Mayo man Padden enjoying life in Orchard

THE Armagh and Down players may have had a high familiarity with each other prior to Saturday night’s clash at the Morgan Athletic Grounds but for one man, their Ulster championship tie was an immensely novel experience.

Belmullet native Billy Joe Padden’s background is rooted in Connacht football having featured in the Mayo ranks over the past decade. Yet he adapted seamlessly to the northern game, clipping over three points as Paddy O’Rourke’s side crushed Down’s provincial ambitions.

“You know, I didn’t feel any extra pressure,” revealed Padden.