Sean Ward can now look forward to an Ulster final on 13 July

Down captain Sean Ward is happy that he will get a chance to erase the memory if played in an Ulster Championship final.

Ward help guide his side to their 26th provincial decider. The last was a disastrous 3-12 0-10 defeat to Armagh in 1999.

It was a nervous time after Fermanagh looked to have clambered back from the dead to take the lead for the first time in the 47th minute against 14-man Down.

''The last final was definitely not one to remember,'' said Ward. ''I've always wanted a chance to put things right.

''Now we have achieved our goal, and it is a great feeling to be back in an Ulster final.

''It was tough, very, very tough indeed out there, particularly in those circumstances in the second half with Brian Burns going early.

''But the team showed real character. It was not only the team, but also the substitutes like James McCartan and Mickey Linden. They all played their part.

''Paddy O'Rourke brought them back in, and they showed that they are all young at heart.

''They have put in the training at nights like the rest of the team.''

McCartan, who scored the vital second goal in the 56th minute, said he was just glad to get a run.

Fermanagh probably played well just before half-time and 15 minutes after it, and they were all over us James McCartan

''Obviously it was great to get that goal, but I was just happy to get on the pitch,'' said McCartan.

''I suppose I joined the over-30s club in the side. It was good to have played a vital part as at the time things were going against us.

''Things were definitely looking bleak and reminiscent of a couple of years ago. But it just took that little break.

''Fermanagh probably played well just before half-time and 15 minutes after it, and they were all over us, and we were glad to get out of it.

''We had gone 20 minutes without a score and I was told by bosses at Glenavon that it is all about your first touch.