Burns lined out at midfield in 1991 for Pete McGrath’s men as Down ended a 23-year wait for a senior crown. He scored two points in the two-point win over Meath.

Down are facing an injury crisis in defence, ahead of their Ulster Senior Football Championship tie against Donegal on May 31.

As expected, Ross Carr was ratified last night for his second year of a three-year term as Down senior football manager.