Very encouraging display from Down against the Ulster champions, matching them all the way until the penalty shoot out which produced probably the ideal result for us. We didn't particularly want to risk injuries or suspensions from a relatively meaningless McKenna final against Tyrone, and instead we have two clear weeks to prepare for the crucial trip to Tipperary. The intensity and organisation of the Down squad is well capable of taking us to promotion, and we will also learn the lessons from today's draw. We were a little tentative when McKaigue was sent off with 20 minutes left and only scored three points in that period. McEvoy had an outstanding game but was throwing himself into tackles when he was on a yellow card, with Gallagher in the ear of the linesman throughout, and gave the ref the opportunity to even the sides up even before he also presented Derry with a last kick equaliser from a non-contact free. We have a fine central spine emerging through O'Hare, McEvoy, McParland, Donnelly, Murdock, McAleenan and Havern, and, with a decent defence also developing, a few more scores from O'Hagan, Kerr and Gilmore can take us to the next level. Laverty and his coaches have done an exceptional job so far.