Reserve strength pays off for Down

Down soared away from Paddy Christie’s Longford charges with an 11-point swing, outscoring Longford 1-12 to 0-4 after the break

ON THE BURST: Odhran Murdock of Down in action against Dylan Farrell of Longford during the Tailteann Cup preliminary quarter-final at Pairc Esler in Newry. Pic: Daire Brennan/Sportsfile

Tailteann Cup: Down 1-20 Longford 1-12 

With the last eight of the Tailteann Cup established on Saturday evening Down assistant manager Mickey Donnelly couldn’t fathom why those teams would have to wait two days until they find out who they will face in less than a week.