Hughes inspired by Down’s history

DOWN attacker Danny Hughes admits they are conscious of the history and tradition that will accompany the county into next month’s All-Ireland decider against Cork.

The Mourne men will be bidding for success 50 years after the county became the first side to bring Sam Maguire across the border and the current team have had ‘mcmlx’, the Roman numeral for 1960, emblazoned on the collar of the back of their jerseys this summer as a result.

“It’s definitely not irrelevant. When you look at the 60s teams that Down had and the 90s teams that brought great glory back to Down, you have to look at it and see what they brought to the table. The great pride and everything they brought to the Down jersey. I guess when you pull on a Down jersey you have to take those things into account.

“The Roman numeral has been there since we played Donegal but I don’t think any of youse boys noticed it. Obviously they were the first team to take the Sam Maguire across the border for the first time. We’ll see what happens. They have their own history made so I suppose it’s up to us too.”

Sunday’s victory over Kildare sets Down up for a tilt at glory in three weeks, a prospect that seemed unlikely at the start of the season. Hughes agrees it has been a remarkable turn- around and credits the input of manager James McCartan in his debut season.

“Most of the punters, wouldn’t have given us an outside chance but we’re there now. At the start of the year we were just looking at every Champion- ship game and we took it as it comes. That’s where we are. James has obviously won a couple of All-Irelands and All Stars and he knows what it’s like to play county football at the top level. He’s a very calm guy and I’m glad he’s managing us.

“Obviously a fresh management team helps. You see Marty Clarke at home as well and that can’t be understated. It’s hard to put it down to any one thing, it’s probably a collection of different things.”

Hughes still believes a sizeable challenge faces Down in the final and believes Cork’s experience is a key factor in their favour. Down players Peter Fitzpatrick and Paul McComiskey were on the receiving end of defeat to Cork in last season’s U21 final when they conceded a last-minute goal and the manner of that loss will give them plenty motivation.

“I suppose that’s in the back of their minds,” concedes Hughes. “Hopefully that’ll spur them boys on a wee bit more. Cork are overwhelming favourites for this final I would think with their experience. It’s going to be a massive battle for us. It’s going to be a massive ask to win it. We’ll get our heads down over the next three weeks. We’ve never met Cork before in the championship anyhow, not in my time, or in the rest of the boys’ time. The 1994 All-Ireland semi-final is the last one I think. We’ll look forward to it and see what happens.”