Down senior hurling team manager Ronan Sheehan. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Joe McDonagh Cup
Down 3-24 Meath 0-25
Down delivered an impressive display in Ballycran to secure a Joe McDonagh Cup win over Meath.
Ronan Sheehan's improving outfit led 1-15 to 0-13 at the end of a lively first half.
Meath, inspired by the excellent Padraig O'Hanrahan, battled throughout, but Down judt did enough to secure victory.
The Royals settled impressively to accumulate a 0-6 to 0-3 lead, but Down responded.
Tim Prenter struck a 15th minute major to level and it was a significant setback for the visitors.
Down finished the opening period strongly to depart at the break 1-15 to 0-13 ahead.
Meath remained competitive, but they leaked a second goal with Prenter netting again after the restart.
O'Hanrahan kept Meath in the contest as they reduced the gap to three points.
Despite Meath's enthusiasm and energy, Down were cool enough to add a third goal as Daithí Sands supplied a crucial score.
Scorers for Down: Tim Prenter 2-1, Daithi Sands 1-3, Paul Sheehan 0-5 (4fs), Pearse Óg McCrickard 0-3 (2fs), Oisín McManus and Eoghan Sands 0-2 each, Marc Fisher, Donal Hughes, Liam Savage, Caolan Taggart, Donal Hughes, and Finn Turpin 0-1 each.
Scorers for Meath: Padraic O'Hanrahan 0-17 (15fs), Eamon Óg Ó Donnchadha 0-2, Simon Ennis, James Toher, Kris Gorman, Niall McLarnon, Nicky Potterton, Seán Martin 0-1.