National Hurling League Division Two final
Down v Kildare
Saturday, Inniskeen, 1.30pm (live on Spórt TG4)
THIS weekend, Down have a chance to really promote the game of hurling in the county, by winning the National League Division Two final.
The current county team have already promoted hurling by gaining promotion to Division 1B.
Next season will see them become the first Down team to play Division One hurling since 2007.
For Eoghan Sands, promotion and playing in a league final has repercussions bigger than just a nice day out for players and fans.
“I think promotion is massive. It is over 20 years since Down played Division One hurling. When I came into the squad ten years ago, we were playing Division 2B. That was all we knew for a while.
“We don’t want this to be a one-off thing. This has to be a spark for the county to transform the county for the next ten to 20 years.”
Next year, Down will play in Division 1B, which will include Wexford, Clare, Dublin, Carlow, Antrim and Kildare. Eoghan said the potential of playing at that level will boost hurling in the county.
“To bring teams like All-Ireland champions Clare, Wexford and Dublin to Ballycran, and for young kids to come and see that is important.
“Young kids are going to see the likes of Tony Kelly or Shane O’Donnell come to county Down hopefully that will grow the enthusiasm for hurling in the county.”
Read why Eoghan thinks beating Kildare will have an effect on their championship campaign.
