Football

Back in the Day - Justin McNulty all clear to resume training - The Irish News, Aug 6 1999

Armagh's Justin McNulty was expected to win his fitness battle ahead of an All-Ireland SFC semi-final against Meath
Armagh's Justin McNulty was expected to win his fitness battle ahead of an All-Ireland SFC semi-final against Meath Armagh's Justin McNulty was expected to win his fitness battle ahead of an All-Ireland SFC semi-final against Meath

ARMAGH’S Justin McNulty will be fit to face Meath in the All-Ireland SFC semi-final on August 29.

County PRO Paddy Nugent confirmed last night that the scan on the corner-back’s knee revealed no major damage and the player should be back in training very shortly.

“I have not seen the exact medical report, but I have been told that he has been given the all-clear, everything is fine and he will resume training in the near future.”

The player suffered a knock to his left knee in a collision with Down’s Mickey Linden during the first half of the Ulster final. At half-time we was in pain but made the decision to play on.

The elder McNulty began the championship in midfield against Donegal at Ballybofey but made the number four jersey his own after being moved back there in the re-shuffle enforced by the introduction of Diarmaid Marsden.

Since then in tandem with younger brother Enda in the opposite corner, with Ger Reid in between, the Armagh full-back line has laid the foundations for the Orchard County’s success. Enda also suffered an aggrivation of an ankle injury in the Ulster final, but has since resumed full training.

The unfortunate Mark McNeill, who played only 13 minutes in this championship before his withdrawal after an early booking at Ballybofey, would be an experienced replacement in the left corner slot if the 24-year-old McNulty suffers a relapse when he resumes full training.

Down SFC quarter-final: Burren 0-14 Downpatrick 1-10

FAVOURITES Burren gained a rather fortunate one point victory over a strong Downpatrick side in this Harp Lager Down SFC quarter-final replay at St Patrick’s Park, Newcastle, last night.

Played before an excited crowd of 2,000 the football throughout was of a very high standard with some passages of excellent play equalled by brilliant scores.

Outsiders Downpatrick carried the game to Burren and apart from the opening 10 minutes they controlled the play but were unable to turn chances into scores.

Downpatrick had a marvellous chance after 12 minutes when Gerard Deegan put Kryan Smyth through but he shot inches wide of an open goal. This miss proved crucial at the finish.

Downpatrick controlled midfield through the hard work of Paul Evans and Donal McCartan while Gregory and Gerard Deegan along with Mark Quinn were their most dangerous attackers.

In defence Harry Rice, Paul Moore and Peter Kelly more than matched the fast moving Burren attackers but tired visibly towards the close when Burren got the points which gave then victory.

Burren: M Rocks, M Doyle, C Byrne, R McGovern, B McKernan, S Ward, G McFerran, R Musson, G Murtagh (0-1), P Bradley (0-1), J Treanor (0-5), A Woods (0- 2), J McAlinden (0-2), A McGivern, S White (0-3) Sub: L Magee for P Bradley

Downpatrick: TP Louden, M Trainor, P Moore, D Carville, R Starkey, H Rice, P Kelly, P Evans (0-1), D McCartan, Gregory Deegan (0-2), K Smyth (0-3), Gerard Deegan (0-1), T McShane (0-1), M Quinn (1-0), K Oakes (0-2). Sub: I Hynds for T McShane

Derry GAA:

DUNGIVEN had a facile 4-12 to 1-6 win over North Derry neighbours Banagher.

Two first half goals by Jude McLaughlin put them 2-5 to 0-3 ahead at the interval.

Eoin Farran added a second half brace of goals for an easy victory.

Dungiven will face a tougher task this weekend when they travel to Castledawson without Kieran McKeever, Joe Brolly and Barry Kelly, who are all on holiday.