IT never rains but it pours and this weekend the fixture list is saturated with football games up and down the country as the GAA shakes itself from its all too brief winter hibernation.

Cork native Sean Farrell has been confirmed as Down hurling manager John Crossey's assistant for the 2006 season.

Respected Down hurling manager Jimmy O'Reilly has quit his position in a surprising development leaving the Mourne County with a big pair of boots to fill.

Down hurling manager Jimmy O'Reilly has lashed out at the Ulster council for refixturing the Ulster SHC final to a Saturday evening slot.

Veteran Down hurling star Noel Sands has cast doubts over the rest of his career by pulling out of this year's NHL campaign.