Are Down hurlers on the way down or not?
Talking Balls Comments
We suppose Ballycastle was maybe a narrow second choice after La Manga or some such other warm weather retreat. The Limerick Leader described the North Antrim towns as small and rural situated on the most north-easterly tip of County Antrim. Justin has of course great links with the Glensmen having coached them to intermediate All Ireland titles back in the days before helmets were invented.
The thirty three man squad was accompanied by the county Chairman and Treasurer, presumably to keep a recession-beaten eye on preparations.
We would say then that Justin and his colleagues were not best impressed then when it emerged that Down couldn’t field a team for their match, leading their manager Jim McKernan to apologise to Justin and the Ballycastle hosts. He is now dealing with the matter ‘internally’ whatever that means.
Talking Balls reckons that there’s not much point Ulster teams, or any teams for that matter, bleating about the standard of opposition they face and the lack of good quality opposition when they can’t round up enough of a squad to play the likes of Limerick. Sounds like ideal preparation for their opening Christy Ring game with rivals Derry. Also sounds like we’re a long way form the glory days when Down competed in All Ireland semi finals in Croke Park.
