IT WAS Down’s fitness and determination that made the difference in Sunday’s Tailteann Cup semi-final win over Sligo.
That’s the analysis of the experienced coach Frank Dawson in the aftermath of the victory.
Conor Laverty’s Down team defeated Sligo by 1-20 to 2-15 after extra time. The Yeats men’s cause wasn’t aided by Nathan Mullen’s sending off in the 61st minute, but the game was close throughout.
Dawson, who was part of the county U-20 management this year, explained what was so impressive about Down.
“What was massive was that the team just kept going, especially in extra time. It was a massive effort.
“It shows you the fitness levels that they have that they were still making those runs and those hard yards in the second period of extra time.
“To make those 60 to 70 yards runs to support the play in extra time and on a day like that, it was very, very good.
“They must have been hurting but they had determination.
“Then they took the responsibility for taking on the scores. It is a very positive for the squad.”
The performance highlighted that physical fitness remains key to teams being successful.
Sunday was a very warm day, but both sets of players were able to keep battling.
“You saw the physical toll on a lot of the players going in to extra time. They got through it though.
“It was exhausting being in the crowd and watching it going into extra time. God knows what the players were feeling like.”
Read the full story in the current issue to find out why Frank believes Laois is the best opponent for Down in the final.
