Royals shake off Kildare

Meath reversed two league results to advance to the Christy Ring Cup semi-final at the expense of Kildare at Navan’s Páirc Tailteann on Saturday.

The sides were level five times in the first half before James Kelly fired the all-important goal on 26 minutes and followed up with two points to leave Meath 1-8 to 0-7 ahead at the break.

Meath controlled the second half with Stephen Clynch and Noel Kirby’s free-taking crucial. Royals’ defender Willie Mahady brought off a crucial goal-line stop from Paul Divilly but, although Mark Moloney impressed at midfield, Kildare were thwarted. Meath advance to meet Wicklow.