Down fight to stay in All-Ireland hunt

Down fight to stay in All-Ireland hunt

18 June 2025

DOWN will have a tough task on their hands when they meet Galway in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship preliminary quarter-finals at Páirc Esler on Sunday.

Defeat to Monaghan in the final match of the group stage put paid to their hopes of direct progression to the last eight of the Sam Maguire series.

The Mournemen impressed in the first half and took a one-point lead into the break, but the Farney found another level after the restart and, with the help of a controversial goal, secured victory to top the standings in Group 3.

Finishing second thankfully did not spell the end of Down’s tenure in the competition, as the runners-up and third-placed teams from each group earned passage to the preliminary round.

With four matches to be played, the likes of Cavan and Cork would have been more favourable opponents, but instead, Conor Laverty’s men were drawn against the Tribesmen.

While Galway only just managed to squeak into third place in Group 4, the way in which they managed to do so was an impressive feat.

They handed All-Ireland title holders Armagh their first ‘normal time’ defeat in two years at Breffni Park, Cavan, on Saturday.

The Tribesmen were a team transformed in the second half, overturning an eight-point deficit and securing a real smash and grab victory.

Add that to the fact that they are the reigning Connacht champions and finished a more than respectable third in National League Division 1 and it becomes clear just how big of a job Down face.

With that said, however, Laverty’s side have been competitive in every match they have played this year, proving they can never be written off.

They will also hold home advantage in Newry, a bonus received for finishing as group runners-up, while their opponents could take time to get used to the unfamiliar venue and noise from the home support.

A strong start will be needed, but if Down can get the cogs turning early on, an upset could well be on the cards.

Throw-in is set for 1.45pm at Páirc Esler on Sunday.