Down out of dark woods and ready for Monaghan clash

Down have emerged from two rough seasons stronger and mentally tougher and they are quite relaxed about their modest billing ahead of Saturday’s Ulster semi-final with Monaghan .

The county endured a torrid spell between April 2015 and February 2017, losing 14 straight league and championship games, but recent results suggest they have found a bit of form.

Snatching a league draw against Cork on the final day kept them in Division Two and they stunned Armagh in Ulster to set up a last-four clash with Monaghan in the Athletic Grounds (7pm).