Down manager Eamonn Burns says he will take time to consider whether to remain in charge following their Championship exit at the hands of Cavan.
A fortuitous 54th minute goal from Gearoid McKiernan proved crucial as Mattie McGlennan’s side came from behind in a fiery clash.
The Mourne men lost key attackers Connaire Harrison and Kevin McKernan to black cards on the half-hour mark, while Ryan Johnston was dismissed in the second half with Down ahead in the contest.
"We lost a man with 20 minutes to go when we were in control of the game," he told RTÉ Sport.
"We had the two black cards aswell and we were dealt with some very hard blows but we still battled away right to the wire."
In a bad-tempered finish, referee Cormac Reilly showed red cards to Cavan’s Dara McVeety and Conor Moynagh and Down’s Anthony Doherty after the full-time whistle.
"I wasn’t overly sure how it kicked off, but I don’t think we instigated it," Burns said and praised the "pride and passion" shown by his players following the heavy defeat to Donegal in Ulster last time out.
Indeed for large periods of the contest they looked to have the edge: "I think most people will leave the ground thinking Down should probably have won the game."
"I’ll let the dust settle for a week or two, speak to people I need to speak to and make a decision"
Burns has overseen the Down footballers for three seasons and said he will take time to consider his future following their disappointing exit.
"I’ll let the dust settle for a week or two, speak to people I need to speak to and make a decision."
