It is not everyday a manager has the luxury of taking off his captain with a game sewn up at half-time. Then again, not every team scores four goals in one half of a Championship semi-final, but that’s what transpired for Pierce Laverty and Down boss Conor Laverty at Croke Park on Sunday.
Indeed, the Saul clubman watched on as his colleagues bagged another four goals past a rudderless Laois side, winning 8-16 to 2-12 to set up a Tailteann Cup final meeting with Meath on Saturday, July 15.
After a first half brace, Liam Kerr completed his hat-trick early in the second half while Danny Magill helped himself to two goals with Pat Havern, Odhran Murdock and Rory Mason also hitting the net.
