Dublin aristocrats heading for Down

Dublin aristocrats heading for Down

9 March 2016

THERE is only one show in town on Saturday night when All-Ireland champions Dublin take on Down under floodlights at Pairc Esler in Newry.

Every Down fan is hoping that Eamon Burns’ charges can put on a show against Jim Gavin’s mean machine.

Down lost out to Roscommon on Sunday 1-12 to 0-6. It was another result that highlighted the gap in quality between Down and the rest of the sides in the division.

However, Burns remains in optimistic form.”We were in the game for long periods and we kept ourselves in touch. We addressed some of the problems from the Kerry match last week, but our decision-making let us down. 

“Our inside forward line worked hard and I’m happy with the progress from last week, but what we want is a result. We hit the crossbar and a goal then could have changed the complexion of the game. We’ll keep battling on.”

Dublin negated an eight-point deficit to overcome Cork by four points in their clash at the weekend.

The Metropolitans were behind 2-7 to 1-2 on the stroke of half-time but they staged a strong comeback inspired by Cormac Costello who was deadly in front of the posts with set pieces.

Corner back Jonny Cooper received his marching orders in the game, but he will be available for the Down duel as he only got two yellows.

Diarmuid Connolly was the star turn for the Dubs against the Rebels and Aidan Carr has a deadly task on his hands if he detailed to mark the centre half forward.

Philly McMahon will man the square for the visitors with Cian O’Sullivan at centre half back and Bryan Fenton at midfield strong presences.

The Dublin forward line is expected to severely test Down’s rearguard and in Ciaran Kilkenny, Bernard Brogan, Paddy Andrews, Paul Flynn and the aforementioned Costello and Connolly, they should post a high score.

The luxury is also there for Jim Gavin to bring the likes of Dean Rock and Kevin McManamon into the fray.

Down boss Burns may prefer experience on the field for this tie and it will take all the leadership skills of Conor Maginn, Mark Poland and Peter Turley to keep their effort on track.

A lot of pressure will rest on the shoulders of Connaire Harrison and the fledgling Barry O’Hagan to get scores while Paul Devlin and Niall Madine are fancied to get considerable game time under their belts.

A defeat here for the Red and Blacks will ultimately signal relegation to Division 2. Dublin are the best team in Ireland  at the minute and they are capable of posting a considerable score in this clash.

Down will be eager to contain the Dubs juggernaut, but it is likely that a sizeable defeat is in the pipeline.

The players will relish the occasion, but there isn’t going to be a fairytale ending.