football

Veteran Poland prepares to go again with Down

25 May 2018 - 2:59PM

Mark Poland

Mark Poland has an unseasonal glow when he shows up for the Belfast launch of the Allianz Football League in Malone House on Wednesday.

After a few enquiries it turns out the Down attacker is just back from a Caribbean cruise and some time in Miami to celebrate the first anniversary of his marriage to wife, Emer.

With the inter-county game increasingly dominated by college students and men in their early 20s, Poland, who turns 31 in March, has now attained veteran status in the Down squad as he prepares for his 11th season with the Mourne County.

“It has really hit me the last year or two,” he admits. “Usually you have the likes of Brendan McVeigh and boys like that, travelling together in the car, slagging about being the old man and getting more rub downs than the rest of the lads.

“It’s a change, but it’s exciting that you’ve been there and you’ve had these experiences before that can help yourself and help younger lads along.

“It’s struck me the last year or two that you are seen as someone who has been there for a while, and while you are worrying about your own performances, you are also trying to help the younger lads into an inter-county set-up and guide them along.”

One man who won’t need any guidance is Benny Coulter, the 33-year-old former All Star who announced he will be returning to the Down fold this year.

Like Poland, Coulter’s role under new manager Eamon Burns will be to help show the way for the younger members of an inexperienced panel ahead of their Allianz League campaign, which opens against Donegal at Páirc Esler on Saturday night (7pm).

“Who knows with Benny, he’s passionate about Down football and as he said to me if he can help in any small way of guiding young fellas along or getting Down football back on the right track then he’s willing to give up his time and to sacrifice.

“He probably knows himself that he mightn’t see the game time that he might have in years gone past because he was Down’s go-to man.

“Having him back in the changing room and around is going to be good for morale and for young lads seeing him is going to give them a pep in their step and something they will want to emulate.”