Christy Ring Cup: Carlow have progressed to next week's semi-finals of the Christy Ring Cup after their 1-22 to 3-11 victory over Kerry at Dr Cullen Park on Saturday.

Carlow have had a good year at their county ground and the Eoin Garvey-managed side were never bettered on the scoreboard on this occasion. Indeed, it took two late Kerry goals from Andrew Keane and Ivan McCarthy to give the final scoreline an air of respectability for the visitors.

Abbeydorney clubman McCarthy delivered in a 65 for Keane to bat home and McCarthy himself swept a close range free to the Carlow net in the dying seconds.

The home side had a five-point lead, 1-11 to 1-6, at the interval with their goal coming from Paul Keogh in the 20th minute.

Kerry, who reached the National League Division Two final earlier this year, now face a relegation battle against Roscommon, who were beaten 2-8 to 2-21 by Meath in Navan.

Pádraig Coone scored 1-5 as Meath registered their first win of this year's competition to ensure they avoid a relegation play-off.

There were also wins on Saturday for Down and Mayo.

The Ulster side travelled to Ruislip where they registered a 2-17 to 1-13 victory over London to ensure top spot in Group A, with a 100 per cent record, and a last-four play-off place.

Down full-forward Paul Braniff registered a personal tally of 1-10 as last year's beaten finalists easily accounted for the current Nicky Rackard Cup holders.

London did, in fact, lead Down by four points at one stage in the opening half but the Ulster side responded well and the sides were level at 0-9 apiece at the interval.

The Exiles had established a 1-12 to 0-9 lead by the 12th minute of the second half, but Down kept their cool and with Braniff and Ballygalget corner forward Stephen Clarke both finding the London net, they eventually ran out deserving winners.

Meanwhile, despite being deprived of the services of dual player Keith Higgins, who lined out with the county's footballers against Galway in yesterday's Connacht final in Castlebar, the Mayo hurlers enjoyed a 3-9 to 2-10 victory over Wicklow in Ballina on Saturday. Two goals in the space of a minute from full-forward Paul Broderick put the home side on their way to victory.

Carlow's victory over Kerry, however, put paid to their hopes of reaching the last four.

Despite their defeat, Wicklow are assured of Christy Ring Cup hurling again next season.

Next weekend's semi-finals will see Carlow take on Down and Antrim play Group B winners Kildare for places in the final which will be played on August 6th.

Meanwhile, in Saturday's other encounter Louth beat Sligo by 1-18 to 1-13.