'Pressure is off us now' as Down make step up with impressive win in Clare

The Ulster side were playing their first All-Ireland SFC game in six years.

Emmet McMahon of Clare has a shot on goal during the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Round 1 match between Clare and Down at Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg in Ennis. Pic: Tom Beary/Sportsfile

All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Round 1: Down 3-27 Clare 1-16 

Manager Conor Laverty was a player when Down last won an All-Ireland Senior Football Championship tie outside of Newry in 2012.