Down manager Paddy Tally admits the stakes have never been higher in Division 3 of the Allianz League with the prospect of Tier 2 championship football facing the teams that finish outside the top two. 

The Mourne County travel to Clonmel to face Tipperary in their league opener on Sunday knowing there is little or no margin for error.

"You have to hit the league running," Tally told the BBC.

"There's no easing your way into the league. After the third or fourth league match, you are going to have a fair idea of where you are going to be.

"Every manager in inter-county football will feel a certain amount of expectation or pressure, if you want to call it pressure, given the challenges that are ahead of them this year."

With Derry visiting Newry next weekend and a trip to Cork awaiting them the following weekend, it doesn't get any easier for Tally's men. 

"You couldn't really ask for a harder start," he added.

The Allianz Football and Hurling Leagues are back this weekend and so is the Hogan Stand Match Tracker. Join us on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon for live score and updates from the opening rounds.

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