Down's upset win over Donegal has blown the Ulster championship wide open, according to reports. The victory keeps Down's Sam Maguire hopes on track, while Donegal will be disappointed but have eyes on a bigger prize, sources said. Down face Armagh next week.
Fermanagh lost to Armagh despite a second-half fightback, with Darragh McGurn scoring 1-12 and earning man of the match, reports said. Fermanagh were 16 points down at half-time and lost by 11, with poor shooting in the first half, according to reports. Reports suggest they can have realistic hopes of Tailteann Cup silverware if they play with freedom.
Westmeath scored four goals in defeating Meath, according to reports. Down have been on an upward curve and have threatened top teams for years, sources said. Key players include Odhran Murdock, Daniel Guinness, Miceal Rooney, Pat Havern and Caolan Mooney, according to reports. Down also won in hurling against Antrim, reports said. If Westmeath reach the Leinster final, Down could face the Tailteann Cup unless they reach the Ulster final, according to reports. Down were in the Tailteann Cup in 2024 but Conor Laverty took them out of it, sources said. Down have won the Sam Maguire five times, according to reports. In 2022, some players pulled out after losing in Ulster, suggesting the Tailteann Cup was pointless, reports said. Laverty took over in August 2022 after a winless season, according to reports. He was part of Kilcoo's All-Ireland club title in January 2022, sources said.