Derry strike hammer blow to Meath's promotion chances 

Derry manager Johnny McGarvey. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Derry have left it too late to get into the promotion mix in Division Two of the Allianz Hurling League, but the Oak Leaf County struck a huge psychological blow to fellow Christy Ring Cup frontrunners Meath this afternoon in Celtic Park, as they gave a hammer blow to the Royals’ chances of Division 1B hurling.

It was without doubt Derry’s best performance of the season, with lots of encouraging signs for the Oak Leaf county. Patrick Turner was exceptional in defence, Christy McNaughton scored a penalty and while Mikey Cole goaled for Meath to bring the margin back to a point, the home side had eight scorers by half-time and were full value for a 1-16 to 1-9 lead.