An impressive second-half rally saw Down overhaul Meath to clinch a Ring Cup semi-final place after a thrilling contest at Newry on Saturday afternoon.

Down ....... 2-23
Meath ...... 1-19

Down - who narrowly defeated Mayo in the opening round - were 1-7 to 1-14 in arrears six minutes into the second-half. Twelve minutes later the home side hit the front for the first time, 1-17 to 1-16, through full-forward Michael Turley.

Gerard Monan's men quickly trebled their advantage and were three points clear before Paddy Conneely completed Meath's tally in th 66th minute that left just two points, 1-19 to 1-21, in it.

For Cillian Farrell's collective there was to be no repeat of the the dramatic finale that snatched an opening round win over London six days earlier. However, they still have a quarter-final date next Saturday. to prepare

With the breeze and sun behind them at this well-appointed venue, Down tagged on points from sub Darragh Hobbs and top scorer Paul Braniff.

The in stoppage time Branniff goaled from a penalty at the pavillion end after Aaron O'Prey was fouled and seven points separated the sides at the finish.

Such an outcome seemed most unlikely early on as Meath - eager not to replicate the slow start that marked their clash with London - took matters to Down from the off.

Early points from play courtesy of Noel Kirby and Stephen Donoghue settled Meath. Next up was the first of Peter Durnin's five efforts from play

Stephen Clynch got in the scoring act with a brace of points with Kirby posting one from a free in between. and Meath had registered six points before the ninth minute was out.

Kirby then proved the assist for James Kelly to goal and the board read 1-6 to 0-0 with 11 minutes gone. Down got off the mark through Paul Sheehan seconds later.

Down missed several scoring chances in the first-half while two blocks in quick successino from Meath captain Enda Keogh prevented goals for the home side.

Down's first goal was a 15th Conor Magean goal and the gap was down to six points. Meath marginally extended their lead before a pivotal moment occured in the 27th minute.

After a brief outbreak of unpleasantries about 45 metres from the pavillion end, Down full-back Michael Hughes and Meath corner-forward Sean Heavey were red-carded by Derry referee Eamon Hasson.

Down then lost corner-forward Daniel Toner, who fell awkwardly when landing on collecting the sliotar. The home side finished the half - that included four minutes of stoppage time - with points from O'Prey and Branniff and were just 1-6 to 1-11 off the pace.

Two more Durnin points - the second an excellent effort - lifted Meath on the resumption. Soon the Royals were seven points clear before Down rallied.

Meath can point to a couple of goals chances that went abegging. At the other end McGann saved well from Branniff's attempt to find the net from close range.

Subsequently, Meath corner-back William Mahady was deemed to have over-carried the sliotar in attemtpting a clearance. Branniff pointed the award and the margin was down to just three points, 1-12 to 1-15, with 46 minutes gone.

For Meath a home quarter-final clash with Kildare next Saturday awaits them. Down will be in semi-final action in two weeks time.

Down - S. Keith; J. Smyth, M. Hughes, S. Ennis; F. Conway (0-2), C. Woods (0-1), M. Cunnningham; A. Savage (0-1), M. Ennis; P. Sheehan (0-2), P. Branniff (1-8, 1-0 pen, 0-6 fs), A. O'Prey (0-2); D. Toner, M. Turley (0-2), C. Magean (1-1). Subs - C. Bailie (0-2) for Toner (33), D. Hughes (0-1) for Magean (47), D. Hobbs (0-1) for Sheehan (69).

Meath - S. McGann; C. Reilly, E. Fitzgerald, W. Mahady; J. Togher (0-1), D. Healy, E. Keogh; S. Morris, S. Donoghue (0-1); J. Kelly (1-0), S. Clynch (0-2), C O Mealoid; S. Heavey (0-1), N. Kirby (0-8, 6fs), P. Durnin (0-5). Subs - P. Conneely (0-1) for Healy (48), C. Fitzsimons for Donoghue (57), D. Raleigh for Kelly (68).

Referee - E. Hassan (Derry). Tweet

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