Downings hoping for another smash ‘n grab in Intermediate final on Sunday

Downings are becoming real smash and grab artists in the past few years. 

And few will forget Johnny McGroddy’s last gasp injury time goal which deprived opponents Malin of victory in last year’s  

Division Two final. 

And this was against Sunday’s opponents Malin who certainly won’t lack motivation on that score against Kevin “Cookie” Gallagher’s men. 

But Downings repeated another victory snatched from the jaws of defeat as a late goal from Kevin “Gooch” Doherty set up a final date with Malin. 

“We were in a Junior final two years ago when we beat Letterkenny Gaels, but have not won an Intermediate final since 1993 when I was a very young player on that team,” said manager Gallagher. 

“We beat Na Rossa in that final and that is a very long time ago.” 

Declan Bonner looking forward to battle with old Harps comrade

Na Rossa manager was teammate of John Quigg, who is now coaching Junior final opponents Moville

On their shock dismissal of Termon in the Intermediate semi-final he said: “We just wanted to be in the game going down the home straight and when you are within touching distance anything can happen and that is what happened as we got a goal right at the death which was fortunate, but we will take it.

“We beat Bundoran by three points in the first game in the Group stage and then Termon beat us well. 

“We beat Fanad by a goal and we got over Naomh Columba by a point in a very tough group and we beat Red Hughs by five points in the quarter-finals.” 

But they face a huge task against an impressive Malin side, who like Downings, have survived in Division One after getting promoted last year. 

“We know what they will bring, and they have been the standout team all year. 

“The three Fildara McLaughlins, Benny, Christy and Paul are all quality players, and they also have the likes of Sean and Conor O’Neill and Josh Conlon and Terence Doherty who will all pose major threats. 

“Sean Kelly is a good organiser and they are full of leaders.” 

But Downings have their stars too and Gallagher admits they were very lucky to beat Malin in last year’s pulsating League play-off. 

“That was in the lap of the gods.” 

But Downings too have serious quality in Johnny McGroddy, Lorcan Connor and Paddy McElwee up front. 

“The Pasomas are solid players too and Ronan Gallagher is in good form. 

“Thirty years is a life-time ago to win a final, and while there is a great buzz about the place, we are only in a final and we have nothing won yet. 

“We are trying to get that point through to the boys and we know that it will be a battle next Sunday. 

“But we will put our best foot forward and see where it will take us. 

“But Malin will have fierce hunger too as they have never won an Intermediate title so it is going to be some battle,” said Gallagher