There were wins for Kerry, Kildare, Derry and Meath in the opening round of the Christy Ring Cup.

Kerry got their Christy Ring Cup campaign off to a winning start after they came out on top in a hard fought battle against Down at Newry this afternoon.

The visitors led by 2-12 to 1-8 at half time as Aidan Boyle was among the Kerry goalscorers, while Danny Toner netted for Down. In the second half, 1-1 by James Coyle saw the sides level at 2-13 each, but Kerry pulled hit back and the impressive Shane Nolan hit 1-1 in quick succession to help his side move on to win by 3-16 to 2-17.

Kildare scored some excellent scores to record a 1-23 to 0-15 win over Mayo at Newbridge. The home side led by 0-12 to 0-8 at half time, with Paul Divilly and Gerry Keegan both in fine point scoring form.

Sean Regan kept Mayo in touch throughout, but when Bernard Deay hit the only goal of the game in the 48th minute, it was game over as the Lilywhites cruised to an opening round victory.

At Celtic Park, Derry had to work hard to cling on for a victory over Wicklow by 1-11 to 1-10. Oisin McCloskey gave the Oak Leaf County the perfect start with a goal in the opening minutes, which helped them to a 1-4 to 0-3 half time lead, while Wicklow were reduced to 14-minute during the opening half.

Substitute Paul Cleary hit two points in the second half to help reduce the deficit and a penalty goal for Wicklow set up a nervy few minutes for the home side, but they held on to go into the winners' group.

Meath looked like they were heading for a defeat as Armagh led for most of their clash in Trim. The Orchard County held a 1-6 to 0-5 at half time and were five points, 2-8 to 0-9 in front by 47 minutes.

However, a Barry Slevin goal swung the pendulum in Meath's favour and they went on to win by 1-20 to 2-10. Tweet

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