Down's Pierce Laverty pictured at the launch of the Tailteann Cup. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
By Cian O’Connell
“Of course, it is hard to recalibrate,” Pierce Laverty says about switching focus from the Ulster SFC to the Tailteann Cup.
A narrow provincial semi-final loss to neighbours Armagh, but Down’s response has been impressive. Conor Laverty’s developing team have secured a place in the knockout stages ahead of Sunday’s remaining group game against Offaly at Kingspan Breffni.
“We had a week when we went back to the clubs, it was a bit of a sore one through the week, it was hard to get the head around it,” Laverty adds about the Armagh reversal.
“Coming back to training we just had to get back on the horse, to get at it, to get back to work. That is how it is going to be going through the group stages. You just go to training, work hard, that is the best you can do.”
That policy is serving Down well. During the past couple of years hope is attached to the Down football cause once again. “Definitely, we are in a good place,” Laverty responds.
“Maybe, not making the steps we wanted to make, we wanted to get to an Ulster final. It is what it is, we want to be coming through this competition, getting to the latter stages like we did last year, and hopefully learning from the defeat against Meath. We want to be putting some silverware on the table.”
The optimism in the air is important according to Laverty, who believes that Down can make further progress. “If you talk to anybody from around the county, there is definitely a bit of a buzz about it again, following the football team, and the hurlers too,” he says.
Pierce Laverty remains a key performer for Down. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
“There definitely is that bit of atmosphere about. You see more kids wearing Down jerseys and more kids on the field after games. It is great to see the support growing and we are progressing slowly, but we are getting there.
“We want to be getting to the top table, and I think against Armagh it showed we can mix it against the big teams, no problem. It is about getting up there to play them week in, week out in the top divisions.”
With five All-Ireland SFC titles, tradition matters deeply in Down. “Definitely, we've got some good Down men with us in the management in Lav (Conor Laverty), Marty (Clarke), and Deccie Morgan,” he says.
“These boys really want to see Down do well, it is their own home county. Even some of the boys we've adopted them, the likes of Mickey Donnelly, John Devlin, and Ciarán Meenagh. They really want to see us to well, they want to see Down football get back on top. It is great to see that.”
Lessons continue to be learned by Down with Laverty highlighting the experience gleaned in last year’s Tailteann Cup campaign. Getting opportunities at Croke Park is valuable according to Laverty. “It is massive for the progression of such a young team, especially given the age profile,” he says.
“The majority of our squad are within 20 to 25 years of age. For them to get such games last year, and we got a good win against Laois and for the game against Meath, even though we didn't get over the line, the progression and learning you get alone is massive. It is crucial.
“In the league final this year, we probably didn't perform at our best against Westmeath, but that is why you want to get through the group stages, to get to the latter stages, and hopefully come home with some silverware.”
