Penalties needed as Ulster champions Derry beat Down to book McKenna Cup final spot, Cork advance in McGrath Cup

Down 3-09 Derry 1-15

Derry reached their first McKenna Cup final since 2017 after defeating Down 3-2 on penalties in an intense affair at Pairc Esler in Newry.

The semi final went straight to spot kicks after a pulsating draw in normal time.

Wing back Conor Doherty held his nerve to send Derry through after Shane McGuigan and Paul Cassidy also found the back of the net for the Ulster champions.

Regardless of the result, Down showed plenty of promise but will rue a two goal start to the second half that looked to propel Conor Laverty's side to their first pre season final in 17 seasons.

Down's Pat Havern opened the scoring in the feisty encounter. With space in front of the Mourne full forward, he chose to bounce off Chrissy McKaigue and curl over the bar. The purposeful impact was the manner of the day.

Niall Toner soon levelled and only for McKaigue, Conor Laverty side would have worked another major in the style of their manager. A quick move where Ryan Magill got in behind and Barry O’Hagan was denied a certain tap-in at the back post.

In a tough game to referee Monaghan’s Niall McKenna marshalled it superbly and quickly eradicated the early niggle.

Down were the better side and shaded a 0-03 to 0-02 lead after a quarter of an hour. Slipped in by the powerful Gareth McKinless, Padraig Cassidy borne down on goals and picked his spot in the top left corner, entirely against the run of play.

All Star nominee Shane McGuigan then tapped over a neat brace. His first, ironically, was the first score-able free of the game and a classy point on the spin shortly after. Niall Toner clipped over to give Derry best period a lead of five points.

Havern then ended Down’s 13 minute drought in front of the posts with a much needed score.