Down have been dealt a blow as they look ahead to next year, with reports suggesting Liam Kerr will not be available for the 2025 season.
Fresh off the back of their triumph in the Tailteann Cup last year, Down have a Sam Maguire charge to look forward to next year.
Manager Conor Laverty will be forced to prepare for the All-Ireland campaign without one of the stars of last season, however, with Liam Kerr seemingly set to jet off Down Under in the new year.
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Down to lose bright forward to Australia for 2025
The Irish News reported on Tuesday morning that Liam Kerr is Australia-bound and thus out of contention for Down for 2025.
23 June 2024; Liam Kerr of Down in action against Nathan Mullen of Sligo during the Tailteann Cup semi-final match between Sligo and Down at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
One of the stars of the 2024 campaign, Kerr played a pivotal role in both of Down's major finals in Croke Park. He first scored 0-3 from play in the Division 3 final defeat against Westmeath - despite defeat, Down had already secured promotion to Division 2 for 2025.
They also went on to secure their place in next year's All-Ireland series with victory in June's Tailteann Cup final, in which Kerr scored once again having started at corner forward.
Kerr also starred for Burren in their run to the Down county final in recent weeks, where they were ultimately defeated by the dominant Kilcoo.
The departure of 24-year-old Kerr is a major blow for Down as they prepare for life at the top table of Gaelic football.
They are not the only county to have lost talent to Australia ahead of 2025. Bright Meath prospect Eamonn Armstrong has agreed a deal to join St Kilda in the AFL, while Kerry have lost Cillian Burke has traded the green and gold for the blue and white of the Geelong Cats.
There is now a big task ahead for Down manager Conor Laverty to prepare for life in the All-Ireland championship without the energy of Liam Kerr
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