Hurling: Down progress in Christy Ring Cup:
Down 3-13 Carlow 0-19

Two Paul Braniff goals helped Down beat Carlow 3-13 to 0-19 in the Christy Ring Cup at Newry but Armagh were heavily beaten 5-16 to 0-13 by Kildare.

Down had Kieran Courtney sent off after only 11 minutes but goals from Gareth Johnson and Paul Braniff helped Down lead 2-7 to 0-10 at half-time.

Braniff struck Down's third goal from 25 yards on 43 minutes after great work by Johnson and Kevin McGarry.

Colin Hughes hit nine Carlow points who had Shane Cavanagh dismissed late on.

Seven of Hughes' points came from frees.

Both Cavanagh and Courtney was sent off for two yellow-card offences.

The victory means Down will have a home venue for their quarter-final game, which is expected to take place next Saturday.