Down have successfully defended their Ulster U21 hurling championship.

The Mourne County captured the 2004 title with an exciting 5-8 to 4-7 defeat of Derry in an absorbing final at Ballycran on Wednesday evening, July 21.

Down U21 Hurlers who retained their Ulster title beating Antrim and Derry

The holders hit the net four times before the break and led by eight points at the short whistle, 4-5 to 2-3. All six first-half goals arrived in the second quarter, after a quiet start to the match.

Full forward Eoin Clarke finished the final with a personal haul of 3-2 to his credit, including two majors before the interval. Jimmy Fowler and Paul Smith also raised green flags for the winners during a hectic twelve-minute spell leading up to half time.

Derry mounted a brave second-half fightback but could never quite take control of proceedings. Kevin Farren, Ruairi Convery and Conor Quinn netted for the Oak Leafers.

Ulster Council secretary Danny Murphy prsents the Ulster U21 HC Cup to Down
captain Aaron Dynes after Down defeated Derry in the final at Ballycran on 21.7.04