2023 Christy Ring Cup Final

Derry v Meath, Saturday, 5.00, Croke Park ( Live coverage on Spórt TG4 YouTube)

Saturday’s Christy Ring Cup Final sees Meath bid for a third title and two-time Nickey Rackard champions Derry attempt to put their name on this trophy for the first time.

The counties have had contrasting fortunes in their previous appearances at this stage, with Meath beating Ulster opponents in both 2016 and 2019, while Derry are looking to make it third-time lucky after falling short in 2015 and 2021.

Having competed in the Joe McDonagh Cup between 2020 and 2022, Meath were always tipped to be among the main contenders for this competition, particularly after they won Division IIB of the Allianz Hurling League (swapping places with Derry, who were relegated from Division IIA). Managed by Limerick native and former Wexford and Clare coach Seoirse Bulfin, Meath have won ten of their eleven games this season between league and championship, with a narrow defeat against London being the only blemish to date.

Derry made a slow start to the season, with Johnny McGarvey not having been ratified as manager until January, but they have enjoyed a fine Christy Ring campaign, losing just once (by a two-point margin against Saturday’s opponents). The Oak Leaf County also drew a thrilling derby away to Christy Ring debutants Tyrone, but prolific performances in defeating Sligo, London and Mayo made them the highest-scoring team in the group stage with 8-126.

Derry sharpshooter Cormac O’Doherty has racked up 4-79 during 2023, but they have had other players stepping up to contribute as the year has gone on, not least John Mullan, who has hit 2-20 from play in the run to this decider. Darragh McGilligan, Paul Cleary and Corey O’Reilly have each hit double figure, while Meehaul McGrath, Mark Craig, James Friel and Richie Mullan should also play key roles for Derry.

As well as leading the scoring charge with 1-43 to his name, Jack Regan is Meath’s joint-captain along with goalkeeper Charlie Ennis, while James Toher helps to keep them ticking over from centre-back. Mickey Burke is another leader after two decades of service to Meath in both football and hurling. Éamon Ó Donnchadha, James Kelly, Pádraig O’Hanrahan and Nicholas Potterton can also chip in with scores for the two-time champions, who have had 19 players on target.

Derry have already tasted success at Croke Park this year when their U-20s won a first Richie McElligott Cup (also at the third time of asking), but Meath will be determined to deny them a noteworthy double.

Derry’s Christy Ring Cup scorers 2023: Cormac O’Doherty 3-41 (2-0 pens, 0-32f, 0-1 ’65); John Mullan 2-20; Darragh McGilligan 0-14; Paul Cleary 0-13; Corey O’Reilly 0-10; James Friel 1-4; Éamon Conway 0-7; Sedgae Melaugh 1-2; Meehaul McGrath 0-4; Richie Mullan 0-3; Rís Mac Somhairle 1-0; Pádhraig Nelis, Paddy Kelly, Seán Kelly 0-2 each; Mark Craig, James McCloskey 0-1 each.

Meath’s Christy Ring Cup scorers 2023: Jack Regan 1-43 (0-22f, 0-1 ’65, 0-1 s-l); Éamon Ó Donnchadha 1-17; James Kelly 1-10; Pádraig O’Hanrahan 0-10 (4f); Nicholas Potterton 1-7; Adam Gannon, Pa Ryan, Martin Healy 0-4 each; Seán Geraghty 0-3; Mikey Cole, Damien Healy, Niall McLarnon, Mark O’Sullivan, Simon Ennis 0-2 each; James Murray, Seán Quigley, James Toher, Dáire Shine, Michael Burke 0-1 each.

Christy Ring Cup top scorers 2023:

Ronan Crowley (London) 3-54

Andy Kilcullen (Sligo) 2-54

Cormac O’Doherty (Derry) 3-41

Jack Regan (Meath) 1-43

Seán Duffin (Tyrone) 2-29

Ronan Crowley tops the 2023 Christy Ring Cup scoring charts after hitting 3-54 in five games for London, with last year’s runner-up (Andy Kilcullen of Sligo) currently in second place again. Finalists Derry and Meath are represented by Cormac O’Doherty and Jack Regan in the top five, which is completed by Tyrone’s Seán Duffin. Derry’s John Mullan is the top scorer from play with 2-20.