A five-star display from Jack Regan was the highlight of the day as Meath survived a late Derry fightback to claim their third Christy Ring Cup title at Croke Park on a 1-23 to 1-21 scoreline this evening.

Regan was immense in the opening half as the Royals opened up a 0-17 to 0-7 lead by half-time, with their joint captaining sending over 8 points during the opening 35 minutes at headquarters.

The Royals raced into a 0-7 to 0-0 lead after ten minutes with fine scores from Regan, Eamon O Donnchadh and Nicky Potterton. Derry had a  goal opportunity denied by a great save from Meath keeper Charlie Ennis.

The second-half was just minutes old when corner forward Nicky Potterton got in for the a goal and three more points from Regan had the lead out to 1-20 to 0-10 come the 45th minute.

Only two points separated these two sides when they met in the group stages at Owenbeg and, to their credit, Derry brought themselves right back into contention here with a goal from Cormac O'Doherty on 53 minutes. 

The Oak Leafers would fire over unanswered points in the next five minutes to make it a five-point game before Regan looked to steady Meath's ship with his 14th point of the evening.

Derry weren't going away though and the scores of O'Doherty (2) and Corey O'Reilly would make it a one-point game with time winding down.

With the heat very much on at that late stage, Seoirse Bulfin's held their nerve and earned a free which Regan sent between the posts to seal the triumph for the Royal County.

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