When Down lost to Meath last Saturday, it set up an intriguing prospect for New York’s Tiernan Mathers.
A native of Queens, Mathers’ mother, Stephanie, hails from Longstone, where he spent many summers taking part in Cul Camps in the local club.
With Down finishing runners-up in their group, they became one of four potential opponents that New York could play in this weekend’s Tailteann Cup preliminary quarter-finals though, alas, they were paired with Carlow instead.
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His father, Colin, is from Killeavy in Armagh, though his ties to the Mourne County are stronger.
