Down Senior Hurling Championship: Ballycran v Portaferry

Ballycran’s home game against Portaferry in round two of the Morgan Fuels Senior Hurling Championship pits a club with its own strong hurling tradition against the team that has won the last four county titles in a row. Portaferry beat Ballygalget in October 2025 for their 25th county championship, and this trip to McKenna Park on Wednesday 19 August 2026 is an early test of whether anyone in Down hurling can stop a fifth straight win. Ballycran finished third in last year’s group stage and will fancy their chances on home ground.

What to expect

Down hurling is concentrated on the Lecale coast and the Ards Peninsula, and Ballycran against Portaferry is one of its most-played rivalries. Portaferry, captained by Matthew Conlan and managed by Gerard McGrattan, went through the 2025 group stage unbeaten with five wins before beating Ballygalget 2-24 to 2-13 in the final at Páirc Esler. Ballycran are one of the clubs best placed to end that run, with home advantage and a squad used to going deep into the championship most seasons. This is round two of a five-team group stage running through August and September, with the top finishers moving on to the knockout rounds and the final expected back at Páirc Esler in October. Expect fast, skilful hurling on a tight pitch, with both sides needing the points to control their own route through the rest of the group.

Getting there

Ballycran is on the Ards Peninsula between Kircubbin and Portaferry, reached via the A20 coast road along Strangford Lough. McKenna Park is the club’s own grounds in the village, with parking available on match days.

While you’re in Ballycran

Ballycran sits on the peninsula a few minutes from Kircubbin and Portaferry, both worth a stop along the Strangford Lough shore road. There is more to see across Co. Down.

Good to know

• Wednesday, 19 August 2026, throw-in 7:15pm
• Venue: McKenna Park, Ballycran, Co. Down
• Competition: Morgan Fuels Senior Hurling Championship, Group Round 2
• Gate admission applies; check downgaa.net nearer the date for confirmed pricing
• Organised by Down GAA