Michael Quinlivan: Promotion would have come too soon

Michael Quinlivan says back-to-back promotions for Tipperary might have been “a step too soon” and is glad they’re staying in Division Two for another season.

Liam Kearns’ makeshift side travelled north to Newry on Saturday to fulfill a fixture that was meaningless for Tipp but vital for Down, and while the Mourne county duly won their first home league game of the season, it wasn’t enough to prevent relegation to Division Three.

“There was a strange atmosphere,” said Tipp goalscorer Quinlivan. “I don’t think anybody wanted to play it but needs must. We consolidated our Division Two status which is what we wanted and did it comfortably enough in the end.Making another jump might have been a step too soon.”