Carlow book rematch with Faithful in Joe McDonagh Cup final

Down ensured their survival and relegated Kildare to the Christy Ring Cup.

Carlow and Offaly will meet again at GAA HQ in two weeks' time. 

Carlow will join Offaly in the Joe McDonagh Cup final as they handed their understrength final opponents a heavy defeat in advance of their rematch at Croke Park in a fortnight.

Carlow dominated an understrength Faithful County from start to finish, leading by 0-9 to 0-1 after 15 minutes and 0-16 to 0-6 at the break. Five Martin Kavanagh frees helped them on their way, and they showed a ruthless streak to keep Offaly at arm’s length. Conor Kehoe’s third quarter goal rubber-stamped 1-29 to 0-14 win.