NY GAA: Gaelic Park weekend previews

Saturday, June 6
7:45 p.m.: Special league final Leitrim vs. Down

Leitrim come back to defend the title that they won against Cavan last season in this compelling contest as they face off against Down. Leitrim will be looking to build on the win over Cork last week and prove that they are in fact the favorites for the championship title this season.

It isn’t easy to win back to back in any competition, but the side has improved this season under the supervision of Paddy Kearney, particularly in the sanction end of affairs.

Pat Madden from Kerins O’Rahilly’s in Kerry is very impressive under a dropping ball and can cover ground quickly when given space. Mark Smith, from Longford Slashers, has loads of potential and may be better suited to 15 a side in the championship.

John O’Neill from Gracefield in Offaly will eventually find a slot in the full forward line, where he was sensational with Sligo two years ago. Add the tenacious Johnny Goldrick, the defensive skills of Dermot Keane, Alan Foley and Lonan Maguire, and Down will have a full hand in their quest for scores.

Dan Doona is having a rebirth under Kearney, and his scoring average is already way up from last year. Down will know the magnitude of the challenge ahead, but they are here on merit. 

Some former Leitrim players pepper their ranks, with Drumkerrin natives Gary Cornyn and Shaun Munnelly holding leading roles. Sean Kelly from Drumahaire is at home as a defender or a forward, while Robbie Moran and James Mitchell both played with Leitrim-New York last season.

The tight defending of Down has been a factor in a lot of their games, and they certainly are a second half team, outscoring opponents in their last three games, 3-25 to 2-7. A huge part of this is the defensive presence. Look for Mark Connolly and Packie Downey in town from Drumrath to have a major influence on this encounter.

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Nster.com