The Mourne County avenged their Christy Ring semi-final loss to the same opposition at the Derry venue, but had to dig deep before securing a place in the decider.

In a tight affair, Derry led by 0-10 to 0-8 at half-time, with Paddy Henry scoring six first-half points for the hosts.

However, Down worked hard firing an unanswered 2-1 on the restart, and stretched their lead to 10 points after 50 minutes, with Gareth 'Magic' Johnston netting his sides third goal.

3-12 to 0-11 in front, the visitors looked in command, but despite Derry outscoring them in the closing quarter, and Kevin Hinphey netting their only goal with 13 minutes remaining, it wasn't enough as Down held out for victory.