‘It was a terrifying thing’ – Defeat comes at a cost after Oisín Savage’s nasty injury in the Tailteann Cup semi-final

During the Tailteann Cup semi-final, Down’s player Oisín Savage is helped off the pitch on a medical trolley. Photo: Piaras ÓMídheach/Sportsfile

Boss Conor Laverty knocked down

Down boss Conor Laverty is delighted to be back in the Tailteann Cup final, but it came at a cost as striker Oisín Savage suffered a nasty injury that saw him quickly taken to hospital.

Savage went down heavily on his head following a second-half challenge which saw Sligo defender Nathan Mullen shown a red card after six minutes of stoppage time after paramedics treated the Loughinisland striker.

Down GAA officials confirmed Irish Independent last night, Savage regained consciousness before he was removed from the battlefield and taken to nearby Beaumont Hospital to await examination.

Laverty admitted the minutes following the injury were “terrifying” before his side claimed a 1-20 to 2-15 extra-time victory over Sligo.

“I know he was angry every time I went on the pitch. It was terrifying, even the sounds he made. It was really scary, it’s true,” said manager Morne.

Laverty is delighted to atone for last year’s final defeat to Meath with a decider against Laois on July 13, which now stands between them and Sam Maguire’s football in 2025.

“It has long been our goal to play Sam Maguire’s football and we knew the challenge Laois would put before us,” Laverty said.

“I am simply delighted with the character shown by this young Down team. “I’m really proud of this group because they’re a very young group and they’ve had some unfortunate losses here,” he said.

Laois booked their place in the decider after beating Antrim 3-12 to 1-13.