Magill: Down want Newry to be a fortress


By Shaun Casey GETTING to play in front of an excited crowd in Newry helps to bring the best out of the Down players, says the versatile Ryan Magill. The Mourne men are aiming for their second win of the campaign when they invite Meath to Páirc Esler on Saturday evening. Conor Laverty’s side bounced […]


Down keeping eyes on final spot


By Michael McMullan TWO gone. Three more to go. That’s how Down hurling manager Ronan Sheehan is looking at his side’s target of getting to the Division Two final. They took plenty from an opening day win over Kildare. Two ruthless seven-minute spells sunk Derry on Saturday and they welcome Donegal to Ballycran this weekend. […]


Another weekend of LGFA league action beckons


Compiled by Jackie Cahill THERE’S another full round of fixtures in the 2025 Lidl National Leagues down for decision over the Bank Holiday weekend. Wicklow v Kilkenny in Division 4 is Saturday’s sole fixture; there are games across all four divisions on Sunday, while there’s a live TG4 double-header from the top flight on Monday, […]


NFL feature: The roll of honour


Shaun Casey charts those who have led the way in National Football League Division One titles Kerry (23) LIKE the All-Ireland roll of honour, Kerry also has the most National League titles. The Kingdom have also lost seven league deciders and haven’t claimed the crown since 2022. Then, they lost just once throughout the entire […]


Lacey: Errigal Ciaran much more than just the two Canavans


By Shaun Casey WHILE Darragh and Ruairi Canavan are the headline-grabbers in the Errigal Ciaran team and shared 0-11 of the side’s 0-14 tally in the semi-final victory over Clann Éireann, Kilcoo manager Karl Lacey insists the Tyrone champs aren’t just a two-man band. Kilcoo are aiming to collect their first Ulster title since 2021 […]


Domhnall Nugent embracing the next step


Domhnall Nugent is embarking on an exciting new challenge as manager of the Down camogs By Shaun Casey HEADING down the coaching route was an avenue that always intrigued Domhnall Nugent, even during his playing days with the Antrim hurlers. Keeping an eye on all things coaching and management was how he spent his years […]


Sheehan expecting tough Swatragh test


By Shaun Casey BREDAGH boss Donal Sheehan already had one eye on the Derry champions, even before the Ulster quarter-finals took place. He had a sneaky suspicion that if his side could see off Burt, then it would be a team hailing from the Oakleaf County facing them in the semis. Admittedly, Sheehan had initially […]


Ballela plotting an upwards curve


By Michael McMullan IT’S a very different year for the hurlers of Ballela who lock horns with Ballinascreen in Sunday’s Ulster Junior semi-final. Last year, the Down side had single figures out training on occasions and that’s morphed into a steady 25 most nights. It’s helped them land the county titles and to victory over […]