Conor Laverty insists he won’t have a problem getting his players motivated for their forthcoming Tailteann Cup campaign after Sunday’s Ulster SFC semi-final loss to Armagh in Clones.
The Mournemen shipped four goals in a 10-point loss to the in-form Orchardmen. The result means Down missed out on the opportunity to snag one of the last remaining slots in the so-called ‘Super 16s’ and will instead have a second tilt at the Tailteann Cup.
Under previous manager James McCartan, they bowed out at the first hurdle when losing out to Cavan in Kingspan Breffni. With a new round-robin format in place, Down are determined to give a good account of themselves this time around.
Read more: GAAGO to stream Championship draw as seedings are confirmed for ‘Super 16s’ and Tailteann Cup
“I think we understand we didn’t get out of Division Three so we are at a level where we are at,” stated Laverty.
“We are a young group on this journey. We are looking forward to a couple of years ahead of us and trying to get to the level of the Armaghs and Derrys of this world.
“The lads will go back to their clubs now and enjoy a bit of time with their friends and clubs and then they will come back refreshed hopefully and ready to get back into it.
“There’s a good atmosphere in the group, a good bond, a serious togetherness so we’ll regroup and prepare well - it is very important we don’t just fall away.
“I think we’ve made great strides. There's a good buzz back - it’ll be very disappointing to take your foot off the gas and not give everything you have in the competition.”
After last weekend’s results in Ulster and Leinster the seedings were confirmed for the Tailteann Cup ahead of this afternoon’s draw.
Meath, Cavan, Fermanagh and Limerick are first seeds with Down, Offaly, Antrim and Wicklow confirmed as the second seeds.
Longford, Tipperary, Laois and Wexford are the third seeds and the fourth seeds are Leitrim, Carlow, Waterford and London.
New York will enter the competition at the preliminary quarter-final stage.
Reflecting on Sunday’s 4-10 to 0-12 loss in St Tiernach’s Park, Laverty added: “We knew coming into the game it was going to be a step up and Armagh are well down the road in their journey.
“I think Kieran (McGeeney) has been there nine years now and we are only starting out on our journey.
“We came here with a lot of belief that we could hurt them and our pace could hurt them and I felt at times we did.
“But their experience and know-how and they also got the big scores at vital stages of the game and then they were able to keep us at arms’ length really.”
Tailteann Cup seedings
First seeds: Meath, Cavan, Fermanagh, Limerick
Second seeds: Down, Offaly, Antrim, Wicklow
Third seeds: Longford, Tipperary, Laois, Wexford
Fourth seeds: Leitrim, Carlow, Waterford, London
READ NEXT:
Armagh vs Down: Player ratings from Sunday's Ulster SFC semi-final
- Recap as Armagh power past Down to book an Ulster SFC Final date with Derry
- GAA world in shock as spectator passes away during Limerick v Clare Munster Hurling match
- Derry vs Monaghan: Player ratings from Saturday's Ulster SFC semi-final
- Recap as champions Derry book their place in the Ulster SFC Final with facile win over Monaghan
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
