Ronan Sheehan expects home advantage to give Down an edge over Westmeath

Conor Woods can make a big impact for Down

John Campbell

Down hurling team manager Ronan Sheehan is urging his side to maximise their home advantage at Ballycran when they confront Westmeath in a vital Joe McDonagh Cup match on Saturday afternoon (3.00pm).

In overcoming Meath at the start of the competition by 3-24 to 0-25, Down looked as if they might slip into a comfortable groove but a 0-26 to 2-12 loss against Kerry means that a victory is vital today if they are to advance.

Westmeath have lost their two games to date against Kerry and Offaly and will be keen to make up ground today although given Down’s subtle finishing skills they may prove difficult to hurdle.

Tim Prenter, Daithi Sands, Paul Sheehan and Ruairi McCrickard are helping the team to compile handsome totals while Caolan Taggart, Donal Hughes and Conor Woods are deploying their experience to good effect.

“While it was encouraging to get the win over Meath we have to make home advantage count today, that’s the important thing,” maintains Sheehan, “We have players who have come back into the side and they are making an impact which is very encouraging. People like Conor Woods bring huge experience to the table which is a boost.”

Westmeath are particularly keen to claim a victory given their dismal start to the competition while Down can still make an impact should they come out on top today prior to their remaining scheduled games against Laois and Offaly.

In the All-Ireland Under 20 C Hurling Championship Andrew O’Neill Cup, Fermanagh will host Leitrim at Brewster Park Enniskillen on Saturday (3.00pm) while Cavan will host neighbours Monaghan at Kingspan Breffni (4.00pm). On Sunday, Down will face Wicklow in the U20B All-Ireland Championship Richie McElligott Cup at the Louth Training Centre at Darver (2.00pm).

Meanwhile, one of Armagh’s most famous football families is gearing up for two Ulster finals in the coming weeks. The Mackins from Camlough are set to have a big say in the destination of the Ulster senior men’s and ladies football titles.

Ciaran and Connaire are part of Kieran McGeeney’s squad that meets Donegal on Sunday week while their sisters Aimee and Blaithin – who will return to their AFLW club Melbourne Demons later in the year – will also face Donegal in the ladies decider a week later.