Down manager Conor Laverty said his group were “just delighted to get over the line” in today’s Tailteann Cup final showdown with Laois at Croke Park.

The Mourne men banished the ghosts of last year’s defeat to Meath on the very same stage by recording a 0-14 to 2-6 victory at headquarters, where they had to hang on in the late stages after Mark Barry’s brilliant goal had threatened a late Laois ambush.

Speaking to RTE Sport after the final whistle, Laverty credited his players for digging deep to the see the win over the line.

"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."

He added: "Last year really hurt us, standing out on that field, and we know how Laois feel. It's not a nice place to be.

"We're just delighted to get over the line. It was stressful at the last but the lads dug in really deep and it's probably not our best performance all year but whenever you get to a final, you take the win whatever way it comes."

💬 "Last year really hurt us and we know how Laois feel"

Down manager Conor Laverty reflects on his team's Tailteann Cup triumph

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