Down enjoyed a 2-12 to 1-9 win over Derry in their semi-final at Pairc Esler, Newry.

Conor Fitzsimmons produced a Man of the Match performance for the winners registering five points while substitute Ryan McCusker and Conor Costello got their goals.

Down held a slender advantage at the interval - 0-6 to 0-5. Cormac O'Doherty top scored for Derry, however, they could have well been infront only for some wasted chances at goal.

Two goals for the Mourne Men gave them a 2-10 to 0-8 lead.

Paddy Bradley netted a consolation goal for the visitors late on.

Down - S Savage; B Byers, C Taggart, M Patterson; C Costello (1-0), PJ McComiskey, PJ Davidson; C Egan (0-1f), C Fay; R Courtney, R Campbell, L Savage; C Fitzsimmons (0-5), E Sands (0-3), J Murphy. Subs: R McCusker (1-1) for J Murphy, P Óg McCrickard (0-2f) for R Courtney, J Doran for C Fay.

Derry - C O'Donnell; E McGill, E Shaw, B Douban; C McGurk, G Farren, N O'Neill; J Bradley, N McCallion (0-1); M McGuigan (0-1), D Foley, M Mulgrew (0-1); A Duddy, C O'Doherty (0-6, 5f), P Bradley (1-0). Subs: J O'Dwyer for D Foley, T McCloskey for B Doubhan, B Laverty for M Mulgrew, T O'Kane for P Bradley.

Referee - L McAuley. Tweet

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