Down edge Carlow in Christy Ring Cup
CHRISTY RING CUP GROUP 2B: DOWN 3-13 CARLOW 0-19
A 45th-minute Paul Braniff goal was the key score as Down edged Carlow by three points in a lively clash at Pairc Esler.
First-half goals from Gareth Johnson and Braniff ensured a 2-07 to 0-10 lead for the hosts, despite losing Kieran Courtney to a second yellow card after 22 minutes.
Carlow kept the gap at two points for most of the second half, with Colin Hughes (0-09) top-scoring.
However, Down's greater resolve saw them hold out for the win and a home draw in the quarter-finals.
