Down have got to be clinical in Tailteann Cup mission, warns boss Conor Laverty

It was a last-gasp point in added time from substitute Jason Duffy that gave Armagh their 0-13 to 2-6 win and consigned Down to the Tailteann Cup for another year. With Offaly and London also in Group Four, Down may find themselves operating below the radar as the All-Ireland Championship itinerary is certain to hold the spotlight.

Limerick were relegated from Division Three of the Allianz League without garnering a single point in the competition and are understandably hoping to regain their momentum on Saturday.

“I think the fact that we did not get a few more scores when coming down the straight against Armagh left us ending up short,” points out manager Conor Laverty. “At this level, you have to be so clinical if you want to come out on top. We knew we were going into a battle against Armagh and that’s how it turned out. But I was proud of the lads."

While there is a strong core of youth within the side, the loss of Barry O’Hagan to injury once again is a big blow. But Down have quality players in Ryan McEvoy, Ceilum Doherty, Danny Magill, Liam Kerr, Pat Havern and skipper Pierce Laverty. They look certain to set the tone for their team’s performance on Saturday as the focus switches once more on reaching the Tailteann Cup Final.