The Downs busy building for the future
Luke Loughlin, The Downs, and Michael Mullin, Kilmacud Crokes, in action during the 2022 AIB Leinster Club SFC Final at Croke Park. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
By Cian O’Connell
This is an encouraging era for The Downs. Before the 2022 Westmeath SFC triumph, The Downs went 15 years without glory at that level, so it is important to remain relevant.
Last year’s county final replay defeat to St Loman’s on penalties was tough, but the response has been impressive.
An AIB Leinster Club Quarter-Final against Tullamore looms and manager Dermot Power is delighted The Downs are playing football in November. “You could pretty much say from the following day, after that loss last year, I don't think there was one player, who didn't have their eyes firmly set on 2025,” Power reflects.
“Over the course of this year, we've certainly seen it in our training sessions and on the pitch, that there has been a level of hunger.
“Probably, that is out of the hurt that came about from losing last year's replay. So, while it is always difficult to go back to the well every year, there was certainly significant purpose in '25, and that showed in the final.”
That 4-12 to 1-15 success over Corlastown/Kinnegad illustrated The Downs’ attacking potential. “The game has moved on hugely and moved on massively over the last 12 months,” Power says.
“We're still coming to terms with the new rules. Players are still sort of getting used to it. These guys have been playing for 10 years and more, playing under a different set of rules.
“When it comes down to really important parts in the game, sometimes it might be muscle memory that would kick in, simple things like three up can become a majorly important part, especially if it is in the last minute or two of a game.
“No longer are you looking at being four or five points up, thinking you're home and hosed. Far from it. A couple of two pointers and you might end up being behind. It is a different mindset players need now.”
Even when The Downs weren’t winning senior titles for a decade and a half, time and energy was being invested in developing the club. Crucial work was carried out on and off the field of play. “It goes back to having a very strong committee and management team over a long number of years,” Power says.
Supporters of The Downs following the 2022 AIB Leinster Club SFC Semi-Final win over Ratoath at Croke Park. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile
“We've been blessed in the club by having really strong secretaries, treasurers, and really strong chairpersons. In the current year we've that too. Aiden Maguire as chairman has been around for a number of years, a stalwart in the club.
“You're looking at Shane Carroll as secretary, Shane is probably one of the younger secretaries around, but there is a level of drive in those people that keeps you on your toes.
“Previous secretaries like Tommy Kelly, for year after year, you were always going back, fundraising, doing all the basic things, but they're very hard things to do, and to do it consistently. We've been very lucky that we've always had a strong senior management team.”
So, an emphasis has always been placed on aiding emerging talent. “Clubs over the years, in general, go through periods of time where teams are successful,” Power says.
“In order to have a level of consistency at senior level, your underage needs to be strong. We're very lucky that we've got an underage coaching scene that is hard to replicate in other clubs. In the current year we probably have Division One winners at U14 and U16, and our minors took part in that final a week or two ago.
“There is that crop of players coming through, but you're never 100 per cent sure how many of the players will actually make it through. You might have excellent U16s or minors and never see them at senior.
“A really tough part of running a club and operating a club of any size is to make sure you bring through as many of those players as you can.
“You're looking at other sports or at these guys thinking they're athletic and skilful, and saying why wouldn't we have them. Like any club, you just try to do your best.”
Power highlights the contribution of his coaching set-up. “This was very much a team effort,” Power responds. “There is fantastic support, be it with Barry Conroy, who is with me and in 2022. Eoin Carroll came in as coach in the current year, both of them have as much to do with where this team is at than anybody else.
“Our county final seems as if it was weeks ago now. It doesn't take long for you to get reset on the pitch and get looking forward to our first round in Leinster.”
