Down will be strong favourites for this match but Laois will have a point to prove after shipping 8 goals against Down in the semi final last year. This is likely to be a much closer match?? It would be fair to say the pressure is all on Down to win this match but I was at the semi finals and Laois played well to beat Antrim. Down had to show great spirit to overcome a tremendous effort from Sligo after extra time. How will this match go??

REDANDBLACK30 (Down) - Posts: 1673 - 09/07/2024 12:43:48    2558003

Saynothing (Tyrone) - Posts: 2150 - 09/07/2024 14:20:09    2558035

Down deserve to be favourites based on league positions and last year's result, but this year's Laois team are well-coached and the spirit is excellent. Whether that is enough remains to be seen, but I can't see there being much in it.

Malonemagic (Laois) - Posts: 803 - 09/07/2024 19:21:42    2558098

Not all counties are coping with the expectation to win at Tailteann level. Cavan and Kildare are the prime examples. Meath to be fair did. With Kildare and Fermanagh out of the picture, the Tailteann is Down's to lose. They should get across the line this time.

legendzxix (Kerry) - Posts: 8282 - 09/07/2024 19:29:40    2558101

Imagine Down will win. But I think it will be close enough. Laois are a good team. I think they will finish in the top half at least of div3 next year also.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 13853 - 10/07/2024 08:31:59    2558149

Westmeath beat Cavan in 2022, Meath beat Down last year. Can Laois make it a 3 in a row for Leinster against Ulster opposition? I fancy Down myself.

Ollie2 (Louth) - Posts: 911 - 10/07/2024 09:20:24    2558155

Listening to Andy Moran on the Football Pod, he reckons Down's S&C work will be the difference. They do look very fit and strong and play some nice ball. One big success of the Tailteann cup has been a willingness from teams to go out and play. Hopefully a good game, really enjoyed both semis. Expect Down to win by 3 or 4.

MaroonedinDublin (Galway) - Posts: 35 - 10/07/2024 09:52:20    2558159

I fear a 22 point deficit is too much to make up in 1 year - Down by 8

john.no1 (Sligo) - Posts: 470 - 10/07/2024 10:32:10    2558169

Now or never for Down.
Massive improvements made by Conor Laverty over the last 2 years. A win on Sunday will put them back in the All Ireland championship for next year. A loss and he probably has to step down.
Laois have made massive improvements too this year but they would struggle big time if they had to complete in the All Ireland championship for next year it maybe a year too soon for them.

Temple56 (Westmeath) - Posts: 513 - 10/07/2024 11:50:11    2558185

Down to win - to add to every other All-Ireland which has gone north - NFL , Div 1 and 2, minor , U-20, all 3 club titles - Sigerson , Hogan etc

cuchulainn35 (Armagh) - Posts: 1685 - 10/07/2024 14:14:20    2558217

Bookies have Down as 5 points favourites, and that sounds about right.

This is definitely an improved Laois side, but have still had moments of brain fart this year where they have looked headless for 20 minutes like against Carlow and NY.

Down wouldn't be human if there wasn't a bit of complacency in the back of their mind after hammering Laois last year and operating at a much higher level for the last few seasons., and they have a bit of scar tissue in Croker over the last couple of years, so maybe, just maybe.........

Laoisvillian (Laois) - Posts: 87 - 10/07/2024 14:23:56    2558218

It's 50/50.

Down seem to have learned how to deal with the high ball into the square this year which was a recurring problem before. I think we have a good spread of scorers too.

Haven't seen Laois play since the semi final last year so can't say much but I think it will be an even game. Down needed a bit of luck and the extra man to eventually get past Sligo. Looking forward to it.

Suas Sios (None) - Posts: 1558 - 11/07/2024 13:27:25    2558375