DOWN have been relegated to Division Three. Needing a win against fellow strugglers Louth at Newry yesterday,, the home side was unable to raise its game before a crowd of 6,000 and slipped quietly out of the second division surely the only county to have, done so within 18 months of being crowned All Ireland champions.
Louth, who beat Down's successors Dublin eight days ago again had the advantage of Colin Kelly's free taking. The prolific corner forward added 0 6 to the 0-8 he knocked up last week and that, rather than anything more spectacular, was the main difference between the teams.
They also had big Seamus O Hanlon, who outplayed a succession of opponents in an all action display at, midfield. And they had an admirably tenacious defence, in which Stephen Melia, John Donaldson and Nicky Malone all excelled themselves.
The match was won in the first half, when Colin Kelly's free kicking contrasted with wretched Down finishing. Down shot nine wides in that period and man aged only one p9int. Behind, 0-1 to 0-6, at half time, the home side's plight stung them into a more urgent approach on the restart. But gritty Louth matched them score for score.
The game did build up to an exciting climax, but when Niall O Donnell caved at the foot of the post from Gregory McCartan in the 59th minute, Louth had done enough for the win. More than enough. perhaps, for they can look back on an Alan Doherty goal disallowed by the referee and an Oliver McDonald shot which rapped the crossbar, and conclude that they should have had more than a point to spare at the end.
Down were sluggish and on uninspired, and it was easier believe they'll be a third division team this time next ear than that they were reigning All Ireland champions less than 12 months ago.
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