Conor Laverty glad Down finally off 'the losing train' at Croke Park

ON THE UP: Down manager Conor Laverty before the Tailteann Cup Final match between Down and Laois at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Conor Laverty acknowledged that history weighed heavily on Down as they became the first team from the county to claim a big Croke Park win in 30 years.

A strong final quarter helped the Mourne County to overcome a determined Laois, securing the Tailteann Cup title and a place in next year's All-Ireland SFC.