Christy Ring Cup wins for Kerry, Derry, Wicklow and Meath

Kerry, Derry, Wicklow and Meath all registered away victories in the opening round of Christy Ring Cup matches this afternoon.

At St Conleth's Park in Newbridge, Kerry ran out 1-25 to 1-21 winners over Kildare.

Kerry were dealt an early blow when corner back Colin Harris suffered a hamstring injury after just a minute, and he was replaced by Eamon Fitzgerald for the remainder of the game.

Kerry led by 0-12 to 0-11 at half-time, and this clash continued to be a tight affair in the second half. The Kingdom's lone goal arrived from John Egan on the restart.

At Ballycran, Derry secured a 2-17 to 1-13 win over Down. A brace of first half goals gave the Oak Leafers the ideal platform.

Oisin O'Doherty and Alan Grant raised green flags, helping Derry on the way to a 2-06 to 1-06 interval lead.

Wicklow recorded a 1-19 to 1-17 win over Mayo at McHale Park in Castlebar.

Mayo began brightly and lead by 1-08 to 0-06 after 18 minutes, with Ronan Cullinane netting their goal.

However, Enan Glynn struck a goal for the Garden County side to ensure the visitors led by 1-11 to 1-09 at the break.

The sides were evenly matched in the second half, with Wicklow holding on for a morale-boosting victory.