By Michael McMullan

CONOR Laverty has named an unchanged side for Down’s opening game in the All-Ireland SFC this weekend, away to Clare in Ennis.

The Mourne men made a dramatic comeback to see off Fermanagh before bowing out against Donegal in the Ulster semi-final.

Down won the Tailteann Cup at the second attempt last season and have been a difficult nut to crack in Ulster.

Armagh and Donegal in recent seasons have needed a strong finish to see them off.

Down will also take on Louth and Monaghan as they aim to make progress in the Sam Maguire race.

Down: Ronan Burns, Paddy McCarthy, Peter Fegan, Ceilum Doherty, Ryan Magill, Pierce Laverty, Micéal Rooney, Daniel Guinness, Ryan McEvoy, Danny Magill, Odhrán Murdock, Eugene Branagan, James Guinness, Pat Havern, John McGeough

Subs: John O’Hare, Finn McElroy, Aaron McClements, Donal Scullion, Shay Millar, Adam Crimmins, Oisin Savage, Caolan Mooney, Finn Murdock, Patrick Brooks, Conor McCrickard

Check out this week’s preview with Shaun Casey and John Clarke.