Conor Laverty praises Down's strength to respond from setbacks

The Tailteann Cup may not be where Down wanted to be this season, but manager Conor Laverty is determined to end it with their players lifting the trophy at Croke Park on Saturday.

It has been a season of highs and lows for Down. From winning Division Three and defeating Donegal, to a heavy defeat to Armagh and dropping to the Tailteann Cup, Down have been through it all.

The route to Saturday's final was also far from straightforward, with defeat to Offaly leading to an additional game, and Laverty's side were made to work for victory in the semi-final against Fermanagh.

He admitted he would rather be in the second game of the day in a semi-final on Saturday evening, as their main motivation for victory is guaranteed All-Ireland championship football next season.

"I don't think we would be in the silverware bracket," said Laverty.

"The big incentive for everybody in the Tailteann Cup is you can guarantee Sam Maguire football the following year.

“What would the Wicklow players not give to be the second game (the All-Ireland SFC semi-final between Louth and Mayo) on Saturday evening?

“That is where we would all love to be playing, but we are where we're at, and I think we've given the competition the respect it deserves, and I think we've applied ourselves really well, but ultimately that is where a Mark Jackson, a Dean Healy, an Odhran Murdock, a Pierce Laverty, that's where them players would love to be playing.

“That the stadium isn't filling as your match is being played, that you are the pinnacle of the day.

“So, listen, that's the challenge for us all to get there. I think we got a taste of that last year, and it's something that these players would crave to have again, and I think that's what's at stake on