Down ladies football team scored five goals to defeat Cavan in a recent match, responding to earlier setbacks in the league and Ulster Championship.

The Mourne county trailed early on as Cavan, newly promoted to Division One, opened a 0-4 to 0-1 lead. Down fought back to level at 0-4 each before first-half goals from Niamh King and Niamh McClorey helped establish a 2-7 to 0-6 advantage at the interval.

Eimear Fitzpatrick added a second-half hat-trick to finish with a personal tally of 3-4, as Down pulled clear. Manager Colm Donnelly described the performance as the team's best by a considerable distance.

Donnelly said the game plan was to press Cavan high and disrupt their goalkeeper's kick-outs, while bypassing Cavan's own press on Down restarts. He believed the Division Three side may have been underestimated by opponents who are considered strong contenders for the All-Ireland title.

He acknowledged that Down left additional goal chances behind them in the first half and stressed the importance of a strong mindset and focus across the whole team. The forward unit received particular praise for its effectiveness on the day.

The win allowed Down to move on from the disappointment of missing out on promotion to Division Two and a recent Ulster Championship loss to Monaghan.