Down through to Ulster Hurling Final

Down are through to the Ulster Hurling final after a 0-25 to 1-16 win over Derry in Sunday’s semi-final replay.

Paul Braniff top-scored with 0-12 for Down, eight from frees, while midfielder Donal Hughes scored five points from play.

Derry were reduced to 14 men after 27 minutes when Aaron Kelly received a straight red card for an off the ball clash with Down defender Paddy Hughes.

The Mourne County were ahead 0-12 to 1-5 at half-time as they led throughout.

Down rallied after last week’s flat display when they collapsed in the second half.

Derry half-time substitutes Mark Craig and Paddy Henry hit 0-10 between them in the second-half with Tiernan McCloskey got Derry’s only other point in the second period.

Down manager Gerard Monan was happy with his team’s response after last week’s struggles.

“We were not very happy with how we played last week but we responded the way we know we can,” added the Down boss.

“The boys showed what they’re capable of. We could have got an extra goal or two.

“Themselves they were disappointed to nearly finish off the season last week not showing what they’re capable of.”

A decision on fixing a date for the Ulster senior hurling final has been deferred, the Ulster Council have confirmed, with the game set to be played at Celtic Park.

Meanwhile in Sunday’s curtain-raiser at the Armagh Athletic Grounds, Antrim defeated Down 2-20 to 1-12 in the Ulster Minor Hurling Final.

Down: S Keith; M Conlon, P Flynn, P Hughes; F Conway, C Woods, M Ennis; D Hughes (0-5), E Clarke; K McGarry (0-2), P Braniff (0-12, 8f), P Sheehan (0-1); D Toner, G Johnson, J Coyle (0-3). Subs: M Turley (0-1) for Toner (49), J McCusker (0-1) for McGarry (52), B Nicholson for Conlon (57), L McMullan for Coyle (63), C Hughes for Ennis (65)

Derry: D McDermott; D McCloskey, P Kelly, J McCloskey; R McCloskey, L Hinphey, M O’Hagan; O McCloskey, K Hinphey (0-2); B Rodgers (0-1), A Grant (0-1, f), T McCloskey (0-2, 1f); P Cleary, B Quigley, A Kelly (1-0). Subs: M Craig (0-3) for Quigley (HT), P Henry (0-7, 4f) for Cleary (HT), S McBride for Rodgers (60)

Referee: Tony Carroll (Offaly)

Report: www.bbc.co.uk/ni