Christy Ring Cup favourites Meath had to overcome a stiff challenge from Derry before securing their place in the competition final on Saturday week, where they’ll face a Down side that had nine points to spare against Roscommon in the other semi-final.

Meath cemented their status as clear favourites for the Christy Ring Cup on Saturday afternoon.

A second-half blitz in the snow saw Kerry crush Meath at Fitzgerald Stadium yesterday and book their place in next weekend’s Allianz Division 2A final against Westmeath.

Kildare found themselves away from home and eight points down for the second Saturday in a row at Trim two days ago, but yet again the Christy Ring Cup champions dug themselves out of a hole to record a 3-23 to 2-18 win over Meath and set up a semi-final meeting with Kerry at Newbridge on Saturday.

Kerry 1-23  Meath 2-18: Kerry booked their place in the last four of the Christy Ring Cup after overcoming a stern test from a skilful Meath side at Austin Stack Park, Tralee on Saturday.

Kildare 0-22 Meath 0-17: Kildare shook off Leinster rivals Meath and claim the Allianz Hurling Division 2B title in Cusack Park, Mullingar on Saturday.

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Kerry 1-19 Meath 3-8

Kiltale were crowned Meath SHC champions for the first time since 2007 as a Mark O’Sullivan goal helped them see off Killyon in today’s decider in Navan.

“You gotta act like a criminal to catch one,” growls Flying Squad hard man DI Jack Regan (Ray Winstone) as he apprehends a gang of armed robbers with old-fashioned brutality in Nick Love’s revamp of the classic 1970s TV series starring John Thaw and Dennis Waterman.

Offaly dug deep to overcome a gutsy Meath side in this Electric Ireland Leinster MHC encounter at O’Connor Park on Saturday evening.

Wexford gave their supporters plenty of nervous moments in this Leinster MHC tie, but despite striking seven wides in that period and trailing for most of the game, they overcame Offaly 3-8 to 2-13 in O’Connor Park.

Ray Winstone won't star in 'The Sweeney' remake because he's too busy.

TIPPLING ginger beer, trips to Kirrin Island and combating smuggling rings were all in a summer’s work for the Famous Five and they’re set for a return to our TV screens.

John Thaw’s widow Sheila Hancock fought back tears as she collected a posthumous prize from viewers at the TV Baftas.