Down at Tailteann cup crossroads

By Michael McMullan

IT’S not where Down want to be this weekend but their Tailteann Cup path is the card hey’ve been dealt.

Conor Laverty’s side inhaled enough of the Sam Maguire buzz into their nostrils to know they want more. That’s why Saturday’s trip to Portlaoise is so important, as a win over Laois would cement their title credentials.

With a pathway to an Ulster final never certain and with 2027’s version of Division Two looking like another minefield, winning the Tailteann Cup would stamp their passport for a crack at the big boys again.

Down’s season has been one of parts. The first one was the most important – gaining promotion. That box was ticket before Laois arrived in Páirc Esler for the final game that Down had nothing to gain from.

After grinding their way to the league title, Down invested everything they had in plotted to topple Donegal. By going all in, they surged to one of the wins of the season anywhere in the land.

That was followed by Armagh handing them a hammering in the Ulster semi-final on the same day that Westmeath prised Down out of the final place in the Sam Maguire.

Down eased past Leitrim before coming-a-cropper away to Offaly. That left them overcoming a must-win game against Longford which brings them to this weekend.

This is where the heat begins. Adam Crimmins, Ryan McEvoy and Liam Kerr have been on the injured list during the Tailteann Cup.

The management have given Ryan Magill and Tom Close three starts. That’s been Down’s story – rotation every week.

Down will travel south as favourites but with that comes a target on their back. Laois will have had their target in their sights all week.

If Conor Laverty’s side can tap into the consistency of earlier in the season, it should take them to the semi-final.