Christy Ring Cup Semi-final/Carlow 2-19 Down 5-8: Not even the enduring excellence of Paul Braniff, who scored 4-6 in a virtuoso display, could steer down into the Christy Ring Cup final as Carlow grabbed a victory as unexpected as it was merited.
In a thrilling second period that was laced with drama Braniff filched four sublime goals, but Carlow still prevailed.
It was underdogs Carlow who bossed the first half. They poured forward in search of scores and accumulated a healthy 0-12 to 0-4 half-time lead.
The game's complexion altered in the third quarter as Braniff struck a hat-trick of goals, while corner forward Eoin Clarke also netted as Down somehow claimed a 4-6 to 0-15 lead by the 54th minute.
Yet, Carlow summoned a sensational response and in a blistering finale the bustling Des Murphy crashed home a brace of goals. A trip to Croke Park now beckons for the gritty hurlers of Carlow.
Scorers: Carlow: P Coady (0-6, three frees, '65), D Murphy (2-0), B Lawler (0-5), R Foley (0-3), F Foley, C Hughes, A Brennan, P Kehoe, K English (0-1 each) Down: P Braniff (4-6, three frees), E Clarke (1-1), S Wilson (0-1, free)
