What Is 2007 Down Senior Hurling Championship

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2007 Down Senior Hurling Championship was won by Portaferry, who claimed their 15th title by defeating Ballycran in the final with a score of 2-13 to 1-10 on October 28, 2007.

Key Facts

Portaferry won the 2007 Down Senior Hurling Championship with a 2-13 to 1-10 victory over Ballycran
The final was held on October 28, 2007, at Páirc Esler in Newry
This marked Portaferry’s 15th senior hurling title in county history
Ballycran were defending champions, having won in 2006
The championship featured 8 teams competing in a knockout format

Overview

The 2007 Down Senior Hurling Championship was a pivotal competition in Ulster’s Gaelic games calendar, culminating in a decisive victory for Portaferry. Held under the auspices of the Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), the tournament showcased the province’s top hurling talent in a single-elimination format.

Eight teams participated, including traditional powerhouses like Ballycran, Portaferry, and Liatroim. The final, played on October 28, 2007, saw Portaferry reclaim the title after a four-year gap, defeating defending champions Ballycran at Páirc Esler in Newry.

Portaferry secured their 15th county title, extending their record as the most successful club in Down hurling history.
The final score was 2-13 to 1-10, with Portaferry’s second-half surge proving decisive in the outcome.
Ballycran entered as defending champions after winning the 2006 final against Liatroim by a narrow margin.
Eight teams competed in the championship: Portaferry, Ballycran, Liatroim, Annaclone, Clonduff, Bryansford, Longstone, and Kilcoo.
Matches were played between August and October 2007, with the knockout structure intensifying competition as teams advanced.

How It Works

The Down Senior Hurling Championship operates as a knockout tournament among the top hurling clubs in County Down, organized annually by the GAA. The format emphasizes high-stakes matches where a single loss eliminates a team, increasing pressure and excitement.

Knockout Format: Each match is single elimination; losing a game ends a team’s campaign, making every round critical for survival.
Fixture Schedule: The championship begins in August with quarterfinals and progresses through semifinals to the final in late October.
Venue Rotation: Finals are traditionally held at Páirc Esler in Newry, the county’s primary GAA stadium with a capacity of over 18,000.
Player Eligibility: Competitors must be registered with a Down-based club and meet GAA amateur status requirements to participate.
Refereeing Standards: Matches are officiated by certified GAA referees, ensuring adherence to the Official Guide of the GAA rules.
Scoring System: Goals (3 points) and points (1 point) are tracked in real time, with the highest total at full time determining the winner.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2007 Down Senior Hurling Championship with recent editions to highlight trends in competitiveness and dominance.

Year	Champion	Runner-Up	Final Score	Titles Held After Win
2007	Portaferry	Ballycran	2-13 to 1-10	15
2006	Ballycran	Liatroim	1-12 to 1-09	12
2005	Portaferry	Ballycran	2-11 to 1-12	14
2004	Ballycran	Portaferry	1-14 to 0-13	11
2003	Portaferry	Annaclone	3-12 to 1-08	13

The table illustrates a recurring rivalry between Portaferry and Ballycran, who combined to win every title from 2003 to 2007. Portaferry’s 2007 win reestablished their dominance after Ballycran’s back-to-back victories in 2004 and 2006. The close scores in several finals reflect the competitive balance in Down hurling during this era.

Why It Matters

The 2007 championship is significant not only for its outcome but also for its role in sustaining hurling culture in a region where Gaelic football dominates. Success in this tournament elevates club prestige and fuels youth participation.

Portaferry’s 2007 victory reinforced their legacy as Down’s premier hurling club, inspiring younger players to join academy programs.
Local media coverage increased after the final, with The Down Recorder and RTÉ highlighting the match’s intensity and community impact.
The rivalry with Ballycran energized fan engagement, drawing over 3,000 spectators to Páirc Esler despite hurling’s minority status in the county.
Winning teams qualify for the Ulster Senior Club Hurling Championship, offering a pathway to national recognition and competition.
Championship success influences funding and facilities development, as successful clubs often receive increased support from the county board.
Historical continuity is preserved through annual tournaments like this, linking modern athletes to decades of Gaelic tradition.

The 2007 Down Senior Hurling Championship remains a benchmark for competitive excellence and regional pride, demonstrating how localized sports events contribute to broader cultural identity within the GAA framework.