Neil Loughran

3 days ago | irishnews.com | Neil Loughran

DOWN came within minutes of upsetting big odds in last year’s Ulster semi-final – and will face a similar challenge against a hotly-tipped Donegal in Sunday’s Clones showdown. Few gave the Mournemen much hope against eventual All-Ireland champions Armagh, especially having been swept aside by the Orchard 12 months earlier.

3 days ago | irishnews.com | Neil Loughran

THE biggest stars in Irish amateur boxing are coming to Belfast this summer when the city hosts a major national elite tournament – with an eye towards selection for September’s World Championships in Liverpool. Tokyo bronze medallist Aidan Walsh, his fellow two-time Olympian sister Michaela, Newtownstewart’s Jude Gallagher and recent World silver medallists Aoife and Lisa O’Rourke are expected to be among those in action at Girdwood Community Hub from June 1-5.

5 days ago | irishnews.com | Neil Loughran

HOW do you explain that one? Kieran Donnelly was still trying to make sense of his side’s inexplicable last-gasp defeat to Fermanagh when he emerged from the Erne dressing room. A Tailteann Cup campaign awaits, but this was neither the time not the place for that conversation. Because his men should be looking forward to an Ulster semi-final next weekend against either Donegal or Monaghan, having been the better team for so much of Saturday’s clash with Down at Brewster Park.

5 days ago | irishnews.com | Neil Loughran

Sean McNally: Pulled off a fantastic fingertip save to turn a James Guinness thunderbolt onto the bar, and composed from 45s. Pushed up high on Down kick-outs to try and unsettle Championship debutant Burns. 7Che Cullen: Had a good battle with McGeough – found the Carryduff man hard work at times but got on top in the second half. Made a superb diving block to keep out Murdock’s goalbound effort in the first half.

6 days ago | irishnews.com | Neil Loughran

Ulster SFC quarter-final: Donegal v Monaghan (Sunday, 2pm, Clones – live on GAA+)THE sole blemish on Jim McGuinness’s Ulster record as a manager? It all started, or part of it at least, on a July afternoon in Portlaoise. During the mid-to-late Noughties, Monaghan had become used to dining at the top table; pushing for Ulster titles, giving Kerry their fill on unforgettable days at Croke Park, war footing the default setting.