Allianz Hurling League: Division 2 final: Sunday (1pm): Kingspan Breffni Park: Down v Mayo
DOWN and the Division 2B final have been on a two-year cycle recently and the Ardsmen will be hoping that it’s third time lucky against Mayo in Kingspan Breffni tomorrow afternoon.
Since dropping down to the fourth tier of the National Hurling League six years ago, Down have lost the 2014 and 2016 finals to Wicklow and Armagh – both by two points – and while the trend continues in terms of appearances, Marty Mallon’s side will be hoping that they can alter the usual outcome.
“I can guarantee you one thing, this side will empty the tank,” Mallon said of his side.
“If that’s not good enough, we’ll go again, but we’ll put up a fight.
“The players have been absolutely fantastic, I couldn’t say a single word against them.
“We had a blip against Donegal and we think we know the reasons for it, which I don’t want to get into.
“We have won every other match by 10 or 12 points and they have been excellent.
“If we don’t win it won’t be the end of the world, but it would be very disappointing at the same time.
“We have a young team this year and maybe people maybe thought we wouldn’t do anything, but if they apply themselves properly they have a chance.
“There’s a lot of steel in these young lads and a lot of ambition.”
The counties are meeting for the second successive weekend with Down winning the first encounter by a healthy 14 points.
That was a bit of a false indicator though with Mayo boss Derek Walsh resting the majority of his side as they had already secured a final spot.
“We went flat out last week and we couldn’t afford to be shadow boxing while they were able to rest a few players,” Mallon said.
“If we go in with the same mentality and the same attitude we’ll give them a game.
“It’s obviously going to be much more difficult than last week but the boys are really up for it.”
Down’s promotion hopes will depend quite a lot on the availability of key defenders Brook Byers and John McManus.
The latter, in particular, has been in sensational form this season and his manager is still hopeful that he will be fit to start in Cavan.
“We’ve picked up a few injuries.
“Wee Brook Byers is really struggling with a shoulder problem and John McManus hasn’t trained all week.
“I’ll tell you something, it’ll take a lot to keep John out and he was one of the best players on the field against Mayo last weekend.
“If we don’t have Brook that will be a huge blow too because he is a young player that has come in and has really excelled.
“If they don’t make it we have boys who can step in. Liam Savage, Gary’s son, is chomping at the bit.
“We will keep giving these young lads the opportunities because they have been fantastic.”
The fearlessness of youth may just be enough to end Down’s Division 2B hoodoo tomorrow.
