Kavanagh goal kills off Down

Carlow made a winning start to their Allianz Hurling League season with an impressive display at Dr Cullen Park yesterday.

A well-taken Carlow goal 23 minutes from Craig Doyle was negated three minutes later by a fine strike from Daniel Toner for Down. Carlow led 1-5 to 1-2 at that stage and went on to shoot four unanswered points before the break from Andrew Gaule, Marty Kavanagh (two frees) and Craig Doyle.

Although Down full-forward Paul Braniff scored four early second half points from frees, Carlow remained in control and a long-range goal from a free by Shane Kavanagh on 53 minutes killed off the Down challenge, 2-11 to 1-6.