A 69TH-MINUTE Robert Foley goal proved vital as Carlow retained the Christy Ring Cup and secured top-flight status for the 2010 season thanks to a 1-15 to 0-14 win over Down at Croke Park before an attendance of 3,978 on Saturday.
The sides were level on 11 occasions during this keenly-contested encounter, including at the half-time whistle, with the sides retiring to the dressingrooms at 0-7 apiece.
Free-takers Simon Wilson (0-7) and Paudie Kehoe (0-5) were in excellent form throughout, with extra-time very much on the cards.
However Carlow dug deep when required, with Foley’s goal, along with a late Craig Doyle point, ensuring a four-point win.
Tyrone captured the inaugural Lory Meagher Cup title following a 5-11 to 3-16 win over Donegal on Saturday.
Donegal led by 1-9 to 1-6 at the interval with Lee Henderson bagging their goal while Garry Fox netted for Tyrone.
Donegal built up a nine-point lead on the restart, but the goals came flooding in during an exciting second half.
Shea McKiver, Justin Kelly and Rory O’Neill all raised green flags for Tyrone in the final quarter of the game.
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