playing Antrim
Antrim GAA
The Antrim County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Antrim GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Antrim. The county board is also responsible for the Antrim inter-county teams...
in an unusual Leinster semi-final in Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
in 1979. Four Down hurling clubs, Ballycran, Ballygalget, Portaferry and Bredagh play in the Antrim League. The first two used the experience to win Ulster Senior Club Hurling Championship
Ulster Senior Club Hurling Championship
The Ulster Senior Club Hurling Championship is an annual tournament played between the senior hurling clubs in Ulster. There are nine county championships between the nine counties of Ulster. The nine winners go on to play each other in the Ulster Club Championship in a knock-out format...
s. Ballygalget, Portaferry and Ballycran play in Antrim Div 1 while Bredagh play in Div 3. Although Down had not won the All Ireland B championship in four final appearances, when the Ulster Senior hurling championship was revived Down won titles in 1992, 1995 and 1997, losing the All Ireland semi-finals by 14, 11 and 16 points.
Honours
- All-Ireland Senior Hurling ChampionshipAll-Ireland Senior Hurling ChampionshipThe GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1887 for the top hurling teams in Ireland....
s: None
- All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling ChampionshipAll-Ireland Under-21 Hurling ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for players aged between 18 and 21 in the game of hurling played in Ireland...
s: None
- All-Ireland Minor Hurling ChampionshipAll-Ireland Minor Hurling ChampionshipThe GAA Hurling All-Ireland Minor Championship is an annual competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 1928 for competitors under eighteen years of age in the game of hurling played in Ireland.The series of games are played during the summer months with the All-Ireland final...
s: None
- All-Ireland Junior Hurling ChampionshipAll-Ireland Junior Hurling ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Junior Hurling Championship was a hurling competition organized by the Gaelic Athletic Association in Ireland. The competition was originally contested by the second teams of the strong counties, and the first teams of the weaker counties...
s: 1- 1964
- Christy Ring CupChristy Ring CupThe Christy Ring Cup is an annual hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association since 2005 for middle-ranking hurling teams in Ireland....
:
Runners up: 2005, 2009
- National Hurling LeagueNational Hurling LeagueThe National Hurling League is an annual hurling competition between the county teams of Ireland. Contested by 35 teams , it operates on a system of promotion and relegation between four different divisions, with Division One...
: - Division 2: 2004
- Ulster Senior Hurling ChampionshipUlster Senior Hurling ChampionshipThe Ulster Senior Hurling Championship is the premier intercounty "knockout" competition in the game of hurling played in the province of Ulster. The series of games are organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and are played during the summer months. The Ulster Hurling Final is played in July...
s: 4- 1941, 1992, 1995, 1997
- Ulster Under-21 Hurling ChampionshipUlster Under-21 Hurling ChampionshipFor the Senior equivalent see: Ulster Senior Hurling ChampionshipThe Ulster U-21 Hurling Championship or for sponsorship reasons the Erin Ulster Under-21 Hurling Championship is an Under 21 hurling tournament between counties affiliated to Ulster. The winners of the Ulster championship go on to...
s: 12- 1969, 1971, 1975, 1977, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1987, 1990, 2003, 2004, 2005
- Ulster Minor Hurling ChampionshipUlster Minor Hurling ChampionshipThe Ulster Minor Hurling Championship is the Minor "knockout" competition in the game of hurling played in the province of Ulster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Ulster Council. The competition began in 1930, with Down winning during the inaugural year. The most successful...
s: 12- 1930, 1932, 1934, 1957, 1971, 1972, 1976, 1978, 1984, 1985, 1989, 1994
- Ulster Junior Hurling ChampionshipUlster Junior Hurling ChampionshipThe Ulster Junior Hurling Championship is a junior "knockout" competition in the game of Hurling played in the province of Ulster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Ulster Council....
s: 7- 1956, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1967, 1992, 1993
- Ulster Intermediate Hurling ChampionshipUlster Intermediate Hurling ChampionshipThe Ulster Intermediate Hurling Championship is an inter county competition between the Intermediate Hurling county teams in the province of Ulster in Ireland...
s: 4- 1968, 1971, 1972, 1998
- All Stars: 1
- 1992 Gerard McGrattan
Down GAA Clubs
- Aghaderg-Ballyvarley - Website
- An RiochtAn Riocht GACAn Riocht GAC is a GAA Club based in County Down, Northern Ireland. The club provides teams from underage level to adult level in both gaelic football and camogie...
- Website - Annaclone - Website
- Annsborough
- Aughlisnafin
- Ardglass - Website
- Atticall - Website
- Ballela - Website
- Ballycran - Website
- Ballygalget - Website
- Ballyholland - Website
- Ballykinlar - http://ballykinlar.down.gaa.ie/
- Ballymartin - Website
- Bredagh GACBredagh GACBredagh GAC is a Gaelic Athletic Association club in County Down, Northern Ireland. It fields teams at all levels from U8 to Senior in Men's and Ladies Gaelic football, Hurling and Camogie...
- Bright - Website
- Bryansford - Website
- Burren
- Carryduff - Website
- Castlewellan GACCastlewellan GACCastlewellan GAC is a Gaelic Athletic Association Club in Castlewellan, County Down, Northern Ireland...
- Clann na Banna - Website
- Clonduff GACClonduff GACClonduff GAC is a Gaelic Athletic Association club in County Down, Northern Ireland.- History :Press reports show the history of Gaelic football in Clonduff reaching as far back as 1887 when the parish sported two teams: the Hilltown Amateurs and The Red Hands...
- Website - Darragh Cross - Website
- Downpatrick - Website
- Dromara - Website
- Drumaness - Website
- Drumgath - Website
- Dundrum - Website
- Glasdrumman - Website
- Glenn - Website
- Kilclief - Website
- Kilcoo GACKilcoo GACKilcoo Owen Roes GAC is a Gaelic Athletic Association club in Kilcoo, County Down, Northern Ireland. The club's colours are black and white.- History :...
- Killyleagh
- Liatroim Fontenoys GACLiatroim Fontenoys GACLiatroim Fontenoys GAC, Liatroim is a Gaelic Athletic Association Club in County Down, Northern Ireland. The club promotes the Gaelic Games of Hurling, Football, Camogie and other cultural and social pursuits....
- Website - Longstone GACLongstone GACLongstone GAC is a Gaelic Athletic Association gaelic football club in County Down, Northern Ireland. In recent times Longstone claimed the runner-up spot in the Senior Football League , which is the top-flight division in the county...
- Website - Loughinisland - Website
- Mayobridge - Website
- John Mitchel GFCJohn Mitchel GFCJohn Mitchel GFC is a Gaelic Athletic Association club, established in Newry, County Down, Northern Ireland in 1956 and is called after the Irish Patriot John Mitchel...
- Website - Mourne Hurling Club
- Newry Bosco GFCNewry Bosco GFCNewry Bosco GFC are a Gaelic Athletic Association gaelic football club from Newry, County Down, Northern Ireland.The team play in the South Down league. Known for a talented youth system, the under 16s were runners up in the 2006 all-county league....
- Website - Newry Shamrocks - Website
- Portaferry -Website
- Rostrevor - Website
- Saul - Website
- Saval - Website
- St. John's
- St. Michael's - Website
- St. Paul's - Website
- Teconnaught
- Tullylish - Website
- Warrenpoint GAAWarrenpoint GAASt. Peter's GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club in County Down, Northern Ireland.-Foundation:The GAA in Warrenpoint pre-dates St. Peter's by a considerable span of years for it was in 1888 that the original seed was sown with the name of John Martin...
South Down
In 2007, the GAA announced that a hurling team from "South Down" (i.e. excluding the Ards peninsulaArds Peninsula
The Ards Peninsula is a peninsula in County Down, Northern Ireland which separates Strangford Lough from the North Channel of the Irish Sea, on Ireland's northeast coast. A number of towns and villages are located on the peninsula, such as the seaside town of Donaghadee, with the surrounding area...
) would compete in parallel to the main Down team, to encourage hurling in an area of growing population where the game has not been strong. While players from all of Down are eligible for the main Down team, Ards players cannot play for South Down. The new team competed in the National Hurling League 2008
National Hurling League 2008
The 2008 National Hurling League was a hurling competition contested by 34 GAA county hurling teams, 33 from Ireland , and London from England.-Format:...
, recording their first win by beating Cavan
Cavan GAA
The Cavan County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Cavan GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Cavan...
at Ballela
Ballela
Ballela is a small village and parish in County Down, Northern Ireland. It is about five miles east of Banbridge, perched on top of one of the many drumlins that are common in the county. A number of prehistoric ringforts begird the village.- Name :...
, scoring 4-15 to Cavan's 0-9. South Down then competed in the Nicky Rackard Cup 2008
Nicky Rackard Cup 2008
The 2008 Nicky Rackard Cup was the 4th annual third tier hurling competition organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association. Sligo beat Louth in the final.-Format:...
. It is playing in Division 4 of the 2009 National hurling league.
Camogie
Down contested the final of the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship in 1948, having beaten Galway 1-5 to 1-1 in the All Ireland semi-final, with K Mallon the captain and P Dooey their best player, and 13-year-old Berna Kelly played in goal. They won the inaugural All Ireland junior championshipAll-Ireland Junior Camogie Championship
The All-Ireland Junior Camogie Championship is the most important competition for third-tier county teams in the women’s field sport of camogie. In accordance with the practice in GAA competitions the term junior applies to the level of competition rather than the age group...
in 1968 and inaugural minor (under-16)
All-Ireland Minor Camogie Championship
The All-Ireland Minor Camogie Championship is the most important competition for under-18 teams in the women’s field sport of camogie. Counties compete for the Síghle Nic an Ultaigh Cup. There are graded competitions at Minor B and Minor C level.-History:...
championship in 1974, further All Ireland junior championships
All-Ireland Junior Camogie Championship
The All-Ireland Junior Camogie Championship is the most important competition for third-tier county teams in the women’s field sport of camogie. In accordance with the practice in GAA competitions the term junior applies to the level of competition rather than the age group...
in 1976 and 1991 and the intermediate
All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Championship
The All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Championship is the most important competition in the women’s field sport of camogie for second-tier county teams and for second-string teams of first-tier counties. If the winning team comes from a second-tier county, that county is promoted to the following...
championship of 1994 which resulted in a brief return to the senior championship. They won the All Ireland
All-Ireland Minor Camogie Championship
The All-Ireland Minor Camogie Championship is the most important competition for under-18 teams in the women’s field sport of camogie. Counties compete for the Síghle Nic an Ultaigh Cup. There are graded competitions at Minor B and Minor C level.-History:...
championship at Under-16 C level in 2011 and reached the 2011 [All-Ireland Junior Camogie Championship#Nancy Murray Cup|Nancy Murray Cup]] final.
.
Leitrim Fontenoys won the 2004 and 2005 All Ireland junior club title.
Notable players include All Star and soaring star award winners Máirín McAleenan
Máirín McAleenan
Máirín McAleenan is a camogie player, winner of an All-Star award in 2004.-Early career:She shot to prominence when Down won the National League Division 2 and the All Ireland Intermediate Championship in 1998, scoring 9-35 during the league campaign, 1-2 in the intermediate semi-final and 1-7 in...
, Catherine McGourty
Catherine McGourty
Catherine McGourty is a camogie player, winner of two Soaring Star awards in 2009 and 2011 and a member of the 2001 Junior All-Ireland winning Down team. She represented Ireland in the 2008 shinty-camogie international...
and Karen Tinelly
Karen Tinelly
Karen Tinnelly is a camogie player, winner of a Soaring Star award in 2009.-External links:* Official Camogie Association Website* On The Ball Official Camogie Magazine and * County and provincial websites:...
. Síghle Nic an Ultaigh
Síghle Nic an Ultaigh
Síghle Nic an Ultaigh was the eighth president of the Camogie Association. In 1998, as a tribute to her long service to the game, she was awarded life presidency of the Association.-Background:...
and Belle O'Loughlin
Belle O'Loughlin
Belle O'Loughlin was the 23rd president of the Camogie Association.-Referee:A member of Warrenpoint club in Down, she served as chair of Ulster council and secretary of the fixtures committee and refereed the 1982 and 1988 All Ireland finals.-Presidency:During her presidency in 1995 Foras na...
served as presidents of the Camogie Association
Camogie Association
The Camogie Association organises and promotes the sport of camogie in Ireland and across the world. The Association has close ties with the Gaelic Athletic Association.-History:...
).
Under Camogie’s National Development Plan 2010-2015, “Our Game, Our Passion,” five new camogie clubs are to be established in the county by 2015.
Club Championships
- Down Senior Football Championship
- Down Senior Hurling Championship
External links
- Down on Hoganstand.com
- National and provincial titles won by Down teams
- Club championship winners
- Senior and Minor Football Championship Finals
- Down GAA site
| Down GAA | ||
|---|---|---|
| Affiliated Clubs | ||
| Senior Football Championship | ||
An Riocht - Attical - Ballyholland - Ballymartin - Bryansford - Burren - Castlewellan - Clonduff - Downpatrick - Kilcoo - Liatroim-Fontenoys - Longstone Longstone GAC Longstone GAC is a Gaelic Athletic Association gaelic football club in County Down, Northern Ireland. In recent times Longstone claimed the runner-up spot in the Senior Football League , which is the top-flight division in the county... - Loughinisland - Mayobridge - Rostrevor - Saval |
||
| Intermediate Football Championship | ||
Annaclone - Ardglass - Bredagh - Carryduff - Clann na Banna - Darragh Cross - Dundrum - Glasdrumman - Glenn - Kilclief - Newry Shamrocks - Saul - St.John Bosco - Teconnaught - Tullylish - Warrenpoint Warrenpoint GAA St. Peter's GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club in County Down, Northern Ireland.-Foundation:The GAA in Warrenpoint pre-dates St. Peter's by a considerable span of years for it was in 1888 that the original seed was sown with the name of John Martin... |
||
| Junior Football Championship | ||
Aghaderg - Aughlisnafin - Ballykinlar - Bright - Dromara - Drumaness - Drumgath - Killyleagh - Newry Mitchels - St.John's - St.Michael's - St.Paul's |
||
| Senior Hurling Championship | ||
Ballycran - Ballygalget - Portaferry |
||
| Intermediate Hurling Championship | ||
Ballela - Bredagh - Kilclief - Liatroim-Fontenoys - Newry Shamrocks - Warrenpoint Warrenpoint GAA St. Peter's GAA is a Gaelic Athletic Association club in County Down, Northern Ireland.-Foundation:The GAA in Warrenpoint pre-dates St. Peter's by a considerable span of years for it was in 1888 that the original seed was sown with the name of John Martin... - |
||
| Junior Hurling Championship | ||
Clonduff - Carryduff - Castlewellan - Ballyvarley - |
||