Eoghan Sands: 'We are looking to bring that enthusiasm back into Down hurling'

Goalkeeper Stephen Keith proved the Down hero, saving three penalties before scoring the winning penalty to send his team into the decider.

Down full-forward Eoghan Sands grabs possession ahead of Paul Kenny before firing his side's second goal in the Christy Ring Cup semi-final last year

As a kid, Eoghan Sands was laughed at in primary school for saying he wanted to be a Down hurler when he grew up.

But it was Sands who was the one laughing last Saturday at Páirc Esler, Newry as the Mournemen scored a first-ever hurling championship win over Offaly to secure a place in Sunday’s Christy Ring Cup final, against Kildare, and promotion to the Joe McDonagh Cup.