LAST LAV COULD BE OURS

Conor and Mournemen are determined to make most of chances in second tier

- PADDY TIERNEY

CONOR LAVERTY insists he won't have a problem getting his players motivated for the Tailteann Cup campaign.

The Mournemen shipped four goals in a 10-point loss to in-form Armagh in Sunday's Ulster semifinal in Clones.

The result means Down missed out on the opportunity to snag one of the last remaining slots in the so-called 'Super 16s' and will instead have a second tilt at the Tailteann Cup.

Under previous manager James McCartan, they bowed out at the first hurdle when losing out to Cavan in Kingspan Breffni.

With a new round-robin format in place, Down are determined to give a good account of themselves this time around.

"I think we understand we didn't get out of Division Three so we are at a level where we are at," stated Laverty.