This weekend will host the Christy Ring Cup semi-finals as Wicklow take on London on Saturday, while Kildare will face Derry on Sunday after an enthralling finish between Derry and Down last weekend.
While the nation's eyes were fixed on the Munster hurling Championship drama, there was also incredible scenes at Emmett Park. Derry won on a scoreline of 1-29 to 2-19, but a victory was not enough as Down also had a superior score difference which would have seen them through. However, Slaughtneil and Derry forward Cormac O'Doherty ensured his side progressed thanks to an astonishing 1-17.
Cormac O'Doherty pointing a free today. The @GACSlaughtneil sharp shooter went on to bag 1-17 although whoever got the final touch for the goal maybe the focus of some debate around Emmett Park. #ChristyRingCup #CandC #Hurling #DerryGAA pic.twitter.com/CEnZFwFs35
— Paul McIntyre (@PaulMcIntyre14) June 2, 2018
O'Doherty scored a goal directly from a '65 with a minute of normal time left to set up a late run, although there may be some disputing of the final touch for that goal. Then in the 75th minute, O'Dohery was informed by the referee that his 65' was the last puck of the game. He scored and the result was Colm McGuirk's side finishing second on score difference, a point ahead of Down.
Amazing scenes at @WattyGrahamsGAA as a last minute 65 by Cormac O'Doherty sends Derry through to the #ChristyRingCup last four on scoring difference. Three teams on 4pts. Scoring: London +28, Derry +24, Down +23. 🇦🇹 #CandC #GAA
— Derry GAA (@Doiregaa) June 2, 2018
The final group standings from the second Christy Ring group. Looks good doesn’t it 😉💚 pic.twitter.com/unWxQy28Vr
— Official London GAA (@LondainGAA) June 2, 2018
At the other end of the table, Armagh and Mayo were relegated to the Nicky Rackard Cup.
