Down 4-21 0-14 Mayo

Kieran Courtney was in action for Down at Pairc Esler

Four second-half goals helped Down ease past Mayo in Saturday's Christy Ring Cup semi-final at Newry.

Mayo led by 0-3 to 0-2 early on but Simon Wilson and Gareth Johnson notched a series of points to put the Mourne County 0-10 to 0-9 ahead at half-time.

Down hit 3-7 without reply after the restart with Paul Braniff, James Coyle and Eoin Clarke notching goals.

Andy Savage and Gabriel Clarke excelled for Down in midfield while Johnson added the fourth goal late on.

Adrian Freeman hit Mayo's opening three scores as the visitors led 0-3 to 0-2 but Down fought back to lead by a point at the break.

Mayo's first score of the second half arrived in the 55th minute, with a pointed free from Keith Higgins.

Down do not yet know their final opponents as Carlow drew 1-15 to 2-12 against Kerry in Saturday's other semi-final.

In the Nicky Rackard Cup, London defeated Armagh 1-19 to 0-12, Louth beat Monaghan 1-12 to 1-8, Meath eased past Sligo 1-23 to 0-10 while Roscommon edged out Fingal 1-11 to 1-8.

In the Lory Meagher Cup, Leitrim edged out Fermanagh 1-12 to 0-14, Donegal defeated Cavan 0-20 to 1-12 while South Down beat Tyrone 5-6 to 3-9.

Down scorers: G Johnston (1f) 1-5; S Wilson (3f, 1 65, 1 pen) 0-7; J Coyle 1-3; P Braniff (1f) 1-2; E Clarke, 1-1; C Woods 0-2; M Ennis 0-1.

Mayo scorers: A Freeman (4f), K Higgins (3f, 1 pen) 0-6 each; D McConn, E Madigan 0-1.

Down: Graham Clarke; A Dynes, S Murray, S Ennis; F Conway, R McGrattan, M Ennis; A Savage, K Courtney; C Woods, P Braniff, S Wilson; J Coyle, G Johnson, E Clarke. Subs: C O’Prey for Dynes (22); Gabriel Clarke for Ennis (43); M Coulter for Wilson (55); P Flynn for S Ennis (60); D Ennis for Graham Clarke (64)

Mayo: M Walsh; K McGrath, A Connolly, P Hunt; B Higgins, P Barrett, C Ryan; K Higgins, P Higgins; E Madigan, D McDonnell, D Dowling; A Freeman, D McConn, C Freeman. Subs: S Broderick for McDonnell (HT); T Duffy for M Walsh (48); M Devaney for C Freeman (49); C Hynes for Dowling (60); S Hoban for A Freeman (60)

Referee: Anthony Stapleton (Laois)

Nicky Rackard Cup first-round results

Armagh 0-12 1-19 London
Louth 1-12 1-8 Monaghan
Roscommon 1-11 1-8 Fingal
Sligo 0-10 1-23 Meath

Lory Meagher Cup first round

Fermanagh 0-14 1-12 Leitrim
Donegal 0-20 1-12 Cavan
Tyrone 3-9 5-6 South Down

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