Make or break

Make or break

10 January 2024

IT’S make or break for the Down senior footballers as they fight to keep their hopes of capturing the Dr McKenna Cup alive tonight at Páirc Esler.

The Mournemen welcome Cavan to Newry for a 7.30pm showdown and both teams will no doubt be going for broke following initial losses to holders Derry.

Conor Laverty’s charges made the trip to Celtic Park on Saturday night and had hoped to make a statement in their first game of the year against a Derry outfit who are tipped for big things in Division 1 this season.

Derry fell behind to a James Guinness point and despite levelling, Down took control with Odhrán Murdock being particularly eye-catching for the away side.

Down played attractive football and they were finding their range with further scores from Pat Havern and Liam Kerr.

But, there were two big chances which fell to Down on the night which they couldn’t take full advantage of and had these went in favour of the away side, the result could have read differently.

Firstly, Ceilum Doherty’s chance of a goal was reduced to a point when he failed to control at the first time of asking and then, in the second half, Liam Kerr’s free didn’t meet the requirements and Derry pounced to complete a rather sizeable comeback.

This came to the delight of new Oak Leaf boss Mickey Harte, who reflected on Down’s missed opportunities after the full-time whistle.

“These are the little things that games hinge on,” he said.

Harte also expressed his relief that his side are now guaranteed a semi-final spot after overcoming Cavan by a two-point margin a week ago.

“There’s lots to be happy about. To come from a bad place and win a game is always good as well, and a good experience to have in the bank,” said Harte.

Nevertheless, there were positives for Down with Conor Laverty fielding a changed squad, as expected, as he continues to experiment with his current crop of talent.

Murdock, as mentioned, stood out but there were also notable features such as the returning Jonny Flynn, Down GAA Club All-Stars nominee John O’Hare in nets and U-20 talent Oisín Savage in attack.

Pat Havern top scored for the Mournemen on the night and Down will be hoping he can continue that form against the Breffni.

A large crowd is expected to rally behind the hosts tonight, who will no doubt feed off the atmosphere in an attempt to get over the line in Section B.

Down and Cavan last met in last year’s Tailteann Cup quarter-final, with Laverty's men shocking their opposition in a 1-17 to 0-15 victory on away soil.

On that occasion, Danny Magill raised the green flag late on to confirm the result.