Milltown on an upward curve

Milltown manager Barry Downey believes Shandonagh will be a tough nut to crack as his side prepare for Sunday’s Westmeath Intermediate Football Championship final, with both clubs aiming to take the next step after putting together strong campaigns.

Originally from Tallaght and now residing in Tuam, Downey has over 30 years of management experience at club and county level. He most recently guided Killucan to the Division 2 league in 2025 after they overcame Tubberclair by 2-8 to 0-12 in the decider.

Sunday’s finalists played out a draw on the opening night of the championship in Kinnegad, and Downey feels that result highlighted just how evenly matched they could be when they meet again for the title.

“I think both teams left that day feeling relieved. Both probably believed they could have, and perhaps should have, won it. It sets things up nicely for Sunday, which is great. It was a fantastic game, particularly to kick off the championship, with the lead swinging one way and then the other. Even in the last couple of minutes, it could have gone either way,” he noted.

Downey has considerable experience of club football, having worked with clubs in Dublin, Galway, Meath and Kildare, and he believes the intermediate grade is often the most difficult championship to win.

“I’ve often said that, having worked with both senior and intermediate clubs, the intermediate competition is the tougher one to win, wherever you are. You have a number of teams operating at a similar level, and on any given day, Multyfarnham or Milltownpass could have turned us over. It wouldn’t have been a shock," he opined.

“It’s the same when you play a team like Shandonagh. You can’t take anything for granted, and you can’t set a target without respecting the other clubs in the competition.”

Downey has also been impressed by the overall standard of football in Westmeath and believes the county is enjoying an exciting period.

“We’ve played a couple of challenge games outside the county, and to be fair, there was nobody who overawed us. I think club football in the county is really good and exciting at the moment, particularly on the back of what the Westmeath senior footballers did during the summer. It’s an exciting time for Westmeath football,” he enthused.

Milltown have had to manage a few injury concerns since their semi-final victory over Rosemount, but Downey is hopeful that his squad will be in good shape for the decider.

“There were a few knocks after the Rosemount game, but thankfully, the time between matches has given us a chance to get a few bodies back. We had two or three players who didn’t train for the first couple of weeks, so we’ll know more after our final full training session this week. Anyone who makes that session will be available for selection," he said.

“It’s just a final push now. I’m not being coy about it; at this stage, there’s nobody who isn’t going to make it."

There is a real sense of anticipation around Milltown as they bid to claim their first intermediate title, but Downey is quick to point out that the players have earned their place in the final through their own efforts over recent seasons.

“In fairness, they’ve been knocking on the door for the last couple of years, so it’s nothing special that I’ve done. They’ve put themselves in this position. These opportunities don’t come around all the time, and that window can close after three or four years, so it’s important that they try to push on. We’re happy to be the underdogs in this one, and that might suit us,” he remarked.

Standing in their way are a Shandonagh side with considerable experience and quality, having come down from the senior grade and reached last year’s intermediate final, where they produced a strong performance against Tubberclair, losing by just two points in the end (0-17 to 0-15).

Downey has plenty of respect for Sunday’s opponents and believes Milltown will need to be wary of their attacking threat throughout the team. Obviously, there will be focus on the absence of Brian Kavanagh, but Downey feels Shandonagh have the strength in depth to cope.

“I have a lot of respect for Shandonagh because they’re a good side. While Brian Kavanagh has done a lot of the scoring, I think they have threats all over the field. We’ve seen that particularly in their quarter-final against Ballinagore and their semi-final against St Malachy’s. They’re a strong team, and we know we’ll have to be at our best if we’re going to win,” he observed.

Downey's experience has certainly benefited Milltown. He has previously managed Cortoon Shamrocks and St James’ in Galway, Parnell's, St Margaret’s and Ballyboden St Enda’s in Dublin, the Galway senior ladies football team, and other sides in Meath and Kildare.

The entire Milltown parish will be hoping this can give their team the edge in Sunday’s intriguing final.