Down must expect 'dogfight' in All-Ireland opener

Former Down defender Kevin McKernan says the county must expect to be drawn into a "dogfight" in Sunday's All-Ireland round-robin opener against Clare in Ennis (14:00 BST).

The Mournemen won the 2024 Tailteann Cup to earn a spot in this year's Sam Maguire series.

Conor Laverty's side are coming off an Ulster semi-final loss to Donegal after suffering relegation from Division Two earlier this year, while Clare lost the Munster final to Kerry after missing out on promotion from the third-tier of the National League.

"It's a home game for Clare and they'll look at that as a serious strength but it's a huge challenge for Down," said McKernan, who started Down's 2010 All-Ireland final loss to Cork.

"It's a long way to travel but when they go down there they will find a team very similar to themselves; finding themselves between Division Two and Division Three.

"They had a huge performance against Kerry [in the Munster final] for large periods and against a team they weren't expected to beat.

"Down going to Clare - would they be expecting a win? Absolutely, but it's going to be a dogfight as well. If they can get big Pat [Havern] and Odhran [Murdock] moving with players like Pierce Laverty and Paddy McCarthy full of running from defence, the big spaces of Cusack Park will suit Down."

McKernan also said his Burren club-mate Murdock has the mentality to shoulder the burden of expectation after establishing himself at senior inter-county level.

"Odhran was blooded at senior level in midfield as a 19, 20-year-old and he's starting to get into his rhythm in games.

"It's a big ask for someone so young but he has the right mentality. Conor and his management team have built a structure of play for the whole team, but Odhran's a huge part of that.

"If Down launch themselves into this [All-Ireland series], they'll be excited to see Daniel Guinness and Odhran Murdock carry this team forward."