David Devine continues to impress for London. Photo by Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile
Christy Ring Cup
London made an impressive start to the Christy Ring Cup with a big win over Meath in Trim. Goals from Paul Kennedy (two), Conor O’Carroll and Jack Morrissey gave London an unassailable 4-9 to 0-9 half-time lead and although Jack Regan finished with 11 points for Meath, there was no way back for the hosts. Morrissey ended up with 2-5 to his name for London, while David Devine also chipped in with seven points for the Exiles.
Derry held off a stern challenge from Donegal at Celtic Park. A high-octane start saw a first-minute goal for Derry by Christy McNaughton quickly cancelled out by a penalty from Donegal keeper Luke White. Gerard Gilmore and Declan Coulter were among the scorers for a Donegal side who led by 1-9 to 1-8 at the interval, as they threatened to avenge a heavy defeat to their neighbours from last month in the league. Derry had enough firepower to get the win, however, with McNaughton landing 1-9 and John Mullan firing over six points from play.
Wicklow made a winning start at the expense of Tyrone in Aughrim. Pádraig Doran and goal-scorer Pádraig Doyle helped Wicklow build up a 1-12 to 0-9 half-time advantage and the hosts had moved nine clear heading into the final quarter. Kiefer Morgan and Aidy Kelly hit the net to give Tyrone hope of a late comeback, but Wicklow held on with five points to spare.
Nickey Rackard Cup
14-man Mayo started the Nickey Rackard Cup with a seven-point win at home to neighbours Roscommon. Mayo trailed by 0-10 to 0-8 at the break, by which time they had lost Joe Burke to a red card, but even though Ben McGahon found the net for Roscommon, they were outscored by 1-12 to 0-3 thereafter. Cormac Phillips (1-4) and Shane Boland (0-7) led the scoring for the 2024 runners-up.
Sligo got their first win of 2025 as they saw off Louth at Markievicz Park. The home side raced into a 0-13 to 0-5 lead midway through this one, with Andrew Kilcullen in prolific form. Darren Geoghegan hit 0-8 as Louth rallied after the restart, but Sligo held on to bounce back from their winless league campaign.
Armagh did just enough to edge out Fermanagh in Enniskillen.
0-10 to 0-6 up at half-time, Armagh suffered a setback early when Peter McKearney was shown a second yellow card, but they responded by hitting the only goal through Conor Renaghan.
A string of scores from John Duffy and Luca McCusker brought Fermanagh right back into contention, but they just weren’t able to catch their Ulster rivals.
Lory Meagher Cup
Longford made an impressive start to the Lory Meagher Cup by powering past Lancashire at Abbottstown. Last year’s beaten finalists were well on their way by half-time, leading by 2-15 to 0-9. Martin Farrell (2-8) and Reuben Murray (0-8) were in prolific form for Longford, who also had a goal each from Evan Tully and Mícheál Mulcahy.
Two early goals set Monaghan up for a comfortable victory over Leitrim in Inniskeen. Emmett Walsh and Rowan McMahon raised green flags inside the first ten minutes for Monaghan, who led by 2-7 to 0-7 at the interval. Leitrim managed just two points during the second half, while Niall Arthur and Niall Garland helped keep the scoreboard ticking over for Monaghan.
Cavan were comprehensive winners on Sunday against Warwickshire at Páirc na hÉireann. Seán Keating (2-5), Liam O’Brien (0-8), Nicky Kenny (1-5) and Éamon Óg McAllister (1-3) were all in free-scoring form for Cavan as they made a statement of intent.
Christy Ring Cup
Derry 1-21 Donegal 1-17
Wicklow 1-24 Tyrone 2-16
London 5-18 Meath 0-21
Nickey Rackard Cup
Mayo 1-21 Roscommon 1-14
Sligo 0-20 Louth 0-15
Armagh 1-13 Fermanagh 0-15
Lory Meagher Cup
Cavan 4-32 Warwickshire 1-11
Monaghan 2-13 Leitrim 0-9
Longford 4-21 Lancashire 0-16
