Even an inspiring second-half performance from Brendan Cummins couldn't prevent Tipperary slipping to their second successive league defeat at Newry on Sunday. The damage had been done in the first half when a slack defence was twice cut open to allow teenager, Glen McMahon, score two well-taken goals on his home debut. McMahon should have had two more goals before halftime, one chance going inches wide following a through pass from Shane Ward, the other splendidly saved by goalkeeper Philly Ryan.

But Tipperary, fortunate to be only 0-3 to 2-5 down at the interval, got their act belatedly together in the second half. Brendan Cummins was their chief inspiration, holding off a series of Down tackles as he ran 50 yards to shoot a marvellous goal in the 32nd minute.

This he followed with four points from frees. With 11 minutes remaining, they had narrowed the gap to four points, but Down consolidated in the closing stages with Gerard Deegan and Paddy Sloan providing the leadership to see them through.

A small home crowd appreciated the efforts of a very under-strength Down team and were reassured not just by the promise shown by the younger players but by the appearance of such as James McCartan, Mickey Linden, Micheal Magill, Paul Higgins and Gregory McCartan in the dug-out.

Tipperary were disappointing in the first half but inspired by Brendan Cummins, they saw good performances from Philly Ryan, Derry Foley, Christopher McGrath and John Costello after the break.