Crestfallen Hughes looking to the future

IN all the talk about Down’s incredible record at Croke Park prior to yesterday’s game, the fact that their appearances in All-Ireland finals had only been sporadic over the past 50 years had been overlooked by many.

Not by this current set-up, though, and while their unbeaten record in the September showdown may be no more, Danny Hughes revealed that there is huge motivation within the camp to be more regular visitors to HQ at this time of year. Hughes was one of the Mourne men’s premier performers, combining tireless running, tracking and tackling with an eye for a score that yielded three points from play.

Normally a very good-humoured individual, he spoke in hushed tones as the agony of getting so close to laying a hand on Sam Maguire tore through him. An hour had elapsed since the final whistle had seen them fall that dreaded point short but when prompted, Hughes allowed himself to look forward.