Hurling round-up: Royals reach Christy Ring decider

Sligo and Meath were battling it out for a spot in the Christy Ring Cup final at Markievicz Park, and it was the Royals who booked it was a 0-24 to 0-18 win.

The opening skirmishes were keenly fought with Meath's Eamonn O’Donnchadha and Sligo’s Andrew Kilcullen prominent in the scoring stakes as the Royals led by a point midway through the first half.

A couple of Jack Regan frees extended Meath’s lead and they led 0-14 to 0-10 at the break.

Kilcullen (0-03) and Regan (0-02) exchanged scores early in the second half as Sligo reduced the gap to three points, and another Kilcullen score left two points between them with 15 minutes remaining.

It was all set up for a grandstand finish but late scores from Martin Healey and James Kelly secured Meath a spot in the final.

Derry are off to Croke Park after a commanding 0-30 to 1-11 win over Mayo at Owenbeg,

The Oakleafers earned a late win in London last time out to leave them in pole position, and they led 0-13 to 0-06 at half time with Cormac O'Doherty, Paul Cleary and Sean Kelly amongst their scorers.

Mayo went for goals in the second half but found Oisin O’Doherty in great form, Derry opting to add to their tally with points at the other end.

Johnny McGarvey’s side were 0-22 to 0-08 ahead with 15 minutes remaining and although Mayo did raise a green flag at the death, the result was never in doubt.

London rounded off their campaign with a high-scoring 2-28 to 4-18 win over Tyrone in Carrickmore.

Sean Duffin and Sean Og Grogan hit early goals for the Red Hands but it was the Exiles who grabbed the upperhand in what turned out to be a shootout. When all was said and done, London had five poitns to spare in the end.

Wicklow warmed up for their forthcoming Nickey Rackard Cup final with Done