Last year’s beaten finalists, who were also beaten in the Division 3 final earlier this season, were winning their first trophy of any hue since a McKenna Cup success in 2008 and their first at headquarters since their 1994 All-Ireland win.
Second-half substitutes Danny Magill and Caolan Mooney made vital contributions hitting 0-3 while midfielder Odhran Murdock hit three points in a Man-of-the-Match performance.
But it was nervy performance at times from the Ulster sides underlined when they conceded a goal in injury time – a wonderful effort from Mark Barry – leaving their fans sweating on the outcome in the remaining three minutes.
Beaten by 22 points after conceding eight goals in last year’s semi-final, Laois were much more competitive but still fell short and they could hardly complain hitting only four scores in the second half when they had the wind.
Backed by the breeze, Down made the perfect start – three times in the first five minutes they turned over Laois in possession – had a patient build-up and got off three shots to give them an early 0-3 to 0-0 advantage.
The pattern of the game of the contest was established early as well.
Down allowed Laois win their own kick-out unchallenged as they withdrew everybody behind the ball. Initially, the plan worked and it took the Leinster side seven minutes to register their first score – a point from Mark Barry.
But the complexion of the contest changed dramatically soon afterwards when Down’s penchant for conceding preventable goals surfaced again.
Laois’ James Kelly attempted to link up with his centre-back Brian Byrne with a dinky lofted pass which Down goalkeeper John O’Hara punched clear in an unconvincingly manner. The ball fell invitingly to wing back Séamus Lacey, who got calmly slotted it to the corner of the net.
The concession of the goal rattled Down though they did get the next score. But another bad defensive turnover in the 15th minute enabled Evan O’Carroll kick a simple point to put Laois 1-2 to 0-4 ahead.
Down’s finishing into the Canal End was of the hit-and-miss variety – they kicked two points and five wides – Ryan Johnston was responsible for three of them in the next ten minutes.
Although they repeatedly turned over Laois in possession, once the Leinster side got within the scoring range this wasn’t reflected on the scoreboard.
Their finishing did improve in the latter stages of the half with midfielder Murdock kicking two monster points from midfield.
Laois goalkeeper Killian Roche kicked a 34th minute free after a foul on Niall Dunne to register their first score for 18 minutes to leave Down leading at the break 0-8 to 1-3.
But Down’s conversion rate of eight points from 15 opportunities would be a source of concern for Conor Laverty whereas his counterpart Justin McNulty would be worried that his side only managed to achieve four turnovers compared to 12. The Ulster side only created six scoring chances – though they converted four of them.
An inspirational long-range point from Laois midfielder Conor Heffernan made it a one-point game soon after the resumption as Down continued to squander chances.
And it was all square by the 43rd minute from a Mark Barry pointed free.
Another defensive blunder from Down gifted Laois a soft free which Paul Kingston converted to give them the lead for the first time since the 15th minute. Substitute Danny Magill finally opened Down’s second-half account with a 46th minute point to level the game for the second time.
And Magill doubled his personal tally with a second point three minutes later as Down continued to win the turnover ball more frequently. Magill’s influence continued to be exceptional as he provided the assist for Murdock to kick his third point.
But Down continued to look vulnerable at the back – they were fortunate that a snap shot from Mark Barry went the wrong side of the post in the 54th minute after they had failed to deal with a free from Laois goalkeeper Killian Roche dropped short.
So, into the championship minutes. A point from another Down substitute Caolan Mooney made it a three-point game with ten minutes left.
At times the play was tortuously slow even though there was silverware at stake but it scarcely mattered to Down. A prolonged period of pressure by the Mourne men eventually yielded a free when Liam Kerr was pulled back in full flight. Pat Havern converted the free – their first of the day – to give them a four-point cushion with less than five minutes left.
A James Kelly point looked to have wrapped up the win for Down as both side emptied the bench. But there was late drama.
In the first of four minutes of injury time, Barry scored a magnificent goal from 25m to narrow the gap to just two. He missed a chance to make it a one-point game soon afterwards and Down had another scare before the death but they deservingly held out.
Scorers: Down: O Murdock, P Havern (1f) 0-3 each, D Magill 0-2, S Johnston, R Johnston, J Flynn, L Kerr, C Mooney, J Kelly 0-1 each. Laois: M Barry 1-2 (1f), S Lacey 1-0, E O’Carroll, K Roche (1f), P Kingston (1f), C Heffernan 0-1 each.
Down: J O’Hare; P Laverty, R McEvoy, P Fegan; M Rooney, D Guinness, S Johnston; J Flynn; O Murdock; P McCarthy, J Guinness, R Johnston; L Kerr, P Havern, J McGovern. Subs: C Mooney for McGovern (38), D Magill for Rooney (45), R Magill for J McGuinness (58), C McCrickard for R Johnston (69). F McElroy for Kerr (70 +1).
Laois: K Roche; M Timmons, J Kelly, B Dempsey; S Lacey, B Byrne, S Fingleton; D Larkin, E O’Carroll; C Heffernan, E Lowry, K Swayne; N Dunne, M Barry, P Kingston.Subs: R Murphy for Lowry (57), S Fitzpatrick for Kingston (66), K Lillis for Larkin (69), C Burke for Dunne (69), E Buggie for Kelly (70+1),
Referee: Brendan Griffin (Kerry)
