Carlow through to Christy Ring final

Carlow 2-19 Down 5-8

Two late goals from Des Murphy wrecked Down’s dream of an all-Ulster Christy Ring Cup final at Cusack Park.

Runners-up last season, the Mourne men looked set to join Antrim in the August 6 final but despite a 4-6 haul from Paul Braniff, Carlow won through in dramatic fashion.

The Barrowsiders led 0-12 to 0-4 at the break with veteran free-taker Pat Coady in inspirational form.

Braniff and Eoin Clarke (1-1) helped Down get back into it, but a brace from Naomh Eoin hitman Murphy, who was making his 130th appearance for his county, saw Carlow hold on.