SAINT PATRICK carried more than his traditional staff yesterday in the county town hoping for All-Ireland glory.
The imposing steel sculpture of the patron saint, which marks the entrance to Downpatrick, waved its own Down flag - the first of many to line the streets in the lead up to yesterday's final.
Aside from the traditional bunting, flags and banners, there was everything from red and black painted cars to sales of "Sam Maguire" sandwiches as All-Ireland final fever reached epidemic proportions.
With Cork's fans seeming positively restrained in comparison, it was hard to know what winning could do to the dedicated local supporters.
But in the end, the amiable nature of the Down fans helped only to lessen their pain.
As the streets became deserted in the build up to 3.30pm, business was booming inside the local pubs for those unlucky not to have snatched tickets for Croke Park.
The frenzied, some said almost vicious, search for tickets was the main talking point in the town for some time, but the unlucky ones bonded in the pubs amid general optimism that Down would prevail - the fact that Down had never lost a final, and it being the 50th anniversary of their first win, all seemed to provide the necessary magic edge.
In a few short weeks, Down had moved from outsiders to contenders and only Cork stood in their way of collecting their sixth All Ireland title - and sure Cork kept losing them.
Friends Gary Douglas and Michael Crothers, were among the more nervous looking fans enjoying the match at Downpatrick's oldest bar in Denvir's Hotel.
Despite his team leading the first half, Gary warned: "Down are not strong finishers. Benny Coulter has not had a lot of possession. "Down needs to be more attacking. They are not taking possession in the midfield." Both said they were surprised at the amount of local support and that they hoped the final would result in a more cross-community base of fans.
"It is almost like two counties, north Down and south Down," said Michael. But Gary said: "I see cars driving around with black and red flags in areas that surprise me. So these fans are coming from somewhere." And as he predicted, Down began to lose their way in a thrilling second half which brought elation and despair in quick succession as little separated the two teams.
"They weren't there the second half," said Gary, who was among many with their heads in their hands approaching the end. "They didn't control the midfield. I am annoyed because the bookie got it right and the bookie is never wrong. Down went asleep. The best team won.
We weren't robbed.
"It is a young team and there are plenty of Sam Maguires to come.
Down could be the next Tyrone." Local businessman, Pat Cassidy, also emphasised the positive: "There is an atmosphere here I have not seen myself before in previous finals. There has been great community spirit, which has been pushed through the local schools."
There was quiet, as opposed to despair in Denvir's when Down's chances finally ran out - despite the whoops from one brave Cork supporter.
"Yes, I am very brave," laughed Orla Turley, who is originally from Cork. "But this is a friendly pub and people shook my hand at the end." Her partner, Michael Burns, who is from Downpatrick, just shook his head.
"What am I going to have to listen to tonight . . ."