Down survive late Laois rally to win Tailteann Cup

Down will compete in the All-Ireland SFC in 2025 after holding firm in a nerve-jangling Croke Park finale to secure the Tailteann Cup title at the second attempt.

Beaten in last year's final by Meath, Conor Laverty's side finally got over the line but endured a worrying final few minutes as Laois rallied dramatically.

Down had come from a point down with 25 minutes or so to go to lead by five early in stoppage time.

The form of Man of the Match Odhran Murdock and the introduction of Danny Magill were both central to the Ulster side's strong final quarter display.

But a terrific Mark Barry goal for Laois deep into stoppage time turned the game on its head, leaving just two points in it, and Justin McNulty's side came close late on to rescuing a result.

Barry subsequently kicked a poor wide while Down cleared a ball off their goalline right at the death as the Mourne escaped with an important win.

Aside from booking their place in next year's Sam Maguire Cup competition, they have also answered questions about their big game character following defeats to Meath and Westmeath in Croke Park finals across 2023 and 2024.

Laois lost no face in defeat having lost to the same opposition by 22 points last year, conceding 8-16.

Down hit Laois hard and early in that semi-final encounter and hinted at doing something similar again with three points in the first four minutes.

Liam Kerr, Pat Havern and Shealan Johnston grabbed those scores and all three players came to the party with stories to tell.

Kerr, who blasted 3-02 against Laois last year, was recalled to the team after scoring 0-03 from the bench against Sligo while Havern started at midfield again despite wearing number 14. As for Johnston, the rumour beforehand was that he was to be