Down put in an emphatic result against Tipperary to top Group 2 of the Tailteann Cup, as they ran home 18 point winners, in a tie they never looked like losing after a strong second half push.

Pat Havern was influential in the tie from his free taking and scoring abilities, he notched 0-5 for the afternoon, while Odhran Murdock and Shelan Johnston found the net, finishing the day on 1-2 and 1-1 respectively. 

Tipp gave plenty of frees away in this contest, Down had numerous different takers and on plenty of occasions added points as Tipp faded especially in the second half, scoring just two points as they struggled in front of the posts.

It was cagey start from both teams as plenty of misplaced efforts on goal, showed nerves from both sides as this second round game was in its infancy, Tipp managed to buckle down and get the opening score as Sean O’Connor pointed after four minutes. Minutes later and Down were level as Pat Havern struck a long range free just outside the 45m line over the backspot.

Frees certainly would cost Tipp in that opening half, however almost straight after that Down levelled, Jack Kennedy struck a lovely point from play to put Tippearary ahead for the second time, the Premier County would find the scoring tough however after the tenth minute, as Down took control.

Havern again accurate from the boot this time close range saw him tap over to level, the tie for the second time, Emmet Moloney saw yellow for a push in the back, despite the free begin from an acute angle, Havern was ever reliable to stroke over the chance, 0-3 to 0-2 at the end of the first quarter.

The Mournemen kept pressing with Havern acting as conductor, another free saw Andrew Gilmore convert, while Havern added his fourth and fifth point in quick succession to put a four point gap between the teams after 25 minutes.

Despite their lead Down looked frustrated on the sideline with their play, making two changes in their forward line, Shealan Johnston replaced Ruairi O'Hare and Donagh McAleenan replaced Andrew Gilmore, they were still getting further ahead of their hosts, Daniel McGuinness and Ryan Johnston both converting chances to put six between them after the half hour mark.

Tipp had not scored since the tenth minute and five minutes into the allotted six of added time saw Kennedy point a free for just their third score, Ceilum Doherty cancelled out the score, but with the last act of the first half, Kennedy added his third point popping over a close range free.

The output for Tipp certainly was lacking in the opening half, they were struggling to get the ball in at times, when the chances materialised they went either side of the posts, but Havern was having a big impact especially from the placed ball scenarios.

At the break Teddy Doyle was summoned from the bench, he struck a peach of a point two minutes into the second half from over 45m out near the sideline, it cancelled out an early Danny Magill point, but once again it was Down that took control on the scoring front.

Magill added his second of the half but drama would follow, Tipp were awarded a penalty after 41 minutes as Sean O'Connor went for a score the ref spotted a foul, Kevin Fahey stepped up but it was well wide of the goal, Mark Rusell then had a mark overturned, Down won back possession and then at the other end they ran well and after a fluid move Shelan Johnston struck home with the aid of a deflection, 1-11 to 0-5 in favour of the Ulstermen.

It was becoming academic that Down would be victorious in this contest but by how much was still the bigger question as Tipp struggled in front of goal, Johnston, Magill, Murdock, Havern and Ross Car all pointed, before Kennedy notched the second Tipperary point of the half, what would be their final score after 58 minutes, Down at that stage were ten points to the good, 1-16 to 0-6.

Having been allowed space to use their dynamic running style, which brought numerous fisted points, Murdock raced through with no one putting in a tackle to ripple the back of the net for Down’s second goal, they almost had a third moments later but that effort cannoned off the crossbar, put another free in saw Murdock tap over for a 2-17 to 0-6 lead on the hour mark.

The game lost its edge in the final ten minutes, a solo score from Eamon Brown the only effort, as Tipp looked dejected and exhausted in their performance, the whistle coming at a relief for them, next is Waterford as they hope to end what has been a dismal and disappointing year with a win, while Down have Meath to worry about for top spot in the group.