Guinness: We want to build on Tailteann triumph


By Niall Gartland NEEDS must and Down footballer Daniel Guinness says he is proud of the way the team regrouped after their Ulster Championship defeat to Armagh, plotting a path to Tailteann Cup honours and a place in next year’s All-Ireland SFC series. The Mourne men lost out by only a single point to Armagh […]


Laverty savours Tailteann Cup triumph


By Niall Gartland DOWN boss Conor Laverty recognises that it was crucial they successfully put a halt to their losing streak in finals as he reflected on Saturday’s Tailteann Cup final triumph over Laois. All the positive psychology in the world couldn’t gloss over the fact that they’d endured a miserable record in finals not […]


Down can end final hoodoo


By Niall Gartland THIRD time’s the charm? Down were stumped by Meath in last year’s Tailteann Cup final, and their Division Three final against Westmeath back in March didn’t exactly go according to plan either, but there’s something to be said for sheer bouncebackability and they find themselves strong favourites to prevail in Sunday’s Tailteann […]


Defeats can fuel Down: Laverty


By Shaun Casey IT’S small margins at the highest level and just over two months ago, Down proved their quality against Armagh in the Ulster semi-final, with the Orchard County shading the contest by the minimum of margins. On the same day that Down compete in their second Tailteann Cup final in as many seasons, […]


Down aiming for better Croke Park outing


By Michael McMullan DOWN manager Conor Laverty feels his side are made for the open spaces of Croke Park but is hoping they do themselves justice on Sunday. Last year’s beaten finalists face Sligo in the second half of a Tailteann Cup semi-final double header that includes Antrim’s clash with Laois. Headquarters hasn’t been a […]


Down strong favourites to advance


By Niall Gartland DOWN have been rampant in the Tailteann Cup to date and it could be a considerable surprise if their momentum doesn’t carry them through Saturday’s quarter-final clash against outsiders Wicklow at Páirc Esler. Conor Laverty’s side have been scoring for fun from the outset of their campaign, racking up 1-20 against Limerick, 1-24 against […]


Laverty announces Down team for Wicklow visit


Conor Laverty has named his Down panel for Saturday’s Tailteann Cup quarter-final clash with Wicklow. The Mourne men reached the final of the Tailteann Cup last season but lost out to Meath at Croke Park. They will enjoy home advantage this time around however as they welcome Oisin McConville’s side to Pairc Esler, a curtain […]


Top spot on the cards for Mourne footballers


By Niall Gartland DOWN are odds on favourites to cement a top-place finish as they gear up to take on Offaly at Kingspan Breffni in their third and final group stage match this Sunday. Conor Laverty’s side have won both their matches to date while Offaly having nothing to show for themselves after successive losses to […]


Down footballers primed for trip to Ruislip


By Niall Gartland BOTH Down and London claimed 14-point victories in their first Tailteann Cup outings of the year, so both camps will be high on confidence ahead of their meeting at Ruislip this Saturday. Conor Laverty’s Down side claimed a comfortable victory over Limerick last weekend, a professional performance that saw them get back […]