McCorry stays as manager

McCorry stays as manager

22 July 2015

IT has been confirmed that Jim McCorry will remain as manager of the Down senior football team for a second year.

The decision was taken at a county board meeting in Newcastle on Monday night.

McCorry’s first season in charge started positively with the Mournemen achieving promotion to Division 1 of the Allianz League.

However, defeat in the Division 2 final to Roscommon was followed by a short-lived championship campaign.

Down lost their Ulster SFC quarter-final to Derry by a point before suffering a surprise defeat to Wexford in the first round of the All-Ireland qualifiers.

Meanwhile, with the county’s seniors now dead and buried for another year, attention turns to the final third of the league campaign and the upcoming championships.

Highflying Bryansford and neighbours Castlewellan get the action started in Division One tomorrow night with the ‘Ford needing to win to keep up the pressure on leaders Burren.

On Friday struggling Clann na Banna will find the going tough at home to Mayobridge while a youthful RGU will be severely tested when they host Warrenpoint.

Glenn’s form has been shaky of late and they will need their fast moving attack to be on form with the arrival of a Rostrevor team, minus US emigré Caolan Mooney.

Brendan McArdle is set to be out for a long period and his absence could make the going tough for Annaclone as they welcome Longstone to mid Down.

Division Two-bound Liatroim may need to set up ultra defensive against a Kilcoo side who have stepped their preparations up a gear in recent weeks.

Sunday sees the clash of old rivals Clonduff and Burren. The Hilltown side need to get another few wins to secure top flight status while Burren look relentless in their pursuit of divisional glory.

The Division One action concludes on Monday with a tasty pairing of Saval and Ballyholland. Both outfits are looking good for top flight football next year and a draw could be on the cards.

Shamrocks and Drumgath clash in the opening fixture of Division Two tomorrow evening. Both teams are facing football in the third tier in 2016 with the Shams tipped to win.

Double-chasing Loughinisland could rack up a cricket score against Dromara while Bredagh’s quest for a Division Two berth should be boosted by a win at home to Kilclief.

Atticall and Carryduff is too tight to call while Saul have a huge opportunity to boost their cause with a win on the road to Bosco.

Drumaness and St John’s look destined for the third tier next year with the St Colman’s men capable of causing a slight upset here.

An Riocht will look to Martin Clarke to guide them past a stern challenge from Tullylish.

The action concludes on Sunday with a mouth-watering tie between leaders Darragh Cross and Ballymartin. If Darragh want to keep up their quest for division one football then a win here is a must.

Ardglass and Aghaderg do battle tomorrow night in Division Three with a win for Ryan Kelly’s side the likely outcome.

Conor Deegan has Aughlisnafin flying fit for the onset of the championship his team should get the win at home to Mitchels on Friday.

St Michael’s versus Teconnaught and Killyleagh against Glasdrumman are foregone conclusions with the away team tipped in both contests.

Dundrum and Bright should be a closely fought encounter with a rejuvenated Ballynoe side capable of an upset.