Wicklow, Down and Derry were first round winners in the Christy Ring Cup.

In Arklow, Wicklow gained revenge for last year's final loss to Kerry when they claimed a 2-20 to 2-15 victory. Michael Boyle, who was one of three brothers controversially dropped by manager John Meyler earlier in the season for playing soccer, got the Kingdom off to a flying start with a goal after only two minutes, but the fired-up home side hit back with goals from Andy O'Brien and Wayne O'Gorman to take a 2-9 to 1-6 lead into the break.

The Garden County continued to control the game until Shane Nolan netted to leave just three points between the sides with eight minutes remaining. But the home side held on for a deserved victory.

Down put their league woes behind them when they edged out a battling Mayo side by 0-19 to 0-17 at Elvery's McHale Park.
The Ardsmen looked to be on course for an expected victory when leading 0-11 to 0-7 at the break, but the home side levelled early in the second half through dual star and captain Keith Higgins before Brian Hunt gave them the lead.

However, Down replied with scores from Conor Mageean, substitute Michael Turley and Aaron O'Prey to secure their first competitive win of the season.

In the day's other game, Derry were dramatic 1-22 to 2-18 winners over Kildare at Celtic Park.

Mark Moloney had the ball in the Derry net inside the first minute, but the Oak Leafers regained parity five minutes later thanks to a kicked goal from Kevin Hinphey, and four Paddy Kelly frees helped them to a 1-11 to 1-9 half-time advantage.

Paul Divilly scored a second Kildare goal after the restart, but the accurate Paddy Henry ensured that the home side took the spoils by the narrowest of margins. Tweet

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