Conor Laverty eyes more Down growth after Tailteann Cup final joy

Down manager Conor Laverty is hopeful that their Tailteann Cup success will provide a launchpad into a future where they can start competing with the elite counties again at Sam Maguire level.

The Mournemen fended off a late surge from Laois in Saturday's final at Croke Park to win inter-county football's second tier trophy and seal a return to the All-Ireland series for 2025.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport's Damian Lawlor after seeing his side get over the line, Laverty turned his thoughts to what the victory means in the longer-term for Down.

"We want to be playing Sam Maguire football, we want to be bringing some of the best teams in Ireland to Newry," he said.

"That's what we started out and what we said. We want to compete with the best teams in Ireland and that was our main objective and that's how we approached this competition, so we're just delighted."