Down half forward Danny Hughes doesn't agree with his manager James McCartan's assessment that the Mourne County's unbeaten record in All-Ireland finals will count for little against Cork.

"It's definitely not irrelevant," said the Saval clubman, who turned in a superb performance against Kildare on Sunday.

"When you look at the 60s teams that Down had and the 90s teams that brought great glory back to Down, you have to look at it and see what they brought to the table. The great pride and everything they brought to the Down jersey. I guess when you pull on a Down jersey you have to take those things into account."

The Roman numeral for 1960 - mcmlx - has been stitched onto the collar on the back of the Down jerseys this year to commemorate the county's winning of the Sam Maguire for the first time 50 years ago.

"The Roman numeral has been there since we played Donegal but I don't think any of youse boys noticed it. Obviously they were the first team to take the Sam Maguire across the border for the first time. We'll see what happens. They have their own history made so I suppose it's up to us too."

Hughes acknowledges that Down's fortunes have been transformed under McCartan in his debut season.

"Most of the punters, wouldn't have given us an outside chance but we're there now. At the start of the year we were just looking at every Champion- ship game and we took it as it comes. That's where we are. James has obviously won a couple of All-Irelands and All Stars and he knows what it's like to play county football at the top level. He's a very calm guy and I'm glad he's managing us.

"Obviously a fresh management team helps. You see Marty Clarke at home as well and that can't be understated. It's hard to put it down to any one thing, it's probably a collection of different things."

Hughes is hoping the heartbreaking defeat Down suffered at the hands of Cork in last year's All-Ireland under 21 final will act as a spur to them in the All-Ireland final.

"Hopefully that'll spur them boys on a wee bit more. Cork are overwhelming favourites for this final I would think with their experience. It's going to be a massive battle for us. It's going to be a massive ask to win it. We'll get our heads down over the next three weeks."

He continued: "We've never met Cork before in the championship anyhow, not in my time, or in the rest of the boys' time. The 1994 All-Ireland semi-final is the last one I think. We'll look forward to it and see what happens." Tweet

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