Conor McGurk Cup Group A: Donegal v Down (today, Queen’s, 1.30pm)
THERE may just be one game left in Group A of the Conor McGurk Cup, but all three sides could yet find themselves in next weekend’s final.
Donegal currently hold the aces ahead of this afternoon’s clash with Down at Queen’s.
Avoid defeat and they top the group. Indeed, Mickey McCann’s men can afford to lose by a point and still make it through. A two-point loss would mean that scoring difference would decide whether they or the hosts progress.
Queen’s will make it through if Down win by three to 10 points, while the Ardsmen will require at least an 11-point win to have any chance of retaining the title.
Down looked well off the pace in their 1-11 to 1-3 loss to Queen’s last week, but the conditions did eliminate any possibility of free-flowing hurling.
Paul Sheehan, who was Down’s top scorer with 1-1, grabbed their goal from a penalty late in the first half while Danny Toner and talented youngster Pearse Og McCrickard were also on target with points.
Donegal were always in control in their opening fixture against Queen’s. They led 0-14 to 0-5 at the break and although the students came back at them well after the interval, they were able to hold out to record a 1-20 to 1-15 victory.
McCann, a former Donegal hurler, took over from Ardal McDermott recently and he has already managed to convince Jamsie Donnelly to come out of retirement.
He has also introduced a number of the Buncrana minors who won the Donegal title last season and today’s team should be a blend of youth and experience.
December’s training with strength and conditioning expert Paul Fisher seems to have the Tir Chonaill men in great shape for the new season and even if they do miss out on a final spot, they will have started the year well.
Down should earn the win here, but probably not by enough to prevent Queen’s from advancing.
